Essay Comparing Beowulf And King Arthur

281-284). Because the Geats told Beowulf’s story as they traveled, he became immortal through stories and tales told by people everywhere. If not for personal indebtedness, the Geats would not have had to spread the story of their beloved Beowulf; and his story would likely not be known

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. Both Beowulf and modern day heroes risk their life for the good of others and are held to a high regard. "Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armor”. Beowulf was a considered an epic hero because he did great deeds and was of high importance.

Although Arthur begins his journey alone he does meet up with Merlin, the court magician and faithful companion, who accompanies him. Much like Beowulf, Arthur gains great respect and praise from his people by fighting alone, even though it is not necessarily the smartest thing to do. The characteristic of being fearless when faced with death is often a trait of heroes because it is associated with courage and strength. King Arthur and Beowulf are not afraid to die, thus showing their courage to their adversaries and followers.

Heroes can be men, women, animals, or even objects that inspires your soul and mind. The world of heroes is a huge world full of dreams and challenges that anyone can be part of if it he believed in his abilities. “Hero” is a simple word with many great and valuable meanings; he is the one who faces his challenges and obstacles without any fear or worry, as Zachary Hamby says that “Obstacles make them stronger, preparing them for their final showdown” (3). When people think of heroes they imagine supernatural creatures that god have created to save their lives from danger. A hero is an example of courage, insistence, and selfness.

In the fight with Grendel’s mother, as well, it is not Beowulf’s strength that fails him, but rather the sword that he took with him that did not hold true. When again his sword snapped in the fight with the dragon, it was said, “It was never his fortune/ to be helped in combat by the cutting edge/of weapons made of iron” (Beowulf 2681-2684). This mindset that Beowulf can achieve as much as Sigmund without the aid of a magical weapon helps to establish the English hero’s dominance over his Nordic

While they all achieve similar characteristics in heroism they also demonstrate differences. Their valor is one of the first heroic characteristics that all three characters share. Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and Macbeth at some point in their story want the best for their culture and put their lives to risk in order to secure the lives of others. For example, in Beowulf, King Hrothgar of Denmark and the Danes suffer for many years hardships due to the number of deaths caused by Grendel, a horrible demon. Until moved by the needs of his people, young Beowulf decides to sail to Denmark along with a limited amount of men hoping to defeat Grendel and save his people from future horrors.

Thorin’s use of courage allows him to attack the trolls without getting hurt (Tolkien 38). Gandalf‘s use of courage has allowed him to defeat the Great Goblin and save the dwarves (Tolkien 61). Because the characters are successful because of their courageousness, Tolkien has a positive tone concerning courage. Tolkien implies that wisdom is a positive and heroic characteristic because the heroic characters are placed into scenarios where if they did not have wisdom, they would have

Without a quest each hero would not have a story to tell. Both Beowulf and King Arthur fought off monsters, witches, mages, dragons, and other creatures to defend their kingdoms. Something that was different between the two was that Beowulf would help other kingdoms and fight off monsters to gain peace and respect. An example of this is when he went to help Hrothgar and the Half-Danes fight of Grendel and his mother. On the other hand, King Arthur would group up his famous Knights and attack other kingdoms to gain more power.

unlike Lancelot, The Knight of the Cart, Beowulf was not full of a want for the love of somebody else, but is instead an epic poem of a man with amazing strength, and power. With battles fought against monsters, and dragons for glory. Although the theme may have been different for these stories. The main characters shared a lot of the same heroic traits. For instance, Lancelot who was the most legendary of the round table for his strength in combat, and courageous determination.

/ Nor will I” (Lines 263-265). Beowulf is a very noble hero so he feels it’s fair to not fight an opponent with a weapon when he does not have one to defend. Grendel expresses how evil he was with the soldiers. Long and hard years the kingdom waited “Twelve winters of grief for Hrothgar, king/ Of the Danes, sorrow heaped at his at his door...” (Lines 63-64). He never gives up on hurting the kingdom that he continued to eat, without an opponent he continues to defeat the kingdoms warriors.