Ideal Hero Definition

What is the basis for an ideal hero? According to oxford dictionaries, a hero is “a man who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”( cite.) In this essay, we will discuss the requirements for an idealistic hero. We will also analyze the actions of Beowulf and Sir Gawain in the epic poems Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This process of analyzing their actions will give us clarification on whether or not these supposed heroes fit the mold of what it means to be a true and ideal hero. Before we can truly decide whether Sir Gawain and Beowulf are heroes, we must first analyze the specific and ideal requirements to be a true hero. The previously mentioned definition gives three requirements to be a true and ideal hero; they are as follows: A true hero must be courageous, have outstanding achievements, and have noble qualities. If an individual perfectly embodies these standards, they are an ideal hero. We will start by discussing what the basis of being courageous is. To be courageous is to be brave, fearless, and heroic. A person who is courageous is, by definition, someone who is “not deterred by danger or pain; brave.” ( Oxford Dictionaries CITE) Secondly, to be considered a hero means having outstanding achievements. To complete an achievement successfully, by definition, is through effort, courage, or skill. If one does not have courage, as required to be a hero, they may use pure effort or their skill. However, it is not ideal for an
Furthermore, individuals who fit this mold are idealistic; they are the perfect hero and have no faults whatsoever. Now that we have set the specific standards of what it means to be an ideal hero, we can now discuss if Gawain and Beowulf fit the mold we have set. We will analyze the epic poems to see if Gawain and or Beowulf are heroes starting with the requirement of being