Heroes in Beowulf and Macbeth: A Comparative Study

In the two literary classics, Beowulf, an old English Epic, and Macbeth, a play by William Shakespeare, there are two types of Heroes present, an epic hero and a tragic hero. The main character of the old English Epic is Beowulf who is described as a great warrior, characterized predominantly by his feats of strength and courage. Beowulf is also know as a hero of the Geats, and in the story comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has been under attack by a blood-thirsty monster known as Grendel, who, along with his mother, Beowulf slain. Victorious against the monsters, Beowulf goes home to Geatland where he becomes king of the Geats and after many years, in his last battle, Beowulf defeats a dragon but

An epic hero is defined as a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. Furthermore, and character must also meet the following eight characteristic of an Epic hero: 1). The character must be significant and glorified or famous, such as having royal background; 2). The character is called to a quest or adventure; 3). The character must have superior or superhuman strength, intelligence and courage and often faces supernatural foes and/or has assistance from supernatural beings; 4). the character must be ethical; 5). the character risks death for glory or for the greater good of society; 6). the character is seen as a strong and responsible leader; 7). the character must performs brave deeds; and 8). The character Reflects the ideals of a particular society. Upon closer inspection, all of these features are prevalent in the character of Beowulf, thus qualifying him as an epic

Beowulf was greatly “loved by the Geats” and because they thought “The omens were good…they urged the adventure on” and sent Beowulf on the quest to kill Grendel, the monster (page six). The quest helps fulfill the second characteristic of an epic hero. Furthermore, Beowulf is also said to have incredible strength and bravery and was thought to be “greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (page six). Lines 151-154 on page eight also provide a great example of his strength and bravery against supernatural beings when is recounted how Beowulf rose “from the darkness of war, Dripping with [his] enemies’ blood [and] drove Five great giants into chains.” Even with all of this strength and fame, a hero is still nothing without ethics and honor, which is something Beowulf, is also not in short supply of as well. Throughout the story, Beowulf is described as a very caring person who looks after the needs of his people and fight for their safety and justice for the innocent. An example of his honor and respect is in the quote “Together and I’ve come. Grant me, then, Lord and protector of this noble place, a single request! I have come so far,” in which he first asks permission to kill the monster Grendel, for it would be dishonorable to do without permission from the king and proper justification (page