Hero (n): A person admired for great or courageous deeds or excellent qualities (Merriam-Webster.com). As I deciphered the true meaning of heroism for a few minutes, something stopped me. In general opinion, most readers would consider Beowulf more heroic. And, according to the model of literature, cinema and storytelling, Beowulf is more heroic. But it really depends on the context in which you see it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay If we were to read the two stories in Anglo-Saxon times, set from 410 to 1066 AD, we would all agree Beowulf is the real hero. He fought two monsters and a dragon among other beasts. When he fought Grendel he proclaimed: "It will not be a sharp edge that I will use to cut him down, however easily I could... He has no idea of ​​the arts of war, of the use of shield or sword, though he knows how to possess savage strength" ( Greenblatt, 55) He recognizes Grendel's raw strength and declares that he will fight him without weapons because it is the right thing to do. He wants to be fair and honest monster, but Beowulf has true inner courage, incomparable to anyone else in existence. He won battles that no one else could have won. He only volunteered because no one else would except his king he kept the "magic belt" instead of showing up as he promised (giving the green knight a good blow to the neck). He was scary, whereas Beowulf fought with his bare hands when he didn't even have to. So, physically or externally, Beowulf was the real hero. In parallel, the two stories give a different answer, when seen from the eyes of a person alive in the 21st century. The true hero today comes from within. For example, someone who can lift three cars has less place in society than someone who can travel to third world countries and give food and shelter to those who are down on their luck. Gawain has more inner strength than Beowulf. For example, in the days before meeting the Green Knight, he is tested by temptations. One of these temptations is sex, and yet, despite the strong sex appeal of the Green Knight's wife, he turns her away in the gentlest way possible. The Green Knight was testing Gawain until the moment he struck him with the axe. Gawain, frightened, kept the belt that the Green Knight's wife had given him because he believed that its magical powers would save him. Therefore, he broke his promise. He would have had to wear his neck, without a shield, without protection. He lost his “faith” or his word by wearing that belt. When he discovered that the Green Knight was testing him in his ability to maintain his faith, he became furious. He admitted, “Fear of the death blow and cowardly doubts caused me to yield to greed, and in doing so I forgot the freedom and faithfulness that every knight knows how to follow” (Greenblatt, 235). Afterwards the Green Knight forgives him because, like the readers, he sees Gawain's strength in admitting his fall and being sincere and sorry in the end. Beowulf is the opposite. He is selfish and arrogant. Yes, it's definitely strong, but it's never enough. He always wants more. He always wants fame, like when he left his men behind to face the dragon, alone, despite his old age. Beowulf's guilt led to his death, while Gawain's humility saved his life. Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In today's world we all face.