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
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
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.
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
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.”
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.
He is completely satisfied with his station in life and is courteous to the other pilgrims without becoming friendly with them. Beowulf and the Knight are the protagonist of the two great literary works Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales. Beowulf stands out as the protagonist, a great warrior who fights evil and displays heroism throughout his whole life. The knight stands out as the protagonist who fight for truth and faith. Both Beowulf and The Knight encompass Loyalty and Humbles as great
In the movie and epic poem Beowulf there were many similarities and difference that was noticed. Beowulf was not a true as he was in the movie. However in the epic poem he was more honest and he kept his word. For example, when Beowulf doesn’t tell the truth about defeating Grendel’s mother, but in the poem he actually defeated her. On the other hand it was interesting to see the poem come to life and it made it easier to understand the concept of the story.
The film and epic poem Beowulf may seem alike because of their similar plots and characters, but when looked at deeper, it is clear that their cultural differences set them apart. Traditionally, epic poems are lengthy stories that praise the deeds of heroic warriors whilst reflecting the brutal reality of life. They expressed cultural pride and teachings, while telling everyone that we are hopeless in the hands of fate; that all human ambition ends in death. In our modern world today, movies are made to entertain, but more importantly to sell and make a profit.
The story of Beowulf isn’t just any ordinary story, but a story that has been told for centuries. A story of a hero who’s legacy has been told for so long. Beowulf’s life shows the characteristics of a true epic hero. He showed bravery, he used his strength against his enemies and in the end gave the ultimate sacrifice for his people.
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
They both go through the “Hero’s Journey,” and display many characteristics of a hero. Beowulf, however, better fits the qualities of an epic hero due to his unselfish personality, his fearlessness, and his nobility. One reason Beowulf is the better epic hero is because his intentions and motives were selfless. He always fought to save the people, not for glory or treasures.
Beowulf and King Arthur are both portrayed as heroes and someone to look up to. Some similarities are both of them are very brave. They are also both very compelling leaders in their own respective ways. Even with their similarities they have differences in their heroic qualities such as Beowulf not really being a human in the sense that he can do superhuman things and King Arthur being a normal human being. It's also interesting to note that King Arthur was more of a hero for his character whereas Beowulf was more of a hero in the sense that he slays monsters and dragons.
The story of Beowulf is a well known story and is used in many schools as a teaching model and in many schools around the world. The movie The Lord of The Rings is a very popular movie that many people have watched and know about it. The creator of The Lord of The Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, was a huge fan of Beowulf and used many of the ideas from the story into The Lord of The Rings. There are many similarities and differences between the two stories. The similarities and differences between the characters and the settings in both of the stories.
Everybody likes rooting for a hero. And throughout the evolution of storytelling, from stories written in stone to those in tablets, heroes have always played a huge role in the stories we tell. As literature evolved, and more legends and tales began to appear in different cultures, the idea of a traditional epic hero was established. Stories like "The Epic of Gilgamesh," and "The Odyssey," set the mold for this type of heroes, an influence that can clearly be seen when analyzing literature. In fact, most of these characters, regardless of the time and place they were created in, shared similar characteristics to the two kings.
Joseph Campbell once said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself”. Beowulf is a hero who helped Hrothgar and Hrothgar’s towns people by defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Harry Potter is a hero when he protects his friends and Hogwarts. Beowulf and Harry Potter have similarities and differences so their values teach the reader about society. Having values is important in our society for many reasons.