Achilles Vs Beowulf

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Beowulf and Achilles are excellent examples of the hero archetype. Both men exemplify traditional masculine virtues such as physical strength, courage and martial prowess, and both exhibit leadership and command respect among their peers. They are, in a word, superhuman. Nevertheless both characters possess flaws and weaknesses that make them incontestably human, and which lead to their eventual deaths. The primary focal point for each character is their embodiment of a wide range of enviable masculine powers. Beowulf is so strong, even in old age, that his strokes break his sword in half. Achilles, with the exception of his heel, is invulnerable. Beowulf, in an almost boastful maneuver that can only serve to heighten his renown, declares; I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be-…show more content…
Yet, by discarding his weapons, he appears both superhuman (what man could conquer both his fear and the monster?) and sporting; he will fight and defeat the monster on its own terms. Consider a modern analogy; the contempt for which big game trophy hunters are often held, and how would we regard a man who dared to kill a lion with his hands? Achilles, likewise, is well-known by others, and though Homer makes little direct acclaim of his abilities, he allows characters who know of Achilles to make proud or fearful references to him, such as " lion-hearted Achilles, cleaver of the ranks of men." Reputation is as important as ability for a

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