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  • Essay / Codes of Chivalry in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

    The characters in the poems Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight all believed in most of the honorable codes of chivalry. The characters in the poem Beowulf valued courage, strength, loyalty, and conviction. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the characters honored similar codes. Beowulf represents all of these honorable codes that make up who he is while protecting Hrothgar and his people in the epic poem Beowulf. Throughout the poem there are many examples of the main character, Beowulf, representing these codes. During the medieval period, chivalry was used in many literary works. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the characters are also influenced by the codes of chivalry. Some of these driving forces found in the codes of chivalry include courage, honesty, and acceptance of one's true destiny. These three chivalrous codes play an important role in defining the characters of the poem. In the poem, the Green Knight and Sir Gawain use these codes to shape their actions and values. Although they are two completely different works of literature, they share common beliefs about portraying their codes of chivalry, which shapes who they become as characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In the epic poem, Beowulf belongs to the tribe of Geats and is known as the great slayer of monsters. In order for Beowulf to prove his integrity and courage to Hrothgar and his Danish people, he must kill Grendel who is terrorizing them and his mother. The author writes: "They had seen me engulfed in the blood of enemies when I fought and bound five beasts, attacked a troll nest, and slaughtered sea brutes in the night sea." He also mentions: "Be that as it may, my sword had killed nine sea monsters." These quotes demonstrate that Beowulf has a lot of courage and deserves to defeat these monsters. Bravery is an important element that Beowulf believes in throughout the poem. Heroism is clearly demonstrated through the protagonist, Beowulf. In The Role of Heroism and Bravery in Beowulf, it is mentioned: “Beowulf represented the bravest character in the poem. He demonstrated his courage in three key moments when he defeats Grendel's mother, Grendel, and when he defeats the dragon. Beowulf quickly recognizes the consequences for those who are not courageous and makes it his goal to prove his courage in order to ensure that he is remembered as a courageous individual. This quote explains that heroism plays an important role in Beowulf when he fights these deadly monsters. Beowulf often believes in fighting his enemies fairly. He reasonably completes many of his challenges to get a better reward at the end. He mentions in the poem: “Thus Beowulf behaved valiantly; he was formidable in combat but behaved with honor and took no advantage of it.” The author also states: "The warrior that he was, monitored and controlled his God-sent strength and his exceptional natural powers." These quotes show that fighting these beasts with additional weapons would be considered dishonorable even if you won. Fighting equally against enemies was considered a greater accomplishment for Beowulf. Even though Beowulf does not feel the need to fight these monsters with weapons because he would be seen as weak, he knows that he must remain loyal to his king, Higlac. In Beowulf's commentary it is stated: "Beowulf admits that his enemy, Grendel, uses no weapons andhe wants to beat Grendel the same way. Beowulf also mentions that his king, Higlac, would be upset if he killed Grendel in any other way. Beowulf valuing fairness and loyalty shows how he is a hero in the poem. Beowulf is believed to have an extraordinary appearance compared to others. In the poem, Beowulf has certain characteristics that differentiate him from a normal human being. It is said in the poem: “Neither have I seen a mightier man of arms on this earth than he who stands here.” The author also writes: "He returned with wonderful stories about himself: a thane, they declared, with the strength of thirty in the grip of each hand." These quotes explain that this belief of looking at yourself differently from others emphasizes who the hero or main character is. Bravery is an important element that a hero must acquire when facing challenges. In the poem, Beowulf is often always ready to face a battle, regardless of the outcome. The author mentions: “He began to remove his iron chain mail, took off his helmet and handed his servant the patterned sword, a blacksmith's masterpiece. (671-673). The author also states: "Men in arms, stay here on the mound, safe in your armor, to see which of us / will end up better enduring wounds in deadly melee." These quotes explain that Beowulf believes that his courage will always allow him to prevail despite the difficulty of the challenge. In the poem Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain views himself as weak and unworthy compared to the other knights. Rather than Gawain believing himself capable of defeating the Green Knight, he accepts the challenge to sacrifice himself for King Arthur. This is stated in the poem. And this stupid business fits my position, not yours: let me play this green man's game. If I ask too boldly, may this court find me at fault.” He also states: “While so many brave men sit in their places around you who, I think, are unsurpassed in temper of spirit and unrivaled as warriors on the field of battle” . These quotes explain how Gawain respects the rules of chivalry by defending his king. This poem talks about the chivalrous values ​​they believed in at that time. Gawain is frequently tested throughout the poem on his loyalty. He states in the poem: “Sir Gawain's chivalry is tested because the Green Knight will then perceive Gawain as a dishonorable man if he reneges on the agreement. Bravery was important for a knight while Gawain kept his promise and demonstrated his worth as a knight, otherwise he would be useless” (The Chivalrous Code in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight). This quote shows that loyalty was an important aspect in the codes of chivalry, as Gawain accepts the challenge even with a negative outcome. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain sacrifices himself for his king even with the possibility of death. After Gwaine finally meets the Green Knight, he prepares for the worst and stands his ground while the Green Knight swings his axe. The author writes: “And you, before this happens, your heart trembles. Who doubts that I am the best man? “I trembled,” Gawain said, “I won’t do it again.” He also mentions: “Yet even if I must lose my life, fear will never make me change color. » These quotes explain that although Gawain could die, he believed it was the chivalrous thing to do. Much of the action of the poem comes from the game that Lord Bertilak and Gawain play. During the game, Bertilak's wife tries to overpower Gawain but he must keep his word and exchange his winnings with Bertilak while following the rules of chivalry. He.