Green Knight Hero's Journey

The Imperfect Knights The hero’s journey, outlined by Joseph Campbell, has been ingrained in cultures for centuries. However, after the steps were defined, the hero’s journey became relatively unavoidable in the media. This is especially true during the dawn of historical fantasy films in the early 2000s. For example, the 300, Troy, Gladiator, and the Kingdom of Heaven. Many of these heroes are remembered for their honor, strength, and general positive qualities. However, it is the negative qualities that allow them to receive their titles in the first place. This can be observed in The Kingdom of Heaven and in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. For example, Gawain repeatedly allows the pressure of others to pull him into different situations; as for Balian, …show more content…
The most revealing step in the hero’s journey for both knights is “the woman as temptress”. For Gawain, this event is the most influential plot point of the story; it also accurately shows Gawain’s tendency to give in to pressures. Gawain is tempted thrice by the wife of Lord Bertilak. Each time Gawain defends and only slightly gives in to her suggestions though each time he allows his morals to broaden. It is clear to the audience that Gawain is not gaining enjoyment from the flirtation of Lady Bertilak, yet he continues to give in to avoid her dissatisfaction. At the last interaction between Gawain and Lady Bertilak, she tempts him with three different objects. Gawain declines but ultimately gives in after rationalizing the protective qualities of the girdle. This show’s Gawain’s inclination to give in, and it ultimately affects his interaction with the Green Knight. For Balian, there was much less convincing needed from Sybilla in order to become physically intimate with her. This continues Balian’s pattern of impulsivity and ultimately adds to the animosity between Balian and

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