They also don't want people to think poorly of them. Beowulf shows this when he hears that Grendel does not use any weapons to fight and so Beowulf says that he will not use any weapons because he wants Higlac to think worthy of him. Beowulf shows this trait when he says, I have heard, too, that the monster's scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Now will I. My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster (Beowulf page #).
His faithfulness is shown because the lord's wife tries multiple times to tempt Sir Gawain into doing things that would betray the lord and he does not fall into this temptation until the very last time when all he did was take the girdle that she had offered him. From the sixteenth century, “Doctor Faustus”was the story that seemed the most interesting when it came to heroism. It is not just a normal story about heroes because Doctor Faustus is perceived more as a tragic hero. The story of Doctor Faustus is completely different from what heroism is in British Literature. Since Doctor Faustus is a tragic hero he basically decides what is going to happen to him at the end of the store and since he sold his soul to the Devil the outcome is not very good for him.
As the Green Knight comes to King Arthur’s court, he causes a scene, which then invites everyone to "give a blow and take a blow". Even though this trial appears easy, it still puts Gawain in a conflict and makes him fear his life with the Green Knight. After this, the Green Knight still is not the main enemy whom the hero must overcome in this story. Throughout his quest, Gawain is still challenged against this stereotype and does not always win, as he must face temptation and the qualities that do not live up to a typical hero’s standards. For Shrek, he fights just like a hero would when he approaches the castle with the fire breathing dragon.
Beowulf is often lionized as a courageous soul, a fearless leader, and an epic hero. He jumps into battle against monsters and creatures without a worry or fear of death and annihilation. His belief in providence makes him brave, but simultaneously irrational and dumb. Readers of Beowulf usually look only at his positive characteristics such as his legacy, strength, perseverance, pride, and alignment with the heroic code. Readers also question whether or not Beowulf is a true epic hero or just an idiot leader.
Heroes choose to abide by their role and stick with it. They do not try to reconcile themselves with the rest of the world. Times of heroism are generally times of terror, but that day never shines in which this element may not work. The circumstances of man, we say, are historically somewhat better in this country, and at this hour, than perhaps ever before. One of the best examples that I can think of is when Beowulf fought Grendel and won.
Beowulf shows bravery in line 158 “… Death was errand.” He states that he will fight to his death. He will not back up from his fight with Grendel even if it might cost him his life. Beowulf also shows courage in line 154 “… I drove five great giants into chains.” By Beowulf’s statement he shows how he is not afraid of fighting anyone. Beowulf shows courage which makes him fit the image of an epic hero. Beowulf is also considered to be a leader.
In addition, in order for him to succeed he must orally deliver his resume. Nevertheless, bragging aside, Beowulf is undoubtedly a brave man. When Beowulf sets out to kill Grendel's mother he simply "donned his armor for battle, Heeded not the danger..." (1328-29 60). When his sword fails him he uses his physical strength: "On the might of his hand, as a man must do Who thinks to win in the welter of battle Enduring glory; he fears not death" (1420-23 62). Certainly he is in search of fame.
Sir Gawain is challenged. Gawain’s quest is not a typical challenge of the heroic knight errant; rather it is the inner-wrought moral challenge of Gawain’s soul, and of his own human nature. Gawain’s quest takes him from the shining court of Arthur to the fetid Chapel Green. Along the way Gawain is sorely tested, both in bravery and chivalry. Though Gawain pridefully upholds the highest perfection of moral codes and Christian knighthood, he comes to recognize a painful lesson; that all men are merely human, and thus imperfect as nature created him.
There is a hero, there are the so called “villans”, monsters, magical creatures, very shadowy setting, and people that have to be saved. In this poem, the author shows you that before you can see what is good, you have to know what evil is and that is exactly what Beowulf experiences. This epic poem portrays good vs. evil by showing that Beowulf is good, but he has to fight with many,
As his speech continues, he also boasts that he will “renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield,” (436-437) and fight Grendel in hand to hand combat. In this instance, he is displaying courage, confidence in his own abilities as well as a calm arrogance in knowing that he can accomplish such a mighty feat. The courage and loyalty he displays by going to Heorot and helping people not his own are what make him an idyllic hero. He knows that he is unconquerable, and that only he can help in these times, and he doesn’t shirk what he foresees as his duties as a hero. During the Feast at Heorot, Hrothgar’s son Unferth casts aspirations on Beowulf’s mighty claims, pointing out the swimming match that Beowulf supposedly “lost” as a youth.