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Compare And Contrast Harry Potter And Beowulf

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There are many ways that the epic journey of Beowulf is similar and different to the epic journey of Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series. Both epic journeys exhibit a call to adventure, a threshold, and tests and trials. The qualities of the characters, their journey, and the people around them complete the idea of an epic hero on an epic journey in both Beowulf and Harry Potter. Beowulf and Harry Potter are the definitions of epic heroes living the epic journey. Beowulf is strong, honorable, rules justly, noble by birth, courageous, and exhibits supernatural forces. Beowulf is strong and is known to possess a power greater than any normal force. He shows his super strength when he defeats the sea serpents, rips off Grendel’s head, and …show more content…

Beowulf knows when not to fight back, has confidence, and is mild tempered. First, Beowulf does not fight back when Unferth taunts him about losing the swimming contest, but Harry cannot resist fighting Malfoy and using a Dark Curse on him. Second, Beowulf is always very confident in his battles and this shows because he doesn’t use weapons or ask others to help him fight. Harry isn’t confident in his abilities and constantly needs to be reminded of powers. Lastly, Beowulf is always very calm in the face of judgment and works for the good of his people. Harry is very impetuous and retaliates easily. Harry Potter is humble, values his friendships, and has the ability to express love. Harry is a very humble person and always gives the credit of his victories to his friends compared to Beowulf, who blames his men for his death and says that he could’ve protected his people longer if they had helped him. Harry had two very close friends who he could always go to for help whereas Beowulf was king and did not have any close friends or a wife. He has lost his parents, godfather, and Dumbledore, yet he still has the ability to love others. Beowulf, on the other hand, does not love others, but everyone loves him. Both Beowulf and Harry Potter are the main focus of each story, creating the epic journey of an epic hero. They accomplish deeds that no real human could, the setting takes place on land, in the sea, and in the air, both stories accommodate otherworldly forces, are written in elevation of style, and both experience a personal journey. Both epic heroes are decisive, watchful of others, are leaders, and understand the importance of sacrifice and

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Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable

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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.

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