Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Achilles

Achilles and Beowulf were two characters who are considered heroes in the epic tales. Amazing powers and courage have made their names live for hundreds of years in the re-telling of these epic tales. While they are both from different cultures, and different time periods. They have unique ways and skills that allow them to go beyond the typical human limit in order to be able to achieve goals. Achilles and Beowulf were the best known heroes, and share many hero qualities as well as a couple of differences, with one being a better example of a hero than the other.

Both men come from royal backgrounds. Achilles was a Prince, since his father was King Peleus of Myrmidons and his mother, Achilles, was a goddess of the sea. Beowulf is the son of King Higlac, king of the Geats. They both go on a long dangerous journey that involves more than their own country. This journey was dealing with a

lot of supernatural powers and mystical creatures. Both men are considered courageous warriors that are willing to fight off enemies. Even though both men are similar they do have their differences.
While both men are surrounded by many warriors fighting with them, Achilles had a friendship with Patroclus which ultimately motivated him, after Patroclus’ death, to seek revenge. Beowulf
did not have the companion that Achilles had, neither did he have any of Achilles' anger. This is a major difference between the two men. Their reason for fighting was also a major difference between them.
Both men are motivated by pride and glory, but Achilles became motivated over the slaying of his friend Patroclus.

This leads Achilles to fight his biggest enemy, Hector. Beowulf did not have the anger motivation. He went on many journeys because he wanted to show people that he is a brave reliable leader. He also wanted to show people that he can fight almost anyone, from people to monsters and dragons etc.. Beowulf got the job done, because he was driven out of compassion for his friends. Achilles and Beowulf are two epic characters who have fearless behavior and powerful acts and powers. Their will always be reader that will enjoy the stories. Achilles and Beowulf were considered heroes because of their courage their motivated for different reasons and those reasons make the difference between them an epic hero and a hero.the selfless acts of beowulf are the kinds of acts that people admire and in others. Why their so remembered till this day is because they did courageous acts like today's heroes such as putting someone else's life in front of

theirs.