Comparing Mulan In Beowulf And The Fight With Gren

Mulan in “Mulan” is more heroic than Beowulf in “Beowulf and the Fight with Grendel”. Mulan and Beowulf are both loyal heroes. Before Beowulf’s battle with Grendel, he gives his word to Hrothgar that he will defeat Grendel. When Hrothgar's offer to withdraw from the fight tests his allegiance, he rejects it. Mulan also goes through tests that reveal her loyalty to China when Chi-Fu exposes her true identity and banishes her from the army. Regardless of her desertion, Mulan pursues Shang to warn him about Shan-Yu’s survival and to assist the army in the fight against him. While Mulan and Beowulf are both loyal heroes, Mulan has a stronger sense of loyalty. The shame, dishonor, and isolation that result from her abandonment test Mulan’s

devotion to her country. Yet, she still saves China through these circumstances, making her more heroic than Beowulf. Mulan is more selfless than Beowulf, though both heroes are selfless in character. Beowulf endangers his life to aid Heorot even though he has no obligation to the kingdom. Mulan risks her life by taking her father’s place during the war. In doing so, she also compromises her honor and dignity, making her more heroic than Beowulf because of her willingness to risk more than he is. Mulan is also more clever than Beowulf. Beowulf reveals his ability to plan by barring the doors to act as a warning for Grendel's arrival. He also removes his armour to save more time in battle by not allowing himself to draw a weapon. Mulan’s cleverness is evident when she entombs the Huns by triggering an avalanche, and also when she uses her fan to use Shan Fu’s strength against him. Mulan's revelations of her resourcefulness and quick-thinking supersede Beowulf's plans and strategies. Moreover, this makes her cleverer than Beowulf, and in turn, makes her more heroic as well. Mulan's strong sense of loyalty, selfless nature, and cleverness make her more heroic.