The Odyssey And Beowulf Comparison
The Odyssey and Beowulf Comparison Epics are centered on the deeds and triumphs of their heroes. They focus on the feats of warriors who embody the cultural values of a nation. Both The Odyssey written by Homer and Beowulf an Anglo-Saxon epic represent the honor that comes along with fame, and hospitality found within a society.
The emphasis on the glory of fame stems from the commonly referred terms Kleos and Timè. Both epics have a focus on glory as well as honor. Beowulf even says, “I shall achieve fame for myself with Hrunting, or death will carry me off” (“Beowulf” 27). The beliefs of this time period were largely based on fighting; the acquisition of gold and land were gained through war, and thus a person’s power and renown …show more content…
In the system of comitatus a king must provide food, land, weapons, and gifts to his warriors, in return they must offer the king with leadership and full support in a battle (Turner). In Beowulf, King Hrothgar and Queen Wealhtheow express the ideals of generosity and hospitality. “Further the lord of earls bestowed treasure on the mead-bench, ancient blades, to each of those who travelled the ocean path with Beowulf” (“Beowulf” 19). The reciprocal relationship that this exchange features establishes an almost sacred belief of the time. Likewise, Homer’s didactic approach to The Odyssey and its core ethics and values surrounds much of Greek philosophy (Bloom). Once entering the land of the Cyclopes Odysseus proclaims, “We hope you welcome us; we hope to get some gift” (Homer 177). Odysseus expects security and offerings from Polyphemus, and he is not received well. This later proves that hospitality can be turned into a negative thing. Xenia demands certain behaviors from the host, and in this time it was the closest thing to an absolute moral mandate (Bloom). Although the Xenia in Beowulf is positively influenced and this example of Xenia in The Odyssey is negative, they are both strong illustrations because hospitality is such an established part of these separate lifestyles. Just as any other characteristic of society there are both positive and negative influences of
The emphasis on the glory of fame stems from the commonly referred terms Kleos and Timè. Both epics have a focus on glory as well as honor. Beowulf even says, “I shall achieve fame for myself with Hrunting, or death will carry me off” (“Beowulf” 27). The beliefs of this time period were largely based on fighting; the acquisition of gold and land were gained through war, and thus a person’s power and renown …show more content…
In the system of comitatus a king must provide food, land, weapons, and gifts to his warriors, in return they must offer the king with leadership and full support in a battle (Turner). In Beowulf, King Hrothgar and Queen Wealhtheow express the ideals of generosity and hospitality. “Further the lord of earls bestowed treasure on the mead-bench, ancient blades, to each of those who travelled the ocean path with Beowulf” (“Beowulf” 19). The reciprocal relationship that this exchange features establishes an almost sacred belief of the time. Likewise, Homer’s didactic approach to The Odyssey and its core ethics and values surrounds much of Greek philosophy (Bloom). Once entering the land of the Cyclopes Odysseus proclaims, “We hope you welcome us; we hope to get some gift” (Homer 177). Odysseus expects security and offerings from Polyphemus, and he is not received well. This later proves that hospitality can be turned into a negative thing. Xenia demands certain behaviors from the host, and in this time it was the closest thing to an absolute moral mandate (Bloom). Although the Xenia in Beowulf is positively influenced and this example of Xenia in The Odyssey is negative, they are both strong illustrations because hospitality is such an established part of these separate lifestyles. Just as any other characteristic of society there are both positive and negative influences of