Everyone watches movies or reads books in search of the same thing; a noble hero, or at the minimum someone to admire. It is for the trite—but always successful-- handsome young man the takes our breath away, the underdog who wins for the little guys, or simply the person who surmounts the adversary placed upon him and defeats the villain, that we commit ourselves to reading books or lengthy movies. Examples of these timely heroes are Harry Potter and Sir Gawain. It is unlikely that a person would think of these two famous characters and naturally think of the other as similar characters. Nevertheless, both Harry as well as Sir Gawain are very similar in character and how they present themselves to the people around them. However, while these characters are similar in their character, not many people would think of Sir Gawain as their ultimate hero, yet numerous people around the world look up to Harry Potter. By looking into the similar personalities and moral values of Harry Potter and Sir Gawain, we see the most important realization the comparison of the two brings to light; what defines a hero in the audiences eyes.
Both Harry Potter and Sir Gawain both exude the insecurities and humbleness of an underdog. They both are openly insecure and doubtful of their own abilities and know they’re place in the world around them. Before discovering that he is a wizard and leaving to Hogwarts, Harry is constantly reminded by his aunt, uncle, and cousin of his minimal existence and importance in life. While living in a closet and tolerating the terrible treatment of his only family, Harry is subdued and has seemingly come to terms with his place in life. When Harry arrives to Hogwarts his insecurities are seen throughout his first years especially when attacked by his enemy Malfoy. However throughout the course of his years at Hogwarts, as well as his successes against Voldemort that made him into a hero, Harry remains humble (QUOTE). Similarly Sir Gawain follows a comparable path to Harry’s. In the opening of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we see Sir Gawain as a small presence in the grand hall in comparison to the other nobles present as well as King Arthur himself. Despite Sir Gawain’s being Arthur’s nephew and having a high place in his society, when he takes on the Green Knight’s game he presents himself as the weakest man of King Arthurs. (SITE) Despite his insecurities Sir Gawain, much like Harry, strives for greatness when he takes on the Green Knights daunting game. Both of these characters are aware of their weaknesses and self-criticism, yet they push through their own limitations to complete their duties. Both Harry Potter and Sir Gawain face the same insecurities of not being good enough that is present throughout their entire journey. Harry Potter and Sir Gawain both represent the underdog that strives to prove themselves by helping the people around them, while simultaneously facing their toughest critique; themselves.
