Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Wonder Woman

Beowulf embodies several respectable traits that make him an epic hero, but there is another hero that possesses even better traits. Her name is Diana, but is known as Wonder Woman; she comes from an island in the Amazons called Themyscira. Although Beowulf and Wonder Woman has similar qualities, there are several that make them different.

A quality Beowulf and Wonder Woman both possess is unselfishness. Beowulf shows his unselfishness by thinking of his people of Geatland when he sees the dragon’s priceless hoard of jewels and gold. His unselfishness is shown when the poet says, “Beowulf, thinking of his people, asks to see the monster's treasure. Wiglaf enters the dragon’s cave and finds a priceless hoard of jewels and gold.” (lines). Wonder Woman does not think of only her people in Themyscira. She thinks of each individual in dilemma. This is shown when Wonder Woman states in the movie, “If it means interfering in an ensconced, outdated system to help just one woman, man or child… I’m willing to accept the consequences.” Consequently, both heroes are unselfish, but Wonder Woman’s selflessness is more self-effacing. Beowulf was focused only on his men, while Wonder Woman focuses on everyone.

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Another quality Beowulf and Wonder Woman have is justice.

Beowulf shows his sense of justice when the poet says, “The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory.” (lines). Beowulf cares only about his legacy, while Wonder Woman believes that if she kills the god of war known as Aries, that humanity will be cured of its hatred. Wonder Woman’s justice is shown during her battle with Ares and states, “They are everything you say…but so much more. It’s not about deserving. It’s about what you believe, and I believe in love. Goodbye brother.” Wonder woman understands that love is the only aspect that can change the world. Wonder Woman cares about humanity, however, Beowulf cares only about his

fame.
Both heroes travel to distant locations to accomplish their great deeds. Beowulf travels to Herot to help Hrothgar defeat Grendel. This is displayed when the poet says, “Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was headed.” (line 710). Wonder Woman travels from Themyscira to Europe, where World War One was taken place. This is shown when she tells Steve, the prisoner, “Now…I’ll show you the way off the island…and you’ll take me to Ares.” The Amazons were sought to be found near the Teke Peninsula, therefore Wonder Woman travels farther than Beowulf to accomplish her great deeds.
Indubitably, Beowulf and Wonder Woman both have characteristics of an excellent epic hero, but Wonder Woman has qualities that make her even better. Wonder Woman is the better epic hero because she accomplishes her great deeds for other individuals, while Beowulf did his for his own fame.