The epic poem entitled Beowulf, and
Morte d'Arthur, by Sir Thomas Malory, are stories that are strongly
guided by the sense of heroics in men who are not only brave, but have a keen sense of
honor as well.
The story of Beowulf
exemplifies the characteristics and values of the time-honored warrior of the
Anglo-Saxon period. This is a very old story, and while the earliest copy is dated
around 1000 A.D., it is believed to be much older. The version that exists today also
shows a strong religious influence that would have been present only after religious
clerics from Rome had traveled to Britain and the British Isles. Beowulf is a man who is
self-sacrificing, who will not ask others to do what he is not
willing to do himself, who shows unwavering loyalty to his "feudal lord," and conducts
himself with bravery and morality in all he does.
Marlory's
stories are based mostly on French tales that he translated to English, while providing
the characters and setting with the aspects of English
life.
Malory's
sources, dating from 1225-1230, are largely a selection of courtly romances about
Launcelot.
Malory chose to
write in the form of "medieval romances" that emphasized love, magic and chivalry.
Chivalry was at the center of medieval tales and
is...
...usually associated with ideals of knightly
virtues, honor and courtly
love.
Morte
d'Arthur ("death of Arthur)," is filled with Malory's tales surrounding
Arthur and several of his knights. The parts that deal with Arthur include Arthur's
conception, being fostered with Sir Ector, and Arthur's ability to pull the famous sword
from the stone which presents Arthur as the next rightful king. The wizard Merlin is
central to the Arthurian tales, and he is primarily responsible that Arthur comes to the
throne. Arthur tries, as does Beowulf, to be a man of honor and wisdom. He also expects
his own moral stance to be adopted by his knights as well. The code of the Round
Table...
...demands that the knights be merciful,
righteous in their battles, and honorable toward
women.
The last two sections
deal with Arthur's public acknowledgement of Lancelot's adulterous affair with Arthur's
wife, Guinevere, ensuing battles, and Arthur's eventual
death.
It is easy to see the similarities between Beowulf
and King Arthur. Both men are honorable and wise heroes—strong and brave leaders of
their armies. Beowulf fights the monsters Grendel, Grendel's dam (or mother), and the
dragon. He does not turn away in fear, but puts himself in harm's way to protect others.
King Arthur is also a valiant warrior. He is involved in many battles to advance to his
throne, etc. However, there are differences between these stories as
well.
Beowulf is honorable throughout the tale. He does not
waver, and is eventually mortally wounded by the dragon. He lives and dies as an
honorable man.
However, Arthur is plagued by some poor
choices. Arthur sleeps with King Lot's wife, who is actually Arthur's sister—though he
is not aware of this. She bears him a child, Mordred. Another deed that lacks honor is
Arthur's order to kill "all highborn children born on May Day," in an attempt to kill
Mordred, but he fails. The killing of innocent children is a horrific act for any man,
but especially a king and hero like Arthur. It is clear that Beowulf would never have
done the same. Beowulf is an honorable man; Arthur is brave, but not always honorable—an
important aspect of being a hero.
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