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 …show more content…
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
The epic poem Beowulf is famous for many reasons. Among the top reasons is that it is a perfect example of the Hero’s Journey, a story structure that is common in many other well-known stories across the globe. It follows a series of plot points to create an interesting and suspenseful journey that the readers take. The poem follows these plot points almost exactly. Another reason it is famous is because the hero of the story, Beowulf, exemplifies all the characteristics of an ideal hero and king.
Although these two heroes are from different time periods, their strengths in battle are equivalent to one another. For instance, Beowulf shows his strength by fighting for the Danish people. He kills Grendel by detaching his arm. “He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split.” (497-498).
The Odyssey, said to be written by the poet Homer, and translated by numerous people, is an ancient Greek epic poem. The Odyssey centers around the hero Odysseus’s 10 year journey home, after he leaves his wife and newborn son for 10 years while he goes off to fight in the war. Known as the original Hero’s Journey, Odysseus encounters many challenges, tests and obstacles along his way home. He must face great gods and deadly monsters as these obstacles are attempting to prevent him from reaching home. An epic poem is a very long poem.
This shows Beowulf is brave not only in the sense that he is willing to let his own men die, but he is willing to wait for all his men to die to fight Grendel himself instead of taking on Grendel with the help of his men. In addition Beowulf shows cunning in battle by not giving up and having the determination to do what needs to be done, which does go hand in hand with bravery. In the Illiad Achilles shows bravery by refusing to make a pact with Hector.
On multiple occasions he uses his brain instead of his brawn. One example of this intellect use is shown with his run in with Polyphemus the cyclops. Odysseus attacks a sleeping Polyphemus and tells him his name is Noman, so the cyclops screams out that Noman is hurting him and that Noman is killing him. Odysseus’ has been described as cunning while Beowulf has often been described as mighty.
Beowulf is the perfect hero, both tragic and epic. He is larger than life with his impressive strength and drive that helps him defeat an assortment of monsters, such as Grendel and Grendel's mother. His overconfidence and pride makes him a tragic hero. In lines 678-684, Beowulf boldly states, "When it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous as Grendel. No weapons... unarmed he shall
On the other hand, Odysseus fights to go home and uses his mental strength in the process. In both tales, the men go through many trials and tribulations. Despite their differences of strategy and strength, Odysseus and Beowulf both learns loyalty, deceitfulness, and the true importance
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/
Oedipus was a victim of his fate, and he did not anything to make his life worse; every act he did in life was not done on purpose. Beowulf’s call to adventure in Beowulf was when Grendel began to attack the Heorot, and Beowulf heard about the attack. He was willing to travel to the land of the Danes to liberate the Danes from the malice of Grendel. Beowulf is an epic hero who is a hero as a warrior. He fought enemies for safety of others and also presented as a god-like figure.
“No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me of face me he dares” (683-685). This quote shows that he will face Grendel without weapons and just his hands. This makes him very courageous because he's sacrificing his life going against Grendel let alone without weapons things like this in what make people envy him. “If we want to figure out what a symbol might mean you have to use a variety of tools on it: questions, experience, preexisting knowledge” (Foster 107). When reading Beowulf you
This eventually caused him and those around him to suffer the consequences of those actions; even death. While he was successful in finally taking back his home and reuniting with his wife and son and reclaiming his throne it came at a cost. Odysseus portrays the qualities of mortal leadership- leadership that must be ethical even though exercised in an imperfect world where decisions may literally mean life and death (Dobel 215). Beowulf’s character in this epic poem doesn’t need to grow, as Beowulf’s skill’s and battlefield courage remain the same till the end, even if he makes things harder for
This proves that he is strong and brave because no one else could kill Grendel let alone face him. Beowulf kills Grendel with his bare hands and without armor on. Other warriors could not even kill him with a sword and armor. “Beowulf’s intention to fight Grendel with only his strength proves that he carries the characteristics of a true hero”(Hailey).
I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (2511-2515). In conclusion, Beowulf is an epic hero. Although he made risky decisions, he did them for his people. He possessed the qualities of a hero; bravery, loyalty and fearlessness.
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
As has been noted, many of Beowulf 's characteristics are also shared by traditional epic heroes. He 's brave and never "cowers", defeats previously unbeatable monsters, comes from nobility, and has incredible superhuman strength. Beowulf can be compared to any other epic hero, and the similarities found between them will be never ending. However, there are other characteristics that the king of the Geats possesses which make him be very different from most epic heroes. First, there is the issue with Beowulf 's lack of a moral compass.