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Beowulf and Gilgamesh compare and differ greatly in the epic hero texts. This shows many traits that shape the two epics into what is the same and different. The main reasons that compare and contrast the epics is leadership, culture, and the journey. The monsters is a big part of the epics as well because it shows how they deal with them. Like how Beowulf's monsters terrorize him, and Gilgamesh was out to get the monsters.
In “Beowulf,” the hero-king is faced with challenges that are both physical and moral, both threatening his life. Like Sir Gawain, Beowulf has all the requisite characteristics of a hero and like Sir Gawain, he is invested in protecting his reputation. Beowulf does not know when to stop fighting; even in old age he is still waging the morally just fight against evil forces, suggesting to the reader that the struggle to maintain one’s identity is lifelong. The fight against evil never ends; however, what the author of “Beowulf” may be suggesting is that by passing the torch on to the next generation, the continuity of the fight is maintained and lessons are shared. As we mature, “Beowulf” suggests, we begin to relinquish our fight and teach
They both go through the “Hero’s Journey,” and display many characteristics of a hero. Beowulf, however, better fits the qualities of an epic hero due to his unselfish personality, his fearlessness, and his nobility. One reason Beowulf is the better epic hero is because his intentions and motives were selfless. He always fought to save the people, not for glory or treasures.
In the story Beowulf, you see many comparisons being made without even realizing it. For instance the fact that it shows Beowulf and Grendel in battle fighting each other. Grendel being the big nasty monster that hasn't been defeated before and Beowulf being this normal noble man who is willing to face the challenge and fight this monster. This story is one giant use of irony. This is shown in various ways, one being the simple fact that many immortal or great heroes have tried defeating Grendel but none have succeeded but this man "Beowulf" who is a mortal is able to beat Grendel at his own game by ripping his arm off.
Gawain’s resemblance of Christianity portrays his honor towards Camelot he was willing to fight for. On the journey to the Green Knight, Sir Gawain’s mentor is actually the beast who teaches Sir Gawain the importance of chivalry and honesty through a series of tests and trials. Beowulf departs on his journey to Daneland to prove his strength to defeat Grendel to Hrothgar (Beowulf, lines 210-228). While on his journey to Daneland a guard stops him asks, “What kind of men are you who arrive rigged out for combat in coats of mail, sailing here over the sea-lanes in your steep-hulled boat?”(Beowulf, lines 236-240) where Beowulf replies,”We have arrived here on a great errand to the lord of the Danes”(Beowulf, lines 270-271). Hrothgar, Beowulf's mentor, accepts Beowulf's request to defeat Grendel, however teaches the importance to resist being boastful because it will lead to a life that is not gracious (lines 1419-1420).
Their epic achievements, humility as well as virtues are grander. These are the same stories and themes that have been explored in detail by the emerging writers. However, looking at Beowulf and Sir Gawain, which are Epics and stories of heroes, they are very short to be considered epic. Their hero storyline with the including of romanism it is clear that the medieval romance tradition was to be followed by the new addition of writers. In their own stories, each of the heroes in both Sir Gawain and The Green Knight as well as in Beowulf they have achieved their storyline objectives.
The changing of cultures that comes with the changing of time periods can also be seen in the comparison of the epic poem, Beowulf, and the movie, Beowulf and Grendel. The poem, being written sometime between the 8th and 11th century, tends to have a more black and white, simplistic duality approach, while the movie tends to have more of a scrutinizing view in which the audience is to look further into why certain events are happening and characters are acting certain ways. The epic poem and the movie are very different in their views of Grendel, Beowulf, and the motives of both of them, because of the different time periods and way that the audiences think. In the
Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/
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.
The poem and movie of “Beowulf” are very different and they are also sort of similar. There are a lot more differences between the two than you would expect and while some of them are minor differences others are drastically different. Most movies are very different from the book they are made from. The biggest differences between the movie and poem were the three battles. The three battles have drastic differences.
Beowulf and King Arthur are both portrayed as heroes and someone to look up to. Some similarities are both of them are very brave. They are also both very compelling leaders in their own respective ways. Even with their similarities they have differences in their heroic qualities such as Beowulf not really being a human in the sense that he can do superhuman things and King Arthur being a normal human being. It's also interesting to note that King Arthur was more of a hero for his character whereas Beowulf was more of a hero in the sense that he slays monsters and dragons.
Ironically in his efforts to gain fame and riches, Beowulf 's traits overlap with those of an epic hero. More important than Beowulf 's lack of morality though, is the warrior 's lack of growth throughout the story. Usually, in epic poems, the protagonists change
He is completely satisfied with his station in life and is courteous to the other pilgrims without becoming friendly with them. Beowulf and the Knight are the protagonist of the two great literary works Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales. Beowulf stands out as the protagonist, a great warrior who fights evil and displays heroism throughout his whole life. The knight stands out as the protagonist who fight for truth and faith. Both Beowulf and The Knight encompass Loyalty and Humbles as great
In the movie and epic poem Beowulf there were many similarities and difference that was noticed. Beowulf was not a true as he was in the movie. However in the epic poem he was more honest and he kept his word. For example, when Beowulf doesn’t tell the truth about defeating Grendel’s mother, but in the poem he actually defeated her. On the other hand it was interesting to see the poem come to life and it made it easier to understand the concept of the story.
The Webster's definition of a hero is “A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities”, this also happens to be one of the qualifications of being an epic hero. There are many things that can be used to compare and contrast Beowulf as an epic hero and a modern day hero, but you’ll find that the human idea of a hero was primarily the same in 700 CE as it is now although the job descriptions of hero’s have changed. In today’s time a person is usually considered a hero if they help the public good, like a police officer, soldier, firefighter and so on. In Beowulf’s time a person was considered a hero if they were a great warrior. When looking at the characteristics of what makes Beowulf an epic hero and the characteristics