The epic hero of the medieval world is a problematic
character: he simultaneously embodies the bright
dream of a protective and courageous aristocrat, and
the brutal fact of a violent man with a talent for
killing. This dichotomy is often found in the
characters of medieval tales, who are at once both
responsible for the protection of their society/state
and its stability, yet by virtue of their capacity
for violence, are bound to exist on the margins of
society - they are never fully accepted as trusted
members of their community. The hero has several
complex functions within epic literature: he serves
as a mediator between the mundane and supernatural
worlds; he serves to protect his society, but is
sometimes the bringer of social chaos; he supports
the monarch, yet often this relationship is filled
with tension. This book shows how medieval Christian
and Muslim heroic literature deals with such concepts
as loyalty, honor, fame, uncontrolled rage, the
Otherworld - and above all - the heroic code.
Further, it examines parallels in eastern and western
traditions, and discusses the origins of the
traditions themselves.