A Comparison of King Arthur and Beowulf

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.