A hero in literature, as defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica, is the main character of a literary work who is celebrated through the ancient legends of a society. Most heroes, especially those from ancient lore, have extreme and limitless strength, battle prowess, and courage, while regularly taking part in wars or dangerous adventures. They are always studied in literature, which makes them timeless, because they can help us learn different messages about our actions even in today's world. In comparison it is concluded that even though Achilles and Sir Gawain were created in different time periods, they still have similarities and both show us today what society was like in the past. These heroes represent more than just a literary work, but the value systems of entire societies, making it invaluable knowledge.