Beowulf Vs King Research Paper

Beowulf, the best warrior in Geatland, fights numerous enemies for King Hrothgar and his people in Daneland. Monsters are no match for his strength and skill in battle. However, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought a different kind of battle, against racism on the other side of the world and in a different era. This leader of the civil rights movement had his hands full with this major problem. So how could these two people possibly be alike? Beowulf and Dr. King are similar because they are both loyal, courageous, and strong.
Beowulf and Dr. King provide examples of loyalty in their actions. Beowulf is loyal to Hrothgar by repaying Ecgtheow. Beowulf is also loyal to his own king by bringing home some of the treasure that he earned during his adventures. Dr. King was loyal because he stayed with his goal, even if he had some roadblocks facing him. This includes receiving death threats. Dr. King kept fighting for what he thought was right. Beowulf and Dr. King were loyal to their mission especially in times of extreme adversity. Courage is another trait that is typically shown by Beowulf and Dr. King. Beowulf is courageous because he always responds to his call to duty even when the odds are against him. He fights two giants and a dragon and does not give a second thought as to
what the consequences may be. Dr. King was courageous because he was beaten severely at several of his speeches in Birmingham and Chicago. He also was hit in the head with rocks and other public figures around him were being shot in his everyday life. He also warned his family of possible assassination prior to his Memphis trip where he was assassinated on his hotel balcony. Beowulf and Dr. King show courage, even in the face of almost imminent death. A common attribute between Beowulf and Dr.
King is strength. Beowulf uses his strength when swimming with Breca for five days and nights before Breca turns back to shore. Beowulf also showcases his strength by ripping Grendel’s arm off in the battle in Heorot. He even holds his breath underwater for an extended period while fighting Grendel’s mother in her underwater lair. Dr. King was strong because he opposed racism at a time when no one stood up to defend themselves. He also was arrested over thirty times and assaulted four times, but did that stop him? No. He kept trying to achieve justice for all. Beowulf and Dr. King use strength especially in the times of despair and
hopelessness.
Loyalty, courage, and strength are characteristics that both Beowulf and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. showcase. They do, however, own some key differences. Some examples are in the ways they fight. Beowulf fights aggressively in war, while Dr. King protested in nonviolent ways just like Mohandas Gandhi. Another major difference is that Beowulf fights with the intention of eternal glory, fame, and riches. Dr. King’s intention was to achieve equality, not for just himself, but for all African American people.