A Comparison of King Arthur and Beowulf
Sir Thomas Malory brings forth a courageous character , "King
Arthur", utilizing weaponry and leadership, to enlighten the reader of the
unique characteristics of a true hero, on the other hand, the unknown
author of "Beowulf", depicts the Anglo-Saxan era to tell a story of one who
fights to better society. The noble King moves as a unit with his men and
pride to protect and serve the kinsmen of his realm. Beowulf wards off
evil, unaccompanied, with nothing but his hands.
As a distinct hero of the Medieval Period, King Arthur relied
greatly upon his arms and retainers. "Take thou here Excalibur..." The King
had a extraordinary sword which he brought forth and kept at his side at
all times. He fought many battles and bore great trust into his prominent
sword. "`Now give me my spear.' Then the King got his spear in his hands
and ran towards Mordred." The mighty Arthur depended largely upon weapons
as an alternative to hand-to-hand combat. "He behold that noble sword -
That the pommel and the haft was all preious stones." The distinguished
Excalibur was carried and shown with dignity. Immense care and respect was
imposed into the weapons of the king. The noble King Arthur utilized the
arms of his time, opposed to Beowulf's unarmed way of battle.
Described as the strongest man in the world, Beowulf voyages across
seas slaying evil demons with nothing but his bare hands. "...Knew at once
that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands where harder." In the
confrontation of Grendel and Beowulf, our hero brings forth a force greater
than the unmerciful dragon. Weaponless, Beowulf slays the dragon with his
divine tools of god. "And was instantly seized himself, claws bent back as
Beowulf leaned up on one arm." Beowulf was seen as a hero who conquered
the evils with his sheer strength. "Strongest of the Geats - Greater and
stronger than anyone anywhere in the world." Beowulf was a hero for who he
was, a physically superior being. Additionally, he was adored by the Geats
for his personality and mentality, along with his accomplishments of
bettering society.
King Arthur and Beowulf differed in their beliefs and ways of
battle. "I alone...... may purge all evil from this hall..." Alone and unarmed,
Beowulf fights as a hero. Beowulf does not fight in a group or army. "The
battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory." Unlike the noble
King Arthur, Beowulf fights unaccompanied to improve society. "And when
the host of both parties saw that sword raised, they blew beams, trumpets,
and horns, and shoned grimly." The two sides, at the battlegrounds, where
organized, united and lead under the control of King Arthur and Mordred.
Orders proposed and given by the leaders governed the actions of the
soldiers unlike Beowulf's solitary way of fighting.
King Arthur, a distinguished leader, relied greatly upon the use of
arms. He lead an army, of "men in mail", against other troops. Beowulf,
fought to rescue a group of people and help the needy. Both heroes fight
and exploit characteristics found in models to society. Bravery, strength,
leadership, helping the underprivileged, are attributes seen in the "good
guys" of today. These characters have adapted these methods and utilized
them in the situation.
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