Maggie Cooney
Mr. Mathews
CP English II- Red
8 October 2015
Beowulf and Gilgamesh Essay
Strength, Courage, Pride, and Will. All of these traits have described someone who is honored and respected throughout history. These warrior values are evident in the early epic poem Beowulf and The Tale of Gilgamesh. Both epics recount the stories and cultures of Beowulf and Gilgamesh. Beowulf is admired by all in his kingdom, and in his epics it is seen that through all the battles and controversy with which he had dealt with are resolved in the end. Gilgamesh also had a clash with Humbaba, “The Guardian of the Forest”, which resulted in Gilgamesh’s favor. Both warriors are praised for their strength and bravery, which Beowulf demonstrates by winning …show more content…
As king, Beowulf shows his commitment to the safety of his community in personally attempting to fight the dragon that threatens his people. Beowulf states, "In the endless battles. I am old now, But I will fight again… If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me." (Beo. 35. 485- 488) After 50 years of ruling the Danes, Beowulf realizes that he is not as skillful as he was when he fought Grendel and his mother, but his loyalty to his people is so great, that he will fight for them. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is seen as a loyal friend who stays by the side of Enkidu when the Head of Humbaba attacks the both of them, but injures Enkidu. By listening to Enkidu, Gilgamesh ultimately saves the both of them from falling into Humbaba’s tricks of his plea to save himself. It is evident that they both notice the loyalty and trust towards each other in this time of trouble. During the fight of Humbaba we read, “Enkidu feared that his friend was weakening And called out: Gilgamesh! Don’t trust him!” (Gig. 40-41). This leads Gilgamesh to killing Humbaba, and saving themselves because of each other’s loyalty. Loyalty is one of the most important parts in Anglo- Saxon society, which is shown through relationships between most of the
Mr. Mathews
CP English II- Red
8 October 2015
Beowulf and Gilgamesh Essay
Strength, Courage, Pride, and Will. All of these traits have described someone who is honored and respected throughout history. These warrior values are evident in the early epic poem Beowulf and The Tale of Gilgamesh. Both epics recount the stories and cultures of Beowulf and Gilgamesh. Beowulf is admired by all in his kingdom, and in his epics it is seen that through all the battles and controversy with which he had dealt with are resolved in the end. Gilgamesh also had a clash with Humbaba, “The Guardian of the Forest”, which resulted in Gilgamesh’s favor. Both warriors are praised for their strength and bravery, which Beowulf demonstrates by winning …show more content…
As king, Beowulf shows his commitment to the safety of his community in personally attempting to fight the dragon that threatens his people. Beowulf states, "In the endless battles. I am old now, But I will fight again… If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me." (Beo. 35. 485- 488) After 50 years of ruling the Danes, Beowulf realizes that he is not as skillful as he was when he fought Grendel and his mother, but his loyalty to his people is so great, that he will fight for them. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is seen as a loyal friend who stays by the side of Enkidu when the Head of Humbaba attacks the both of them, but injures Enkidu. By listening to Enkidu, Gilgamesh ultimately saves the both of them from falling into Humbaba’s tricks of his plea to save himself. It is evident that they both notice the loyalty and trust towards each other in this time of trouble. During the fight of Humbaba we read, “Enkidu feared that his friend was weakening And called out: Gilgamesh! Don’t trust him!” (Gig. 40-41). This leads Gilgamesh to killing Humbaba, and saving themselves because of each other’s loyalty. Loyalty is one of the most important parts in Anglo- Saxon society, which is shown through relationships between most of the