ELA BEOWULF ESSAY
Davila 1
Vanessa Davila
Mr. Villaganes
English 12
October 5, 2014
Beowulf versus Gilgamesh There is always a common, ideal hero that a person may have in mind. In modern time we have such movies to express what others thing a hero is. In other perspectives people have a realistic ideal hero. This case determines on the two stories of a Geatish hero who fights a monster and a brave warrior who travels to the end of the earth in search of answers to the mysteries of life and death. Discussing these two people we will compare and contrast to successfully choose our ideal hero. The two cultures to compare heroic values for are the ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Anglo-Saxon cultures. In the comparison are Gilgamesh for Mesopotamia and Beowulf for Anglo-Saxon. Although they hold many similar heroic characteristics and they also differ greatly. The earliest surviving epic poem Beowulf is written in a modern European language. Written in Old English the poem tells the adventures of Beowulf, a warrior of the sixth century. Beowulf described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and defeats villainy with his abilities to bring tranquility and equity. Traits that support this are his extraordinary physical strength, his ability to put people’s well-being before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death. He has fought in multiple battles with returning triumphant in all but his last. Another heroic value Beowulf possessed was his tendency to put the welfare of others before his own. He realized the dangers of his battles but feared nothing for his own life. Beowulf risked his own life to save the Danes from Grendal then once again when Grendal’s mother who wanted revenge. Davila 2
He always explained his death wishes before going into battle and requested to have all his wealth and belongings distributed between his people. These are major examples that support the idea that Beowulf was an epic
Vanessa Davila
Mr. Villaganes
English 12
October 5, 2014
Beowulf versus Gilgamesh There is always a common, ideal hero that a person may have in mind. In modern time we have such movies to express what others thing a hero is. In other perspectives people have a realistic ideal hero. This case determines on the two stories of a Geatish hero who fights a monster and a brave warrior who travels to the end of the earth in search of answers to the mysteries of life and death. Discussing these two people we will compare and contrast to successfully choose our ideal hero. The two cultures to compare heroic values for are the ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Anglo-Saxon cultures. In the comparison are Gilgamesh for Mesopotamia and Beowulf for Anglo-Saxon. Although they hold many similar heroic characteristics and they also differ greatly. The earliest surviving epic poem Beowulf is written in a modern European language. Written in Old English the poem tells the adventures of Beowulf, a warrior of the sixth century. Beowulf described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and defeats villainy with his abilities to bring tranquility and equity. Traits that support this are his extraordinary physical strength, his ability to put people’s well-being before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death. He has fought in multiple battles with returning triumphant in all but his last. Another heroic value Beowulf possessed was his tendency to put the welfare of others before his own. He realized the dangers of his battles but feared nothing for his own life. Beowulf risked his own life to save the Danes from Grendal then once again when Grendal’s mother who wanted revenge. Davila 2
He always explained his death wishes before going into battle and requested to have all his wealth and belongings distributed between his people. These are major examples that support the idea that Beowulf was an epic