With careful analysis of text, we can compare the virtues that define different cultures. The heroes of Beowulf and The Ramayana, Beowulf and Rama, represent the virtues of each culture. Presented in these two works of literature, the heroes, Beowulf and Rama demonstrate the most important characteristics valued by these cultures. Beowulf and Rama posses similar virtues, both valuing courage and not shirking from challenges, as well as seeing loyalty as a necessary part of someone’s life. Beowulf and Rama, the heroes of their cultures share many values, but possess different ideas of how these values direct each one 's life.
Beowulf and Rama both do not fear death, although Rama believes that his spirit rebirths in a different time and form. …show more content…
Beowulf and Rama posses many courageous traits . Beowulf, the most courageous of the Anglo-Saxons, exemplifies courage countless times throughout Beowulf. Upon Beowulf and his crew arriving in Denmark, Wulfgar, a warrior of King Hrothgar states: “Stoutness of heart,/ bravery not banishment, must have brought you to/ Hrothgar” (Beowulf 337). The terms “stoutness” and “bravery” lead us to the conclusion that Beowulf possesses courage and does not shirk facing of great challenges or monsters, just as Rama does, pledging to save Sita, stolen by Ravana. After a ten month journey searching for her, Rama and Ravana finally meet and battle each other. Near the end of the battle, Ravana shoots “off his deadliest weapon-a trident endowed with extraordinary destructive power, once gifted to Ravana by the gods...It came on flaming toward Rama, its speed or course unaffected by the arrows he flung at it...When it came quite near, he uttered a certain mantra from the depth of his being and while he was breathing out that incantation, an esoteric syllable in perfect timing, the trident collapsed” (The Ramayana 144). Rama shows courage quite obviously by “uttering a certain mantra from the depth of his being” instead of retreating or taking cover as the powerful trident speeds towards him. Rama also re-exemplifies his valor and fearlessness of death battling against Ravana. Beowulf …show more content…
Loyal people can be seen highly respected peoples in both Anglo-Saxon and Indian culture. Both Beowulf and Rama have many people loyal to them, Beowulf the tribe of the Geats, Rama the people of Ayodhya as well as other wanderers. Near the end of Beowulf, after the dragon kills Beowulf, Wiglaf speaks to the other warriors who did not stay by Beowulf’s fight against the dragon: “But when the worst happened/ too few rallied around the prince” (Beowulf 2882). “too few rallied” speaks of the warriors shirking from battle, informing us that hiding from battle could be a way to break loyalty to an Anglo-Saxon ruler. Rama and the Indians posses a similar concept of loyalty. As Vali lays dying, he gives Hanuman to Rama and declares that Hanuman and Sugreeva will stand as his allies: “But here is Hanuman who will do it at your command, and also obey you in all matters. Let him serve you. Sugreeva and he will be your invaluable allies” (The Ramayana 104). We can determine through this quote that because Hanuman “will do it at your command” and Sugreeva and him will remain Rama’s “invaluable allies” Hanuman, a loyal character, becomes loyal to Rama as his old ruler lays dying, and because of his loyalty, Hanuman gains respect. Beowulf and Rama both see loyalty as a necessary piece of a person 's
Beowulf and Rama both do not fear death, although Rama believes that his spirit rebirths in a different time and form. …show more content…
Beowulf and Rama posses many courageous traits . Beowulf, the most courageous of the Anglo-Saxons, exemplifies courage countless times throughout Beowulf. Upon Beowulf and his crew arriving in Denmark, Wulfgar, a warrior of King Hrothgar states: “Stoutness of heart,/ bravery not banishment, must have brought you to/ Hrothgar” (Beowulf 337). The terms “stoutness” and “bravery” lead us to the conclusion that Beowulf possesses courage and does not shirk facing of great challenges or monsters, just as Rama does, pledging to save Sita, stolen by Ravana. After a ten month journey searching for her, Rama and Ravana finally meet and battle each other. Near the end of the battle, Ravana shoots “off his deadliest weapon-a trident endowed with extraordinary destructive power, once gifted to Ravana by the gods...It came on flaming toward Rama, its speed or course unaffected by the arrows he flung at it...When it came quite near, he uttered a certain mantra from the depth of his being and while he was breathing out that incantation, an esoteric syllable in perfect timing, the trident collapsed” (The Ramayana 144). Rama shows courage quite obviously by “uttering a certain mantra from the depth of his being” instead of retreating or taking cover as the powerful trident speeds towards him. Rama also re-exemplifies his valor and fearlessness of death battling against Ravana. Beowulf …show more content…
Loyal people can be seen highly respected peoples in both Anglo-Saxon and Indian culture. Both Beowulf and Rama have many people loyal to them, Beowulf the tribe of the Geats, Rama the people of Ayodhya as well as other wanderers. Near the end of Beowulf, after the dragon kills Beowulf, Wiglaf speaks to the other warriors who did not stay by Beowulf’s fight against the dragon: “But when the worst happened/ too few rallied around the prince” (Beowulf 2882). “too few rallied” speaks of the warriors shirking from battle, informing us that hiding from battle could be a way to break loyalty to an Anglo-Saxon ruler. Rama and the Indians posses a similar concept of loyalty. As Vali lays dying, he gives Hanuman to Rama and declares that Hanuman and Sugreeva will stand as his allies: “But here is Hanuman who will do it at your command, and also obey you in all matters. Let him serve you. Sugreeva and he will be your invaluable allies” (The Ramayana 104). We can determine through this quote that because Hanuman “will do it at your command” and Sugreeva and him will remain Rama’s “invaluable allies” Hanuman, a loyal character, becomes loyal to Rama as his old ruler lays dying, and because of his loyalty, Hanuman gains respect. Beowulf and Rama both see loyalty as a necessary piece of a person 's