Beowulf And Odysseus Comparison

Excellence, which is defined by the current time period and culture, is embodied by heroes who are the subject of reverence from entire societies. Certain societies create their version of excellence based upon the needs of the people and what is seen as greatness which is the reason for a large variance of heroes, and the individuality of one hero from another. Two heroes who were known in their own civilizations as respected heroes were Beowulf, from the book Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney, and Odysseus from the story of The Odyssey translated by Robert Fitzgerald. While both of these men had specific characteristics and abilities that made them heroes, the certain qualities that make them regarded as legends contrast from each other …show more content…
Beowulf, the great warrior king, was known for his brute force and sheer power in battle. In the battle against Grendel, Beowulf puts the demon “in a handgrip harder than anything [Grendel] had ever encountered in any man on the face of the earth” (750-2) causing Grendel to feel “desperate to flee to his den and hide with the devil’s litter” (755-6). Beowulf’s might and power caused the scorge of Heorot that had been dealing out sorrow and pain to the inhabitants of the hall to feel overpowered and defeated in battle for the first time since he had began haunting the building. Not only did Beowulf defeat the wicked creature that had killed so many before his battle with Grendel, he accomplished this feat without the use of backup, or even a weapon. The tenacity and physical prowess of Beowulf is evident in his conquering of the vile monstrosity Grendel. Odysseus, like Beowulf, defeated many powerful enemies, but in contrast, used his mental superiority and brains rather than only accessing braun. When Odysseus and his men are captured by the Cyclops, Polyphemus, they face a disastrous situation that could lead to the whole crew’s ultimate demise. But Odysseus devises a plan and offers Polyphemus wine when they are inside his …show more content…
Beowulf’s pride and pursuit of glory lead him to take on the mighty dragon even though “he was sad at heart, /unsettled yet ready, sensing his death” (2419-20). Beowulf realizes the danger involved in fighting the dragon that eventually did take his life, yet decides that although he can feel his own death would be imminent, he must fight this monster. The quest for greatness and glory drove Beowulf to take on these immense challenges even if the odds were stacked against him. Beowulf saw his ever present search for new challenges and trials as his way to find the glory he always strove for. On the other hand, Odysseus is always met by his troubles through unfortunate circumstances, as he does not actively look for challenges, and instead shows the want to return to his home and live a peaceful life. When Odysseus and his men are finally advancing on the shores of their home, Ithica, Odysseus’ crew believes that he has received special gifts of gold and silver from Aiolos and they were not rewarded enough, so “they untied the bag” (X.53) because “temptation had its way with [Odysseus’] companions’ (X.51). “Then every wind / roared into