Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Oedipus

When it comes to a hero, what does it take? There are many different versions to this 
word but when it comes to being an epic hero it takes some serious criteria. Both Beowulf 
and Oedipus could be considered a hero. They save people and do things for the greater 
good, but are the considered to be epic? 
Oedipus was determined to help the people of Thebans out of their troubled state after
the outbreak. His compassion and his drive to help and protect his people is especially what 
makes him a “heroic figure.” “hence, you do not wake me from sleep. But know that I have 
been weeping much and wandering many roads of the mind, and that which my inquiry 
found our only cure I have done, for I have sent Creon… to Apollo’s home in Pytho, so that 
he learns what I should do or say to save the city.” (70-77) But as we look through
For this reason will I not give his life to the sleep of 
death with a sword...He has no skill...with [a] sword...mighty though he may be in his 
horrific feats. We shall...make war without weapons. Let the wise God, the holy Lord, decree
success on whichever side seems right to him.” He fights the beast weaponless. “Nor have I 
ever seen… out of all the men on earth, one greater. Than has come with you; no commoner 
carries, such weapons, unless his appearance and his beauty, are both lies. (Page 31). Even as
Unferth criticizes Beowulf to be a fake Beowulf doesn’t allow that to stop him from his main
purpose. 
Both Beowulf and Oedipus demonstrate taunts to being an epic hero but the true hero 
here is Beowulf he fight with integrity, bravery and confidence. He shows selfless heroism 
and honor. As Beowulf comes to Danes to help Hrothgar with a favor his dad owes the man 
he shows him loyalty more than once and doesn’t allow the people of Danes to be harmed in 
anyway even after killing Grendal and his mother, he returns to the people of Geats but 
doesn’t let those of the Danes to go