lue is his bravery, although it may seem that his bragging is un-heroic. It is however necessary for Beowulf to deliver his oral resume in order to be given the respect he deserves. It is not that Beowulf is not in search of fame, because he is, it is just that he accomplishes getting fame by helping others and defeating menaces to their society. He does not lie or manipulate others to achieve recognition; he uses what is rightfully his, he bravery. The virtues of a chivalric hero are similar to the epic hero including, valor, generosity, loyalty, honor and skill in battle. One main difference is the significance given to loyalty during this era. It is also necessary for the chivalric hero to possess temperance, courtesy, respect for women and courtly skills. He must be able to perform in court and also on the battlefield.Similar to heroic poetry, the chivalric knight is tested through feats of arms. One major difference is in their motivation. An epic hero will only go into battle when necessary, while the chivalric hero will set out to find an adventure in which he can prove himself brave. The chivalric hero will rarely fight in order to defend his people, but rather in defense of a particular ideal. Another major difference between the two is in the type of internal battle they engage in. Beowulf, our epic hero, is tested in physical battle against a monster, as epic heroes need to prove themselves against another. Sir Gawain’s task is spiritual, and psychological. He must pass all the requirements of the chivalric knight in order to be successful in battle. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are such vastly different characters that the term collapses into a concept totally dependent on its context. The criteria upon which they are each judged is vastly different because of the different times their stories take place in. In Sir Gawain’s world those who obey the religious, social and chivalric codes of his realm ca...
