Christopher McNutt Dr. Cantrell EN 207.002 12 November 2014 Beowulf vs. Gilgamesh: A Comparison of Equally Epic Proportions When modern readers think of the term “epic hero”, names such as Superman, Batman, and even real life figures such as LeBron James, AJ McCarron, and countless others instantly come into play. All of them have many similarities; they are all “larger-than-life” heroes who display many epic characteristics such as bravery, might, and supreme confidence. However, each is unique in his/her own way. Diving into the world of ancient literature, and one can find many more great heroes that define the term and provide countless entertaining stories of their journeys and battles throughout the primordial word. Beowulf from the …show more content…
A major example focuses around the subplot of the hunting and killing of Humbaba. In Gilgamesh’s quote to Enkidu after he objects to the idea of traveling to the cedar forest (110), Gilgamesh claims: “If I fall on the way, I’ll establish my name: ‘Gilgamesh, who joined battle with fierce Humbaba’ they’ll say” (111). Later on the same page when Gilgamesh is addressing the elders, his speech shows just how much hubris he exerts: “…I will hunt him down in the forest of cedars. I will make the land hear how mighty is the scion of Uruk. I will set my hand to cutting a cedar, an eternal name I will make for myself!” (111-112). Like Beowulf, Gilgamesh’s end goal is shown to be the same. Both want to showcase their strength and might while also making a name for themselves. Utilizing large amounts of hubris through their speeches is the way they do this, followed by an epic battle in which they come out …show more content…
His selflessness is shown on full display after Hygelac’s death, where “…Hygd offered him throne and authority as lord of the ring-hoard…” (165). Instead of accepting the offer, Beowulf refuses under the notion that he couldn’t “…be elevated over Heardred as his lord or to undertake the office of kingship…” (165). It is not until Heardred is killed that he finally agrees to ascend to the throne (166). Beowulf’s actions and initial refusal to take the throne shows that he cares more about the wellbeing of others and the order of succession than assuming power; a sure sign of selflessness. Later on during the final moments of his life, a weak and perishing Beowulf addresses Wiglaf one last time, telling him “…I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die. Now that I have bartered my last breath to own this fortune, it is up to you to look after their needs…” (174). Once again, Beowulf’s selflessness prevails. Even in his dying state, one of his top priorities was to make sure all his people would be taken care of and live happily. Neither can be said of Gilgamesh, who represents quite the contrast. Both Beowulf and Gilgamesh make for great representatives of the term “epic hero” by showing near legendary levels of greatness, might, and strength. However, their differences are significant enough that one can clearly
Many diverse cultures exist across the globe, differing in several aspects, such as beliefs, practices, and values. An example of two cultures that demonstrate dissimilar values are Ancient Anglo-Saxon and Ancient Mesopotamian. These two cultures are known to have expressed opposing heroic values. Two texts that can be accurately used in this comparison are Beowulf, an Ancient Anglo-Saxon text, and The Epic of Gilgamesh, an Ancient Mesopotamian text.
There is an epic hero in almost every legend ever told. The hero could be a mortal human who came from nothing, a creature that used to be evil, an immortal god, or even a group of people. In Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf, the mortal man-of-the-hour is Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow. After he settled the feud for his father, he then carried out more amazing deeds and accomplishments. Beowulf portrays great strength, bravery, and is also very faithful to his kingdom. The totality of these qualities is not just a large mass of adjectives; each characteristic plays a special part.
As Beowulf possessed incredible the strength of 30 men, Luke Skywalker the force, and Harry Potter magic, epic heroes continue in every form of today’s entertainment and storytelling. Every culture from the beginning has had their own tales of heroes accomplishing great feats that no one else could. An epic hero is an icon for everyone to relate to, they symbolize different lessons to learn. The epic hero archetype exists as a source of entertainment but also as a demonstrative tool. Their morals and actions are there to help shape our own actions in life. The archetype of an epic hero is unchanging; it stands against the test of time to give us reassurance in the good moral values of human life.
known in the Bible as Erech (now Warka, Iraq). According to the myth, the gods
Beowulf is selfless because he puts others before him no matter how rich or poor they are and does things that regular people would think to be the unthinkable. The first act of Selflessness that Beowulf shows is when he requests permission from his lord Higlac to go help the Danes kill Grendel. “Won’t go to fight Grendel without Lord’s consent …” (116-119). This quote not only shows that Beowulf is not only willing to go help the Danes deal with Grendel but also wants to go help the Danes kill Grendel. Another example of Beowulf acting selfless is when the Danes ask him to kill Grendel's mother, he does so without no hesitation . He kills the mother of Grendel because she was going to start terrorizing the Danes so Beowulf decided that his job was not finished Grendel's mother was killed . The last act of Beowulf acting selfless is when he is old and weak. As king of the Geats Beowulf decides to act upon the dragon that was terrorizing his lands . What he does is the unthinkable , Beowulf grabs his sword and lets out one last battle cry knowing that he was going to die , but die for his people.This shows that Beowulf is selfless because he sacrificed his life for others which is the ultimate act of
Once Grendel and his mother are killed, the king showers Beowulf in gifts. Beowulf shows humility and accepts the gifts, and quietly returns to his home. He does not want to bask in his glory. "So they went on their journey, and Hrothgar 's generosity was praised repeatedly"(Beowulf 1885-86). This quote symbolizes the relationship between the King of Danes and Beowulf, because he is constantly thanking him for the gifts. It is not just seen as a business deal where Beowulf has come to provide a service, and collect his reward. There is much more to his actions, he genuinely provides services to the king for the greater good. He is humble in nature, where he is not looking for attention. He does not gloat that he is truly the best warrior he sort of just thanks the king. The king of Danes states to Beowulf "In all things you are even tempered, prudent, and resolute"(Beowulf 17056). It is already known that he is a great warrior, so there is no need for him to overly express
An epic hero according to Anglo-Saxon literature is a hero who is larger-than-life; someone with self-confidence, great strength, and the qualities of loyalty, bravery, and honor. Beowulf can be considered an epic hero for multiple reasons throughout “Beowulf.” Beowulf is a character constructed on all of the Anglo-Saxon epic hero qualifications. For starters, Beowulf is seen as a noble character, that is willing to provide security for the people by risking his own life. As a character, Beowulf conducts superhuman strength, and can complete impossible tasks. These are only some among many other reasons and characteristics Beowulf can be classified as an epic hero.
First off, Beowulf rightfully earned the title of bravery, although his boasting may seem unheroic. Beowulf’s boasting and arrogance leads to his death when he goes to fight the dragon. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” (42) Beowulf feels he is still young and strong so he goes to fight the dragon. Another arrogant character is the Green Knight, for challenging King Author. “You have nothing but beardless babes about this bench!” (179) shows he feels the king and his court are weak. The hero’s arrogance is meant to show all hero’s have moral have moral blemishes.
Even though centuries separate the two epic tales of Beowulf and Gilgamesh, they still share some extreme similarities, and also suffer some differences. When looking at both epic heroes it is evident that they both has similarities and differences, just as the epics do as a whole. These similarities and differences include but are not limited to the epic heroes journeys, fighting skills, and lastly their leadership styles.
The greatest value of Beowulf is his bravery, some may say bravado. There is no doubt that he is a great warrior. Beowulf's heroism belongs to a different time than that of King Arthur or Sir Gawain. For that reason his bragging about his prowess might seem decidedly unheroic. When he tells Unferth "I count it true that I had more courage, More strength in swimming than any other man" (514-15 (41) it might be interpreted in a poor way. What he is saying though is true. In addition, in order for him to succeed he must orally deliver his resume. Nevertheless, bragging aside, Beowulf is undoubtedly a brave man. When Beowulf sets out to kill Grendel's mother he simply "donned his armor for battle, Heeded not the danger..." (1328-29 60). When his sword fails him he uses his physical strength: "On the might of his hand, as a man must do Who thinks to win in the welter of battle Enduring glory; he fears not death" (1420-23 62). Certainly he is in search of fame. Though this is true it must not discount his brave actions. He gains his fame truthfully by doing battle with menaces to society. He does not lie or manipulate to achieve fame, he uses what is rightfully his, his bravery. Beowulf's bravery differs from that of King Arthur's for several reasons. King Arthur by being king must be brave, to rule the state people must respect him. Beowulf's bravery carries the story. One because it details his ascension in fame and secondly it also outlines his downfall.
The story of the great hero, Gilgamesh, fulfills the requirements of an epic. Gilgamesh is consistently relevant to society and it conveys timeless themes and messages. It is in human nature for people to want to excel in life and strive to make a name in this world for themselves. We want to be remembered by name or for something we have done. Most, who actually succeed, are forgotten about in a matter of years. However, some are remembered for tens, hundreds, and even thousands of years, because of their great intellectual achievement to feats of outstanding skill.
Beowulf is a complex character that is cast as the ultimate hero and champion, whose greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. Though his obsession with power yield him courage and strength that allow him to defeat enemies most other warriors cannot bring themselves to fight, his unilateral quest for glory leaves his citizens and kingdom desolate and unprepared for the difficulties they face. Beowulf may be the greatest warrior of one of the greatest epics written, but as is said in the last words about him in the book, his most notable trait is not his greatness as a leader and king but that he is the “keenest to win fame”.
Beowulf is characterized as an epic hero by possessing qualities in which common mortals lack, battling for the common good, and displaying honor in every act. An epic hero is the central character in an epic, a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal. According to Jankowski, “Understanding the significance of Beowulf 's acts requires an understanding of the key figures in the epic poem” (1). Epics have been used to preserve values and traditions. They are a rich resource for exploring the history and values of different world cultures. The epic hero character is a larger-than-life figure who is typically of noble birth. An epic hero uses his/her courage, skill, and virtue against
An epic hero is a main character who embodies the ideals of a certain culture. The character is named Beowulf and he represents the ideals of the Anglo-Saxon culture which were bravery, skillfulness, and generosity. Beowulf showed his braveness multiple times throughout the story. After he heard of a monster named Grendel who, for twelve years had been attacking King Hrothgar's mead hall Heorot, Beowulf traveled to the Danish islands to defeat him. Even though Beowulf didn't know anything about Grendel he went on a long voyage to reach the islands so that the Hrothgar's people need not live in fear. Then, after Beowulf Grendel, Grendel's mother came after the people of Heorot to avenge her son's death. To reach her, Beowulf had to dive into dark dangerous waters, facing unknown peril. He swam down through the shadowy lake by himself fighting off monsters the whole way. Once he did arrive at her lair a vicious fight ensued, but the courageous Beowulf came out victorious once again. Later in Beowulf's life, a dragon destroys his village and the large mead hall he had built for his men. Even though he knew he was no longer as agile and strong, Beowulf went straight to the dragon and gave a defiant shout of challenge.
Beowulf also contains an epic hero. The title of the poem has been named after our epic hero, Beowulf. In definition, an epic hero is someone that does larger than life deeds and is stronger and smarter than any normal man; and Beowulf fits this description as if the mold were made for him. He has the strength of thirty men and uses it as a major weapon against evil. This can be seen through Beowulf’s battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.