Beowulf and Gilgamesh - analysis - comparison
Epic heroes are heroes known in legends and stories for their warrior characters and their fight to uphold their societies in times of war. Many tribes have legends with epic heroes. These heroes arise when the community is in hard times, and they lead the community in war to grant them victory. In addition, most epic stories are written in poetic form, and they are hysterical. These epic hero stories have timeless messages or lessons.
The stories Beowulf and Gilgamesh are both heroic stories. However, they have some different characters. Beowulf is more of a warrior than a leader whereas Gilgamesh is more of a leader than a warrior. Beowulf defends his people in tough times and sacrifice his life in his quest for victory. On the other hand, Gilgamesh is a king, yet he is the best warrior that the community has. As a king and warrior, Gilgamesh shows strong heroism to grant his people victory.
[...] The stories Beowulf and Gilgamesh are both heroic stories. However, they have some different characters. Beowulf is more of a warrior than a leader whereas Gilgamesh is more of a leader than a warrior. Beowulf defends his people in tough times and sacrifice his life in his quest for victory. On the other hand, Gilgamesh is a king, yet he is the best warrior that the community has. As a king and warrior, Gilgamesh shows strong heroism to grant his people victory. [...]
[...] Gilgamesh befriends, Enkidu, who has almost the same physical characteristics as Gilgamesh. The two are meant to be rivals, but they end up becoming close friends. Unfortunately, the gods punish them by giving Enkidu a slow and painful death. Gilgamesh mourns the death of his friend, and he is determined to revenge. Since he is not fully immortal, he travels across the world to find the solution to death mystery. The gods punish Gilgamesh for killing the demon humbaba and the bull of heaven. [...]
[...] Beowulf fits to be an epic hero because Beowulf was passed on from generation to generations of mighty warriors. The title came along with certain benefits such as unusual powers. Therefore, Beowulfs had certain non-human powers that made them perfect warriors. This makes them unique and they qualify to be heroes. Comparing the two stories Furthermore, when comparing and contrasting the two warriors, they have several similarities as well as differences. The warriors were both fearless they had good fighting skills, and they went against the odds to defeat gigantic beasts in the two stories. [...]
[...] They also have a poetic nature where they all begin with historical narrations. Beowulf uses his powers well for the right reasons and he honors the privilege of being a Beowulf by fighting to the best of his ability. Beowulf fights for his people with his life. This show portrays passionate patriotism. Gilgamesh also shows immense heroism as a god because he physically leads the people in a dangerous battle. As a hero, this shows that he cares for his people. [...]
[...] Wauconda, Ill., USA: Bolchazy- Carducci Publishers Print. Swanton, Michael. Beowulf. Manchester, U.K: Manchester University Press Print. Miller, Dean A. The Epic Hero. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press Internet resource. [...]
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