Heroes originate in the mists of time and myth. Early literature was probably based on the king who died for his people, and the warrior who defended his king of all evils. An epic hero, such as Beowulf or Sir Gawain, possessed the qualities of loyalty and honor and is usually associated with the relationship between knight and king. The hero lives in a society, where a man's 'good name' is his most prized possession …showed first 75 words of 305 total…

…showed last 75 words of 305 total…all the requirement of the ideal chivalric knight in order to triumph. Even thought Gawain fails - he lacks in loyalty, says the Green Knight - he does in sense get exalted. Gawain¡¯s understanding and acceptance of his flawed nature, he confessed to the Green Knight. Beowulf¡¯s and Sir Gawain¡¯s loyalty does have its different, but both heroes must follow an honorable heroic code. Heroes must always accept their failure and winning.