Beowulf And Achilles: The Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

Being a hero is everybody’s dream. Two epic heroes are Beowulf and Achilles. Beowulf was an Anglo- Saxon from the group of the Geats. Achilles was a Greek and was part mortal, part God. They killed different things for different reasons, but both were considered great. Though both were epic heroes, their cultural backgrounds are what defined them. Their reasoning for fighting differed greatly. In the epic poem Beowulf, it stated, “that mighty protector of men/ Meant to hold the monster till its life…(313-315).” This shows that Beowulf protected the people and that he was a good person. In the epic poem, The Iliad, it states, “Would god my passion drove me/ to slaughter you and eat you raw…(191-192).” Achilles only killed one person. He didn’t protect and entire village and/or colony, but only for selfish reasoning. He had all this power, but only killed Hector. Due to their different culture and backgrounds, they would kill for opposite reasons. Beowulf said, “I am old, now/ But I will fight again, seek fame still…(608-609).” Beowulf expresses his need for the spotlight. Being an Anglo- Saxon, he has the urge to gain glory anyway possible. He will do whatever it takes to make himself look good. Achilles, on the other hand, killed for revenge. He states, “If Hector does not feel my battering spear/ tear the life out of him, making him pay/ in his own
In Beowulf, the narrator states, “Follower and the strongest of the Geats, greater/ And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world…(108-111).” This clearly shows Beowulf is a magnificent warrior with immense strength. He was believed to be the greatest warrior to walk the Earth. Achilles was a feared for all his power. Hector states, “I will no longer fear you as before…(74).” The people truly were scared of him. Achilles’ god- like strength made him respected for his power, but feared for his