Essay Comparing Beowulf And Odyssey

Beowulf was probably written in the first half of the 8th century by a single poet who was most probably a Christian and the poet was reviving the heroic language and style and Pagan world of ancient Germanic oral poetry. The legendary hero Beowulf’s adventures told in this long epic poem. The poem is opens and closes with the description of a funeral, and a lament for the dead hero. The Odyssey is one of two ancient Greek epic poems which was considered to be written by Homer. The Odyssey is an epic poem that focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus, and his ten years journey home to Ithaca following the fall of Troy, but the dissatisfied sea-god Poseidon prevented him from reaching his hometown in time. Beowulf and Odyssey epic poems are important for the department of English Language and Literature, in terms of gaining information about English

Both characters demonstrated courage and strength by fighting many vicious monsters to protect their lands. It asserted in Beowulf that “The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted the glory of winning; Grendel was driven under the fen-banks, fatally hurt, to his desolate lair” (814-820). Here, we see that how Beowulf fights bravely. Also he wants honor and glory for himself; therefore, he fights Grendel with his bare hands. However, Beowulf depended more on strength and Odysseus depended more on cunning. He overcomes problems with quick wit. Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, utters “…Now we have no man like Odysseus in command to drive this curse from the house…” (book 2). He thinks that Odysseus is the only one vigorous and intelligent enough to get rid of the suitors. Although they have different strategies while fighting their enemies, their characteristics traits show the portrayal of Odysseus and Beowulf is a great hero and strong