The Heroic Code - 1182 Words

Samantha Budd 01/30/2013 Honors World Literature Ms. Iverson The Heroic Code The life of a warrior is not always filled with glamour and glory. Warriors cannot simply waltz through a tough battle, shedding blood left and right and taking all the glory and credit for themselves. There are often tough decisions to be made. Warriors also cannot just think of themselves, for their decisions often affect the lives of others as well. They need the heroic code to guide them in their decision making. In this essay, I will describe the heroic code and share its applications in the stories of Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Noah, and The Illiad, as well as my other personal experiences. I will start with the story of The Man of La Mancha, which†¦show more content†¦Beowulf’s loyalty is most prominent at the end when he fights the dragon. He did not want to fight the dragon because of his age, but felt that he owed it to the king to do it. Beowulf was so highly revered that everyone was deeply saddened by his death. He truly lived his life exactly to the Germani c heroic code. Nearly all of Beowulf’s actions in this poem follow the heroic code. He saved lives, fought every battle bravely, was loyal even in situations of life and death, courageous, and rewarded and revered even the warriors underneath him. The fact that he died in battle just means that he did not only live as a hero but die as one too. The last example of the heroic code in epic stories is from The Epic of Gilgamesh. Similarly to Beowulf, Achilles, and Hector, Gilgamesh was very strong and very brave, like a typical hero. He is on a quest to be the ultimate hero and achieve everlasting life. Gilgamesh has fought and won battles against several infamous monsters: Humbaba, the Bull of Heaven, and a pack of vicious lions. However, even though Gilgamesh was very brave and strong, he was not a good king to his people. He put his own interests before theirs and ruled with a cruel iron fist, as well as being obsessed with his own legacy. In conclusion, the heroic code was a set of beliefs and values that guided warriors to make the tough decisions that they would undoubtedly beShow MoreRelated The Heroic Code Essay503 Words   |  3 Pages The Heroic Code Often, epic heroes can be characterized the same way. They are portrayed as superhuman beings, possessing strength, physical beauty, and intelligence. These heroes aspired to live by a heroic code that would ensure immortality by keeping their memory alive in the people. Homers The Iliad shows how the heroic code was ingrained in ancient Greek warriors. In many cases, the Greeks put this code of honor above their own lives. During a battle, Glaukos, a Trojan, and DiomedesRead MoreThe Heroic Code Of Sir Gawain841 Words   |  4 Pageshis journey that forced him to stay true to his Heroic Code. 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