Compare And Contrast Gilgamesh And Beowulf

“Who when first he was born outward did send him, lone on the main, the merest of infants: and a gold-fashioned standard they stretched under heaven, high o’er his head, let the holm-currents bear him.” When born, Beowulf was a baby who was outcasted by everyone but was accepted above by the heavens. Beowulf in general is the more god-like person in his actions and how he helps out his people compared to Gilgamesh who wants himself to succeed and that's that. The differences that are worth noting are how the people look up to the men, their journey and the compelling force behind it and in what ways the display heroism. Using these three factors, the more loved hero of the two would be Beowulf as he is a better leader.

The leadership by Beowulf has no competition from Gilgamesh as Beowulf has everyone wanting him to stay forever and be their beloved leader for life. “When Heardred was dead; let Beowulf rule them, Govern the Geatmen: good was that folk-king,” the people begged and pleaded for the great Beowulf to take over them after he defeated their kings. Gilgamesh on the other hand is straight disliked by his people as he is …show more content…
Gilgamesh could care less about being a hero if it didn’t come with the women, money and fame. He just does it to be seen as a dominant alpha-male type guy. Beowulf on the other hand is just an overall genuinely nice guy. He wants to help every way he can and just turns out to be an insane warrior which leads him eventually to his leading role. Gilgamesh also was a lone wolf type hero ,until Enkidu came along, as he would do the battles and leading by himself or with a little assistance. This heroism is good if he’s not a leader but since he is, it’s not very effective. The leading by Beowulf however displays that he knows he’s not the best but he can fight well and having an army secures that he’ll more than likely