Beowulf vs. Odysseus

A detailed Summary of Beowulf vs. Odysseus

Reading through Beowulf I began to compare it to the last great epic I read, Homer's The Odyssey. While The Odyssey and Beowulf are each examples of both historic and modern ideas of heroism, the acts of Beowulf's hero seem to fit better within its context.

Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities, such as his strength and confidence in battle. These along with more subtle diplomatic actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader.

Beowulf shows both wit and patience in his swift retort after Unferth challenges his skill. Later, after proving himself by dismembering Grendel, he accepts Unferth's sword to face Grendel's mother. This offering can be seen as an act of apology or forfeit on Unferth's part and reveals another side of the hero: forgiveness. Beowulf did not deny Unferth his repentance, nor did he ridicule him upon his conceit.

Beowulf embodies all the things we usually associate with heroism: diplomacy, confidence, strength, intelligence and more. His nobility and benevolence is displayed aptly in his dealings with Unferth, in his road to the Geatish throne, and his actions upon obtaining it. Beowulf's epic battles, and even his dramatic death at the hands of the great dragon, serve to paint a portrait depicting the true literary hero.

Odysseus' confrontation with the great Cyclops, Polyphemus, looks cowardly and dishonorable by comparison. Where Beowulf bravely stood and fought Grendel with only his bare hands, Odysseus waits for Polyphemus to slip into an alcoholic coma before blinding him. Later he uses this handicap to escape.

concrete depictions of good versus evil, The Odyssey focuses more on the gray areas of punishment and revenge. A main theme throughout the poem is vengeance, either by the gods or by man, and the unforgiving world of The Odysse

Some common words found in the essay are:
Grendel Odysseus', Odyssey Beowulf, Indeed Odysseus', Cyclops Polyphemus, Unsurprisingly Beowulf, Heorot Beowulf, Reading Beowulf,

Approximate Word count = 637
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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