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We all have heroes. Caped crusaders clad in colored spandex. But the story of Sir Gawain is a story of a hero clad in chivalry. His entire journey is, in essence, a battle to maintain his courteous nature. Yes Batman, a knight can be a gentleman and a badass at the same time. Gawain is a man who isn't simply interested in killing monsters and accepting the glory that accompanies it (I'm nodding at you, Beowulf), he is a man who is constantly fighting an inner battle. His gentleman-like quality makes him a hero to any male who understands the power of the temptress. A lady fair at his side (one that is married to a king), and he resists her advances, save a couple kisses. This, to me, is heroic. To face the very natural urges we have as human beings and maintain composure is a task to be reckoned with. His battle with natural urges is, in my opinion, represented clearly in the Green Knight. The very idea that this figure is green suggests his relation to nature. And what does Gawain do? He lops his head off. He stares nature right in the eye and says, "You will not be in control." Of course, this is a stretch, but I still find a great amount of respect for someone who can be in control of natural urges. We are reminded that he is human, however. He has limits (ie. the cold weather, the long journey ahead of him to track down the Green Knight.). Gawain is very clearly fighting the battle between the human identity and the alter ego. In essence, Gawain is a true hero.
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