Beowulf And Gilgamesh Comparison

The brave man is not one who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” For both Beowulf and Gilgamesh in the stories “Beowulf” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” these leaders fought to be brave for their people. Gilgamesh and Beowulf both had different approaches to their fighting styles, they were well known leaders, their journies differed from one another and the society they lived in had differing beliefs. Although Beowulf and Gilgamesh differ in who they are and what they want to accomplish, they both have similarities in their leadership styles and
Beowulf’s battle with Grendel is carried out by Beowulf sneaking up on Grendel when he is killing people in the meadhall. Beowulf struggles to kill Grendel in the beginning but eventually kills him by ripping his arm off. Beowulf is even able to boast to the Danesman that he did this without a weapon. Beowulf begins to prepare for rest from his victory and states, “I hold me no meaner in matters of prowess, in warlike achievements, than Grendel does himself; Hence I seek not with sword-edge to sooth him to slumber, of life to bereave him, though well I am able. No battle-skill has he, that blows he should strike me, to shatter my shield, though sure he is mighty in strife and destruction.” Beowulf boasts about his victory. Beowulf then goes to fight Grendel’s mother and the dragon. All of these fights were fought without anybody helping him; he beat all of his opponents on his own. While Gilgamesh has help from Enkidu. When Gilgamesh begins to see how disastrous Humbaba is in the cedar forest, he becomes afraid and falls asleep. Due to this, Enkidu has to lead the way and tell Gilgamesh what to do. Moreover, Gilgamesh goes to kill the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu grabs the bull by the horns and Gilgamesh stabs it in the neck with an axe. Gilgamesh uses weapons and has a companion in battle, while Grendel fights alone and is braver