Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Achilles

This essay is a comparison between Beowulf and a modern day hero of my choice. I could not think of a specific person to call my hero so I decided to go with any American soldier. I feel that they are both heroes. Both Beowulf and an American soldier have earned the right to be called a hero. I feel that any American soldier is a hero because they put their life on the line everyday to protect and serve our country.

Most stories, despite their purpose, genre, or themes, share at least a few common elements. These key pieces usually includes a main character, a setting, some other minor characters, a plot, and a conclusion. The tales of Beowulf and Gilgamesh are similar beyond these basic elements of literature, though they also differ in some important ways. Each of these main characters have slightly different goals related to their differing views on death, but most epic poems, including “Beowulf” and “Gilgamesh,” feature a hero embarking on a quest. Beowulf and Gilgamesh differ in their overall attitudes which is reflected in the ways that other smaller characters talk or think about these similarly prominent leaders.

Gawain’s physical ability, bravery, and faith are all challenged by Morgan’s plan to expose the knights of Camelot. Gawain is considered a chivalric hero because he is able to resist the temptations of Morgan, display his bravery, and mostly be true to his word. Even when displaying a shortcoming in character, Gawain is able to repent and be humble about his mistake. Finally, Beowulf’s courage, strength, and faith are tested in the battle against Grendel. Beowulf is considered a classic Anglo-Saxon warrior because he has the physical abilities and strength that create a good warrior.

Beowulf Versus Modern Heroes of Various Backgrounds By Ibrahim Khalifa The titular character in Beowulf, likely written by “a single poet who was a Christian”, has similarities and differences with modern heroes (37). While heroes centuries back typically just had battle skills and intelligence as their main powers, more and more heroes in modern times are getting new powers.

An Epic Hero is a character who’s legendary or heroic actions are central to his culture, race or nation. Beowulf and Odysseus both share some of the seven hero traits; for example being superhuman, fighting monsters and going on a quest. They do not exhibit the exact same traits or in the same way, for example the intervention of the divine world, but they both demonstrate the qualities of an Epic Hero. Both Beowulf and Odysseus prove they are superhuman. Beowulf is able to take down Grendel and Grendel’s mother.

Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”

Christopher Reeve (AKA the 1978 superman) said that, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”. Both Beowulf and Modern day heroes are similar in that way in that they fight for the common good of people. That quote from Christopher Reeves on what a modern day hero is, also applies to the epic hero qualities that Beowulf has. Similarly Beowulf and a modern day hero defeat an evil so that good can prevail. Some examples are, Beowulf Slaying Grendel and Grendel's mother to save the land of the Danes, and soldiers fighting enemies that threaten the lives of a country, and police officers putting criminals behind bars.

In order to obtain maximum respect in each conflict, both Beowulf and Arthur enter into battle somewhat alone. Beowulf specifically asks, "That he, alone and with the help of his men, may purge all evil from the hall. " His request is granted by Hrothgar, King of the Danes, so he and his man enter into the battle themselves so that when Grendel is defeated, the glory, love and respect belong solely to Beowulf and his men. Arthur does the same, "he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he came again." Although Arthur begins his journey alone he does meet up with Merlin, the court magician and faithful companion, who accompanies him.

In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.

Compare/Contrast Essay Beowulf is an epic hero, who is a strong and powerful man who comes from Sweden to Denmark to help a village that is being attacked by a man-eating monster named Grendel. Arthur, is a romantic hero who is the courageous king of Camelot who is a devoted leader and will do anything to protect his kingdom and people. Even though Beowulf and Arthur are two different heroes, they both share similar traits such as devoted followers, the use of magical weapons, and courageous traits throughout the story. Both epic and romantic heroes had devoted followers that helped them throughout battles. Beowulf was very strong, but when the people of Denmark thought he needed help.

Beowulf was a great poem which happened in the years there were Vikings. The Vikings were very strong men; there was a group called the Danes. The Danes stayed gathered in a hut called Harriat. At the hut they drunk meed and partied till they passed out, which is when Grendel came and ate the people. The Danes were hunted for 12 winters straight, the people moved away, were the only people that didn’t die.

Medieval literature shows the change of heroes throughout centuries. For the English medieval times, two story’s heroes stand out: Le Morte d'Arthur’s Lancelot and Beowulf’s Beowulf. Lancelot, the patient, humble, and chivalrous knight, is contrasted by Beowulf, a boastful, proud, and rowdy viking. It clearly shows how stories have changed in their depiction of protagonists. Both Beowulf and Lancelot are great warriors and leaders but that is where their similarities end.

They do not wait for someone else to help them. They fight alone and risk their own life. The second quality they share is strength. Even though they can lose some battles, both of them show the quality of being strong.

What qualifies a person to be called a hero? Officially a hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Most people think of a superhero, like Batman or Spiderman, or someone closer to them such as their mother or their life-saving doctor. Heroes tend to be the main character in a story. Beowulf and Odysseus are two famous epic heroes in the texts Beowulf and The Odyssey.

Everybody likes rooting for a hero. And throughout the evolution of storytelling, from stories written in stone to those in tablets, heroes have always played a huge role in the stories we tell. As literature evolved, and more legends and tales began to appear in different cultures, the idea of a traditional epic hero was established. Stories like "The Epic of Gilgamesh," and "The Odyssey," set the mold for this type of heroes, an influence that can clearly be seen when analyzing literature. In fact, most of these characters, regardless of the time and place they were created in, shared similar characteristics to the two kings.