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Beowulf And Sir Gawain As True Heroes.

Literature often evolves over the course of time. But one common aspect of literature comes when a writer tries to define his hero though his writing. A universal definition of hero has come into existence, where a hero is defined as a person with heroic characteristics and courage, as well as someone who exhibits heroic conduct and behavior. While that may sound vague, it is easy to find examples of heroes throughout literature. In the anonymously written poems Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the protagonists Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the characteristics of a hero, even thought the texts were both written more than six hundred years ago. The actions of the two ancient characters are looked at by many as acts of bravery and honor throughout much of their respective stories. When compared and contrasted, the two characters portray the qualities of a true hero in their own unique way.
One could look at Beowulf in numerous ways when trying to decipher if he is a hero. Of the obvious qualities that make him a hero to those around him is his amazing physical strength. Beowulf fought numerous battles, emerging victorious time after time. Beowulf was strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, after having terrorized the Danes for twelve years. With his bear hands Beowulf ripped the arm off Grendel. In the ensuing battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf again shows great strength by using the sword of a giant to slash Grendel's mother's throat. It would have taken a man of superior strength and power to have used or even lifted a sword of that degree. Once Beowulf sliced off the creature's head, he carried it out of the of the ocean depths for all to see and admire. It took four men to lift the enormous head and carry it back to Herot's mead-hall. These examples of super-human strength by Beowulf are a major component of his heroism.
Another aspect of Beowulf's heroism is his ability to put the welfare and concern for others before his...