Beowulf, Sir Gawain and King Arthur - Three Heroes

The three heroes discussed here, Beowulf, Sir Gawain and King Arthur, are heroes for different reasons. Beowulf, our earliest hero, is brave but his motivation is different than then other two. To Sir Gawain personal honor and valor is what is important. King Arthur, Sir Gawain's uncle, is naturally the quintessential king of the medieval period. Though all men to a certain extent share the same qualities, some are more pronounced than in the others. …

…his loyalty with his knights leads Sir Bedivere to waste precious time that might have saved his life. In considering heroes it is important to remember that for as strong as the values are, if they are to be considered true heroes, they must have their faults. This should not discount from their achievements, but serve to enhance them. By showing that any person, regardless of their heroism, is a tangible human being with blemishes.