The medieval heroes Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and Sir Lucan possess similar character traits. They can all be associated with one another because of the common quality of loyalty displayed in their characters. In the epic of Beowulf, Beowulf expresses that he is loyal to his fellow Geats when he asks Hrothgar to watch over them if he is defeated by Grendel. In the story Beowulf says, “And if your enemy should end my life then be, oh generous prince, forever the father and protector of all whom I leave behind me here in your hands, my beloved comrades left with no leader”. Like Beowulf, in the epic of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain exhibits his loyalt

Although Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and Sir Lucan all commonly possess the characteristic of loyalty, there are also many differences amongst them. For instance, Beowulf was very courageous, willing to risk his life in every battle he took part in, while Sir Gawain was terrified to lose his life. Beowulf was a very noble fighter, who believed the outcome of the battle was in God’s hands. He was well aware that he could lose his life at anytime, and he was willing to take that risk. Sir Gawain on the other hand is quite cowardly when it comes to meeting his half of the agreement with the Green Knight. When the Green Knight strikes at Gawain he flinches, and after he is wounded and sees his blood upon the snow he is angered, even though he knew the circumstances of the agreement. Beowulf and Sir Lucan also differ in character. After the defeat of Grendel, Beowulf is no longer just fighting for the well being of others, but becomes greedy for treasure, glory, and fame. On the contrary, Sir Lucan presents the quality of selflessness when he puts King Arthur’s life before his own, even when he is fatally wounded. Sir Gawain and Sir Lucan also possess contrasting character traits. When Sir Gawain flinches in fear of losing his life it shows that he is quite selfish, while Sir Lucan is clearly selfless, sacrificing his life for the life of King Arthur.

Another quality that Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and Sir Lucan share is bravery. Before Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon he is aware that he is no longer the same fierce, young warrior that he once been, but he remains brave and determined to slay the beast. In Beowulf’s final boast he said, “I’ve known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me”. Even though Sir Gawain’s character shows qualities of weakness and cowardice towards the end of the story, he can be considered a brave hero for taking on the challenge that the

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