. (Henry IV, Part 1, I.i.77-80) King Henry IV is stating that Hotspur represents honor; when honor speaks, it speaks of Hotspur. It makes him commit the sin of jealousy, because Hotspur is more honorable than his own son. This quote sets up Hotspur’s character, and foreshadows the contrast of him amongst the other characters in the play. Even though Hotspur gets a lot of glory from being a strong military leader [a trait that is valued very highly during his time], his attitude towards life is unbalanced because he identifies himself solely with his reputation of determination and honor.
One such example occurred at the beginning when Gawain accepts the Green Knight's challenge. By accepting the challenge, he was not only saving King Arthur's life, but also saving King Arthur's reputation. When the Green Knight arrived at King Arthur's court, none of the knights stood up to
The community around him has welcomed him and it is not his duty to protect them, Beowulf and the civilization he was protecting knew he was capable of being king, but Beowulf seemed to be searching for validation of his morality, validity that he was doing right. I feel the main part of the text is his failure with the sword, “, the shining blade refused to bite. It spared her and the man in his need.” (105, line 1523), he now is in some sense cornered as to what to do. Being the warrior and the man that he is “he never lost heart.” (107, line 1530), and something bigger than himself came to help the warrior, Beowulf then knew something above him was on his side. It was as if then at this point he was secure in what he was doing and comfortable to move forward, not only in the battle but in his soon ruling the land.
As a Knight of the medieval time period you had to live by the Chivalric Code. This code was a code of conduct and stated that knights or nobles must be brave warriors, virtuous Christians, and must fight selflessly for justice. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain attempts to live up to the Chivalric Code but falls short at moments not only for fear of losing his life but also because of his individuality. In the beginning of the legend Gawain is nothing more than the nephew of King Arthur and his life is not greatly valued. A mysterious Green Knight rides into Arthur’s hall and challenges anyone who is willing to a simple contest.
Time passed and knights came and left, but no knight seemed to be good enough for both Edna and King Ulyi. One day, a mysterious knight approached Swaton. The knight came to the king and announced that he was here to win his worthiness: “What is your name noble knight?” said King Ulyi “Knight Levi and this is my loyal squire Tyler.” Replied the knight.
Beowulf is in search of fame; he gains it truthfully by battling with menaces to society and does not lie or manipulate to achieve this fame. Beowulf uses what is rightfully his, his bravery. Beowulf’s bravery differs from that of King Arthur’s for multiple reasons. King Arthur is a king; he must be brave for respect of the people, where as Beowulf’s bravery carries the story. King Arthur’s best value as a hero is his very natural and humble leadership ability.
Assuming he wants a fight, King Arthur promises him one, but the Green Knight did not come to fight, but rather to play a game of his own. He says to the court, “I shall stand him a stroke, steady on this floor, / So you grant me the guerdon to give him another, / sans blame. / In a twelvemonth and a day / He shall have of me the same; / Now be it seen straightway / Who dares take up the game.” (168. 294-300) The Green Knight invites a member of King Arthur’s noble court to take a swing at him with an ax, so long as they agree to allow him a stroke in return the following year. When no member of the court steps forward to accept the game, the Green Knight laughs and asks “Where is now your arrogance and your awesome deeds, / Your valor and your victories and your vaunting words?” (169.
Emerson’s Qualities of Heroism | Does Beowulf exhibit this quality?Yes or No | Provide supporting evidence from the poem that supports your reasoning | Fights for what’s right, no matter the situation. | Yes | The odds didn’t look good for him against Grendel. | Attitude of a warrior. | Yes | When Beowulf is telling Hrothgar that he will beat Grendel with just him and his “earlsmen” he sounded brave and ready. | Obligation to fight evil and stand up for what is right.
Another source of strength for Gandalf and Bilbo is the power to manipulate. For example, Bilbo shows he is a master of manipulation when he engages in conversation with Smaug: “I have always understood that dragons are softer underneath, especially in the region of the chest; but doubles one so fortified has thought of that. Truly there can be no one equal of Lord Smaug the Impenetrable. What magnificence to possess a waistcoat of fine diamonds!” (Tolkien 226)Bilbo flatters Smaug by calling him lord. This describes him as a god-like figure that could not possibly be pierced by any blade.
Gornement of Gohort teaches Perceval all about knighthood. Gornement shows him how to ride a horse, how to hold a lance, how to fight, how to dress and how to hold himself as a knight. He gives him advice such as: never kill a knight if he asks for mercy, don’t talk too much, pray, and to stop saying, "My mother taught me”. Perceval is finally acting like a knight. He knows how to fight, how to give mercy and how to be chivalrous.