Similarities Between Macbeth And Beowulf

Everyone has their own version of what a hero is, in the case of Burton Raffel’s, Beowulf, and William Shakespeare’s, Macbeth, their concepts of a hero compare quite well. Raffel’s famous tale, Beowulf, is about Beowulf himself, who is a courageous fighter, willing to fight monsters to protect everyone else, though to make a name for himself. Shakespeare’s Macbeth, is about a brave warrior who goes from a hero in battle, to a hero for simply his own good. Beowulf is portrayed as an epic hero whereas Macbeth is distinguished as a tragic hero. The two characters share the similarities of being brave and being prideful. Although these men have common traits of a hero, the one major difference is who they attempt to take down; Beowulf murders horrendous,
Macbeth may have not became the king fairly, but it does not seem to bother him any longer as he has become egocentric. Macbeth will not let anyone interfere with his ranking as the king. Beowulf and Macbeth’s mental state differ from each other immensely. Beowulf, unlike Macbeth, is not guilty of anything, he has a clear conscience. Beowulf would refuse to back down from challenges placed upon him, as if nothing can harm him mentally or physically. Beowulf’s strong, confident mindset ultimately leads to his death, when in his last fight, the dragon’s blood poisons him, after he bites Beowulf. On the other hand, Macbeth, begins to struggle with his guilt eating away at him after he has murderers kill his own loyal friend, Banquo, since he was with Macbeth when the three witches prophesized he would be king. Macbeth was concerned Banquo may figure out who really murdered King Duncan. “But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would be fear’d.” (Act 3, Scene 1) Macbeth is not immediately affected by Banquo’s death until his ghost begins to appear, which makes him and his wife extremely distraught. “Were the graced