Achilles Vs Beowulf

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The idea of a hero is different for every person. Some think a hero has to be strong others think a hero has to be kind. Most of the ideas of what a hero is, is taken from society. Beowulf is a story told by anonymous people and it deals with action and adventure. The Iliad is written by Homer and is an action epic story. Beowulf is about a monster that’s kills’ people, which Beowulf must defeat. The Iliad is about Achilles hunting down Hector for killing his friend. Both stories share one common character role, there is a hero, different in their journeys and actions but similar in one heroic trait. An epic is defined as a long narrative poem that traces the adventures of a great hero. Beowulf and Achilles fulfill the role of an epic hero…show more content…
Achilles is a warrior of the great heroes of Greek mythology and the gods. Achilles went to battle his enemy, Hector. They are different because Beowulf battles monsters, and Achilles battles people. They both were strong, courageous and loyal. Achilles is a great warrior. He strives in bravery, strength, and is noble. His name is known through great deeds. However, he has some clear differences from Beowulf. Achilles is a great warrior who strives to have his name immortalized. Homer says, “I will no longer fear you as before, son of Peleus, though I ran from around Priam’s town three times and could not force you” (Homer 74-76). He is the best warrior in his land and has proven time and time again. However, he has quite a bit of help from the gods and his mother is a god too, making him nearly invincible. Beowulf is a wonderful warrior as well. He strives in bravery, strength, and is noble. His name immortalized through great deeds. However, he has some clear differences from Achilles. Beowulf is also a great warrior who strives to have him name known and remembered through the ages. As it says in Beowulf, “Their courage was great but all wasted: they could hack at Grendel from every side trying to open a path for his evil soul….” (Beowulf 319-322). He has proven many times that he is probably the best warrior in his land. He is not afraid

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