Since the start of time, people discussed and examined the concept of the tragic hero in stories. A hero is an example of valiancy and intelligence and in times of danger a hero must remain strong, valiant, and fearless. The actions of a hero must be brave and of high caliber. Beowulf and Oedipus are two stories from different times who share similar qualities yet are destined by two different fates. The stories of these characters have been told for centuries and are examples of the respects and values of the cultures in the times they were written. Oedipus and Beowulf are two mortals who are exceptional human beings, yet fate and human nature are the ultimate deciders in the lives they live. Both share common characteristics and have
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The first similarity is that both heroes are of noble birth. Another is that both heroes end suffering by eliminating a monster. Beowulf ends the suffering in Herot by killing the monster Grendel. Oedipus ends the Sphinx 's reign of terror upon the city of Thebes. By answering the Sphinx 's riddle, the Sphinx kills herself. A third similarity is that both heroes are challenged by another character in the story. Beowulf is challenged by Unferth; Oedipus by Tiresias. Both heroes brag about their …show more content…
Beowulf is classified as a hero because of his physical strength and bravery. "Beowulf, Higlac 's / Follower and the strongest of the Geats-greater / And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world." (lines 131 - 133) A dignified Beowulf comes to help the Danes in a time of need, classifying him as an epic hero. Oedipus is classified as a hero because of his mental strengths. He uses intellect to solve the riddle of the Sphinx. Many intelligent men of Thebes were killed trying to answer the riddle, but Oedipus proves his intelligence is superior. Oedipus’ traits that give him riches and power lead him to his tragic ending, classifying him as a tragic hero. Their downfalls differ the most. Beowulf dies heroically while fighting a dragon. After his death, the Geats mourn his loss, "The Geats stayed, / Moaning their sorrow, lamenting their lord." (lines 539 - 540) When the truth is learned about Oedipus, the people of Thebes lose all respect for him. The Chorus says, "A man both lost in make and mind, we wish that we had never known you." (page 76) In both stories the form of government is a monarchy. Hrothgar is the King of the Danes and Oedipus is the King of Thebes. The first similarity in government is that both rulers feel the anguish of their people. After Grendel raids Herot and kills all of the people there, Hrothgar is overcome with grief.
The first similarity is that both heroes are of noble birth. Another is that both heroes end suffering by eliminating a monster. Beowulf ends the suffering in Herot by killing the monster Grendel. Oedipus ends the Sphinx 's reign of terror upon the city of Thebes. By answering the Sphinx 's riddle, the Sphinx kills herself. A third similarity is that both heroes are challenged by another character in the story. Beowulf is challenged by Unferth; Oedipus by Tiresias. Both heroes brag about their …show more content…
Beowulf is classified as a hero because of his physical strength and bravery. "Beowulf, Higlac 's / Follower and the strongest of the Geats-greater / And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world." (lines 131 - 133) A dignified Beowulf comes to help the Danes in a time of need, classifying him as an epic hero. Oedipus is classified as a hero because of his mental strengths. He uses intellect to solve the riddle of the Sphinx. Many intelligent men of Thebes were killed trying to answer the riddle, but Oedipus proves his intelligence is superior. Oedipus’ traits that give him riches and power lead him to his tragic ending, classifying him as a tragic hero. Their downfalls differ the most. Beowulf dies heroically while fighting a dragon. After his death, the Geats mourn his loss, "The Geats stayed, / Moaning their sorrow, lamenting their lord." (lines 539 - 540) When the truth is learned about Oedipus, the people of Thebes lose all respect for him. The Chorus says, "A man both lost in make and mind, we wish that we had never known you." (page 76) In both stories the form of government is a monarchy. Hrothgar is the King of the Danes and Oedipus is the King of Thebes. The first similarity in government is that both rulers feel the anguish of their people. After Grendel raids Herot and kills all of the people there, Hrothgar is overcome with grief.