The Role Of The Hero In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

In the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain is often viewed as a heron by many readers. Heroes are typically described as someone who has done admirable deeds for the society. Despite being the only knight who stood up for King Arthur when the Green Knight proposed his challenge, he merely did it for the honor he would gain. The challenge the Green Knight suggested was to have his head severed; the one who would separate his head, he would reciprocate the same action. By being the only one who takes the sudden confrontation shows that he is chivalrous. However his selfishness stirs him away from the true qualities of an savior. A hero is a superior being, and Sir Gawain is not due to his unfit characteristics.