Meghana Sunder
Mr. Wachtor
12th Grade English
14 September 2015
Who is the Best Example of the Hero Archetype? Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Achilles can all be called as heroes, however, each of them exhibit their characteristics in a distinct way. The three heroes originate from different backgrounds and culture, yet they share attributes such as strength, pride, and bravery. Beowulf was a poem that originates from the Anglo-Saxon culture while Gilgamesh was from the Mesopotamian culture and Achilles was from the Greek culture. Although, Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Achilles are all considered heroes in the epics, Beowulf was the most heroic figure because he was braver and more determined than Achilles and Gilgamesh, but he also has distinct characteristics …show more content…
Out of the three heroes Beowulf portrays selflessness the best. Beowulf jumps at the first opportunity to help the Danes. It says in line 112 -114 that when he “heard how Grendel filled nights with horror.. (he) quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king”. Without any hesitancy or any second thoughts Beowulf at once prepares to sail to Hreot. His selfless character can be seen again many years later in his life. When his own people are under the dragon’s oppression Beowulf takes the responsibility to save his people. His selfless character was seen in line 682-683 “No one else could do What I mean to, here, no man but me Could hope to defeat this monster.” Beowulf does not consider the fact that he was old and has a lack of strength. He once again like a ture hero seeks to serve his people. On the other hand, Gilgamesh and Achilles show the exact opposite characteristics. Gilgamesh’s selfish characters are seen in line 124 - 126 when they are in the forest Humbaba lived. Gilgamesh has a dream from which he “... awoke, but could not hear his friend in agony, he was still captive to his dreams...” While they lay under a tree to take some rest, Gilgamesh has a dream. He was so intrigued by his dream that he forgets to help his friends Enkidu who was in agony. He was lying next to him crying in pain, but all he could think of was his dream. Achilles's selfish characteristics are seen when he says, “You unforgivable, you....don’t talk to me of pacts.” Achilles was being selfish because he already knew that the gods had sided with him, and therefore knew that he would win the fight against Hector. He was being unfair and defeated Hector only because he had an advantage. It can be concluded that Beowulf is the better hero due to his kind and selfless
Mr. Wachtor
12th Grade English
14 September 2015
Who is the Best Example of the Hero Archetype? Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Achilles can all be called as heroes, however, each of them exhibit their characteristics in a distinct way. The three heroes originate from different backgrounds and culture, yet they share attributes such as strength, pride, and bravery. Beowulf was a poem that originates from the Anglo-Saxon culture while Gilgamesh was from the Mesopotamian culture and Achilles was from the Greek culture. Although, Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Achilles are all considered heroes in the epics, Beowulf was the most heroic figure because he was braver and more determined than Achilles and Gilgamesh, but he also has distinct characteristics …show more content…
Out of the three heroes Beowulf portrays selflessness the best. Beowulf jumps at the first opportunity to help the Danes. It says in line 112 -114 that when he “heard how Grendel filled nights with horror.. (he) quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king”. Without any hesitancy or any second thoughts Beowulf at once prepares to sail to Hreot. His selfless character can be seen again many years later in his life. When his own people are under the dragon’s oppression Beowulf takes the responsibility to save his people. His selfless character was seen in line 682-683 “No one else could do What I mean to, here, no man but me Could hope to defeat this monster.” Beowulf does not consider the fact that he was old and has a lack of strength. He once again like a ture hero seeks to serve his people. On the other hand, Gilgamesh and Achilles show the exact opposite characteristics. Gilgamesh’s selfish characters are seen in line 124 - 126 when they are in the forest Humbaba lived. Gilgamesh has a dream from which he “... awoke, but could not hear his friend in agony, he was still captive to his dreams...” While they lay under a tree to take some rest, Gilgamesh has a dream. He was so intrigued by his dream that he forgets to help his friends Enkidu who was in agony. He was lying next to him crying in pain, but all he could think of was his dream. Achilles's selfish characteristics are seen when he says, “You unforgivable, you....don’t talk to me of pacts.” Achilles was being selfish because he already knew that the gods had sided with him, and therefore knew that he would win the fight against Hector. He was being unfair and defeated Hector only because he had an advantage. It can be concluded that Beowulf is the better hero due to his kind and selfless