Beowulf And Gilgamesh Comparison

Throughout history epic tales have been told about heroes attempting to explain various occurrences such as the ones in the Gilgamesh and Beowulf. Gilgamesh and Beowulf compare and contrast in beliefs, their leadership styles, and the journeys they go on. Although both Beowulf and Gilgamesh can be compared to each other, because of their opposing locations and personalities, they are contrasting to each other.

Beowulf and Gilgamesh leaderships styles, although very different, do have some similarities. Both Beowulf and Gilgamesh possess great physical strength, and courageousness as leaders of their respective cultures. They both fight battles that are mythological and impossible for a normal man to fight in. Beowulf fights the monster Grendel, and Gilgamesh fights the guardian monster Humbaba. They both defeat their enemies, something that someone that does not possess their strength and courage could not do. But Beowulf is selfless and fights only for his people, and not himself. Gilgamesh on the other hand is selfish and takes advantage of his people. Gilgamesh just wanted to be a hero and be immortalized, that is the reason behind him fighting the monster Humbaba, not to protect his people. Beowulf loves his people and

Both of the characters have religious beliefs that they constantly pray to and rely on. Gilgamesh prays to his higher powered gods, like Anu, for guidance and protection. Beowulf only prays to one god the entire time, thus hinting the Christian aspect in the epic poem Beowulf. Both of them rely heavily on their respective Gods for help and guidance. Most people during the time Beowulf was written were part of the Christian faith, while the people during the time of Gilgamesh were all polytheistic. Although they both rely on higher powers for guidance and protection, they gods they pray to