In Anglo-Saxon literature and Greek Mythology both Beowulf and Jason show similar and unique characteristics through their pride, which reflects the values of each of their cultures. The two characters share a similar characteristic through pride such as leadership; however, Beowulf from Anglo-Saxon literature with pride tends to be very boastful and is easily triggered to compete, while Jason from Greek mythology tends to be more self-centered about the accomplishments. Based on these actions and attitudes the characters reflect the values of each of their cultures because it shows how confidence and arrogance is viewed. In the story leadership is a similar characteristic shown by both characters through their pride. In “Beowulf” it shows …show more content…
Beowulf tends to boast about his accomplishments while Jason tends to be more self-centered about the accomplishments. In “Beowulf” it conveys that Beowulf is very boastful about his accomplishments by having him to always be telling stories of him fighting and winning and how he is always ready to face challenges. In addition, Beowulf also appears to be easily triggered to compete, since he is known to be the best warrior of the Geats. Due to the fact he is known as the best warrior, he tends to look for something challenging to compete with in order to remain as the best warrior. In contrast, Jason from “Jason and the Golden Fleece” and “Medea” appears to be more self-centered of his accomplishments. Unlike Beowulf, who is boastful about his accomplishments, Jason tends to keep it more to himself and taking credits even though it wasn’t really his accomplishments. In “Jason and the Golden Fleece” and “Medea” it shows that Jason is greedy, since he is always taking credit for the accomplishments that Medea has accomplished not him. One example of the two texts is when Jason claims that is if it wasn’t for him for, then Medea wouldn’t even be able to stay in the palace, which is not true because Medea was the one that helped Jason to obtain the Golden Fleece and return safely to Iolcus to trade in the Golden Fleece for his throne. However,
Throughout history, every work of fiction that has been constructed has contained a hero that reflected the cultural values of the time. Whether it be Shakespeare or J. R. R. Tolkien, the hero of the tale has not only epitomized these values, but served as a paradigm for heroes in other works of fiction. Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons and the Middle English. Some of these values, such as honor and valor, are reflected throughout the evolution of the Early to Late Middle Ages, although some are replaced, and there is a slight paradigm shift with regard to the nature of the two heroes; this can be clearly viewed when one analyzes the archetypes in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in terms
With diversity in their themes their resemblance to the theme of romanticism and heroism is marked with two major characteristics, loyalty to their bloodline. Beowulf clearly depicts the loyalty of the warrior code of the Anglo sexton. These worries are bravery, betrayal, and have grater physical strength. On the other hand, Gawain is clearly depicted as chivalric man who represents the medieval period courage.
Beowulf, on the other hand, went on his quest to save a kingdom that needed help to defeat the great monster Grendel. “Follower and the strongest of the Geats—greater /And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world— /Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror/And quickly commanded a boat fitted out, /Proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king,” (Raffel 110-114). The different character traits between these two characters suggest a difference in culture too. Beowulf goes on quests to earn pride and help others, while Jason does it to promote Greek lifestyle and get a reward, besides pride. Greek society can be flashy, arrogant, and greedy.
Hero’s are everywhere in this world sometimes they're around you other times they are far away, but everyone has a different hero. When we see a hero most people look up to that person because they know that they have done something good for someone. A hero’s place in society can be all over the world due to their different senses, but most of them will know when something bad is going to happen or when they know that you will need their help to fight mankind. A hero is someone that you look up too because you know that they do the right thing.
From the battles and fame to their leadership and loyalty both epic heroes gilgamesh and beowulf display the common characteristics of an epic hero. All throughout their journeys both heros come across situations that make them show who they really are and what they believe in. Although certain aspects of their leadership, journeys and personal beliefs are similar the way they display themselves in their personal and public lives make many of their characteristics differ from one another. The leadership styles and qualities of each character helps to define who they are as a person and what they believe in.
Years and years ago, many qualities could be found in warriors that are still prevalent today both in the present and past world. In “Mulan”, Fa Mulan from China is a very courageous woman. Defending her people and ,ultimately, saving her people despite the fact that she is a woman and could be killed if her secret were ever found out. Chris Mintz, a former 30 year old Army infantryman, threw himself into harms way, taking seven bullets, and surviving the encounter. Beowulf, from Scandinavia, held a great deal of pride without too much arrogance.
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”
Pride Will be the Death of Him People deal with fighting evil in a more intelligent way as they mature and as the degree of evil increases. This progression is illustrated in the epic poem Beowulf as the epic hero, Beowulf, constantly duals the hands of evil in three major fights until his heroic death. Beowulf is talking to the people of Herot when he says, “I have heard moreover that the monster scorns/ in his reckless way to use weapons;/ therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame/ and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce/ sword and the shelter of the broad shield,/ the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand/ is how it will be, a life-and-death/ fight with the fiend" (Heaney 433-440).
Beowulf is only thinking about himself. Performing these acts alone just to get the fame forms the quality of selfishness in Beowulf. Beowulf is putting all of his strength to be credited as a hero, but he displays acts of selfishness which marks him as an insignificant
The authors use of the hero tradition is contradicted when we get a glimpse of Beowulf’s arrogance. During the final battle as Beowulf said his goodbyes to his followers, he humbly reassured them, “fate decides which of [them] wins,” showing now sound of arrogance (666-667). Beowulf is living up to the “hero” expectation in the citizens’ eyes; he is being selfless for this kingdom. However this role is not applicable for him just yet. His humility, that the other characterized for him, is overlooked as he states, “this dragon’s treasure, his gold and everything hidden in that tower will be mine,” showing his true intentions.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
Bravery, defined as, courageous acts of one’s character. The main person in this epic poem to demonstrate the act of bravery would be, Beowulf himself. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel shows true courage. Beowulf then “took off the helmet and handed the patterned sword”. (672-673)He was completely unarmed as described in the lines previous.
A wise man named Samuel Butler once said ,``The truest characters of ignorance are vanity and pride and arrogance. Does having too much pride trap or serve us? Some believe that having a healthy self-worth means taking pride in the achievements we make. But if value is linked to our self-image or accomplishments then it is built on a tenuous foundation. Pride is a characteristic proven to prevent us from acknowledging our vulnerabilities as a human.
Though it is fiction, readers can comprehend Anglo-Saxon thoughts and their concepts of heroism, life and death. Anglo-Saxon culture valued strength, honor, courage, loyalty, and fearlessness. Beowulf was a hero because he was strong, loyal, brave, honorable, and fearless. He wanted to be remembered beyond the years of his life. These values in heroes has not disappeared like its culture.
Thesis: The role of the Anglo-Saxon Hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness, and courage. Beowulf himself models the culture of the Anglo-Saxon hero, as he is willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people I. Strength and physical appearance A. Strength is clearly an important characteristic of heroes in Anglo-Saxon culture and heroic code. 1. The beginning of the story Beowulf is described as having the strength of "thirty men" in just one of his arms. 2.