An important theme found in Beowulf and Lanval is the role of the "hero". It is the main theme of both texts and is very crucial to understanding the texts. The warrior code was a crucial aspect that warriors must have acquired in Beowulf along with the chivalric code in Lanval. It is very similar in both poems in the sense that they must be faithful to their king, lord, and/or lover. Although they are very similar, they are also both different. In Beowulf, he was primarily devoted to his king and his relatives. In contrast, Lanval was devoted to his king but also devoted to his mate. Both display a great deal of heroism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Respectable behaviors and manners have governed Anglo-Saxon culture. Valor, courage and the will to fight were seen as essential standards of the warrior code. This includes more than physical traits. It also implies that the warrior must maintain his commitments to the group of which he is an important member. Beowulf adheres to these standards from the very first starting point as it passes through the Danes. He fights Grendel and slaughters him, promising that he will "decide the outcome in a single battle." These words reappear when he goes to visit Grendel's mother. As he grows older, he proves his worth again by fighting his last enemy, the dragon. Beowulf states: "For all these treasures, I offer thanks / with these words to the eternal lord, King of Glory, for what I look upon here, / that I could acquire such wealth / for my people before the day of my death". Beowulf transforms into a mythical snake slayer, but at the expense of his own life. Beowulf does not abandon his people, not even at the end, as an old man, does he go to fight the monstrous dragon. Beowulf's king didn't even need to call Beowulf to go into battle, he took it upon himself to do so. In an article on Beowulf's warrior code, it is mentioned that "heroic strength, it should be noted here, is considered a gift from God whether it is abused or used righteously." This warrior code continues until Beowulf's death. Heroism is the glorification of the warrior code. This first appearance of Beowulf in the poem demonstrates that he is a commendable representative of that code. The hero is valiant, strong, respectable and courageous, a powerful individual and loyal to his ruler Hygelac. Furthermore, he is careful to correct errors. From the moment Beowulf finds out about Grendel, the audience normally assumes that the hero will soon fight the monster. No warrior compares to Beowulf, he has all the qualities that a great warrior who follows the warrior code would have. Furthermore, during the Middle Ages the code of chivalry was a great quality that warriors had to obtain. Lanval has many chivalrous qualities including generosity, honesty, and loyalty. He wasn't like any other warrior. Lanval was devoted to his sovereign but, in addition, he was also faithful to his mistress. In an article on medieval chivalry, the author mentions "chivalry is nothing but a term to express the spirit and general disposition of mind which belong to the generous and heroic part of Nanjing in all ages of the world", Lanval was known for being generous with everything he had. In Lanval, the author writes "Lanval gave rich gifts / Lanval ransomed captives / Lanval dressed minstrels / Lanval gave great honors" showing the reader that he was a generous warrior who didn't care who asked for his help, he was always there to help . lend a hand. Generosity is a huge aspect of the code of chivalry. He was always there for anyone who needed him, even if they were a stranger to him. Also, Lanval meets a lady.