Beowulf: The Monster Slayer
Beowulf is basically the ancient version of your favorite action hero. He hears about a monster party crashing at Hrothgar's place every night (the monster, Grendel, hates their music), and Beowulf's like, "Hold my mead." Shows up, wrestles Grendel with his bare hands because weapons are too mainstream, then takes a dive to off Grendel's mom because why not? Fast forward, Beowulf is king and decides to fist-fight a dragon in his retirement. Wins, but also doesn’t. Epic end to an epic life. Cue dramatic Viking funeral.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Knight’s Tale of Oops
Imagine being Sir Gawain at a New Year's party where a giant green dude crashes in, says "Chop my head off, I dare you," and you're the only one who's had enough punch to say, "Okay!" So, Gawain does it, but plot twist: the Green Knight picks up his head, says "See you in a year!" and leaves. Gawain spends a year dreading the rematch, goes on a road trip filled with moral tests, ends up at a castle where he's tempted and tricked, but mostly stays honorable. Finally, faces the Green Knight, who gives him a nick on the neck and says "Gotcha! It was all about learning a lesson." Gawain goes home slightly embarrassed but wiser, probably invents the medieval version of "It's just a prank, bro!"
