Pippi Longstocking and Beowulf are essentially heroes of the same society. As seafarers from southern Sweden, the two grew up in similar environments, though different time periods. What was once a warrior society still has high regard for heroic traits such as courage and strength, and still tells the stories of famed and bold heroes. While both Pippi and Beowulf are flawed in their pride they are also powerful heroes for the same reason. Their self-confidence and mental strength stems from their inhuman physical abilities. Even though Pippi Longstocking and Beowulf share several heroic traits, because of Pippi’s aversion to violence and more astute moral conscience, she represents the stronger and just Scandinavian hero. The two heroes have
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Beowulf, however is obsessive in his quest for fame, whereas Pippi’s relaxed approach is more conducive to an honest life. Because of her disinterest in legacy, Pippi does not fear the repercussions of being open with her opinions/Pippi is able to be open with her opinions because of her disinterest in legacy. She wants to be recognized within her town for her physical feats, but nothing more. She can pursue fame and worldwide recognition because of her ability to carry a horse and outlift the strongest man in the world, but refuses. Instead she makes fellow townspeople aware, saying, “‘I'm the strongest girl in the world, don't forget’” (Lindgren 53). She also does not recognition for her courageous acts or care whether people see her as noble. She would never risk her life for her legacy. Conversely, Beowulf constantly risks his life through his constant pursuit of fame. He enters the mere despite “The swimming forms of strange sea-dragons, Dim serpent shapes in the watery depths” and other creatures lurking beneath the dark water. On the exterior he appears to be an incredibly loyal warrior for king Hrothgar, but in reality when fighting Grendel-Dam, “Hygelac’s earl was mindful of honor”, more so than avenging Aeschere (1025). Beowulf wants his legacy passed down through time and creates an image of himself that he wishes to be remembered for. Pippi’s disinterest in fame and disregard of what other’s think of her make her the more respectable
Beowulf, however is obsessive in his quest for fame, whereas Pippi’s relaxed approach is more conducive to an honest life. Because of her disinterest in legacy, Pippi does not fear the repercussions of being open with her opinions/Pippi is able to be open with her opinions because of her disinterest in legacy. She wants to be recognized within her town for her physical feats, but nothing more. She can pursue fame and worldwide recognition because of her ability to carry a horse and outlift the strongest man in the world, but refuses. Instead she makes fellow townspeople aware, saying, “‘I'm the strongest girl in the world, don't forget’” (Lindgren 53). She also does not recognition for her courageous acts or care whether people see her as noble. She would never risk her life for her legacy. Conversely, Beowulf constantly risks his life through his constant pursuit of fame. He enters the mere despite “The swimming forms of strange sea-dragons, Dim serpent shapes in the watery depths” and other creatures lurking beneath the dark water. On the exterior he appears to be an incredibly loyal warrior for king Hrothgar, but in reality when fighting Grendel-Dam, “Hygelac’s earl was mindful of honor”, more so than avenging Aeschere (1025). Beowulf wants his legacy passed down through time and creates an image of himself that he wishes to be remembered for. Pippi’s disinterest in fame and disregard of what other’s think of her make her the more respectable