Similarities Between Beowulf And Lucifer

Beowulf and Lucifer are two seperate variations of the same man. There is a set idea when a reader sees the phrase tragic hero, Strong, fast, smart, almost flawless; Making it seem like all tragic heroes are the same statuette with different paint on it. That is because there are a set of traits, whom of which an epic hero should consist of many of them. Beowulf from Beowulf on the album Beowulf by Beowulf and John Milton’s Lucifer from Paradise Lost are good examples of tragic heroes, they are both of noble birth in a sense, their tragic flaw is excessive pride, and that pride is their downfall. Beowulf is definitely an epic hero up until his final years; Lucifer would also have been considered an epic hero while he was still the archangel up in Heaven. They both have a fall whether is be literally through space or metaphorically in physical strength, but their pride never falters, despite it being the catalyst of their own demise.

To truly understand the characters, you have to look at their beginnings.

Beowulf is a viking strong and brave slaying monsters purely for the glory. His father was a king and he wanted to spread the glory of his kingdom. Lucifer was the archangel in Heaven, “The lost archangel” (1: 43). After their fall, Beowulf and Lucifer both become the kings of their respective kingdoms. Beowulf rules his lands in peace after he becomes king, others fearing his legend, “The best of kings” (53: 639). Lucifer falls from Heaven into the Pits of hell; where he rallies his subjects taking the throne for himself. “Better to reign in hell, than serve in heav’n,” (1:263). Their nobility critical part of their lives, shaping their character. It causes them to develop a deeper and potent sense of

pride.
Their pride is a definitive trait of both Beowulf and Lucifer’s character. Beowulf’s pride is fueled by everyone around him, burning bright into his old age. The narrator, most likely a bard or subject of Beowulf depending how far back we look, exalts Beowulf saying “Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong” (53: 633), proving that he cannot be stopped. Lucifer’s pride got him thrown from heaven, and banished to hell; even after that though Lucifer’s pride burns bright. He wants to go back and challenge God again, “Can else inflict do I repent or change” (1:96). Lucifer lead the revolution and crowned himself king of Hell and was not questioned. Similarly, Beowulf boasts about himself, “no man but me could hope to to defeat this monster” (53: 628-629), and is supported by his subjects, “no coward could walk here” (53: 636). Showing that even after their fall they have excessive pride, and it is being fanned by their subjects. Although they have subjects that support their king, the reader must not forget that it is that pride that causes trouble.
Beowulf and Lucifer’s overflowing egos power the machine of their own downfall. They both overstep their bounds attempting to do the literal impossible. In Beowulf’s case his pride overcasts how weak and old he really is now when he needs to slay the dragon, “I’ve never known fear, as a youth i fought in endless battles. Now I am old, now, But I will fight again.” (52: 607-609). Lucifer on the other hand, is lets his pride make him believe that he can defeat God. “With vain attempt” (1:43), that is how Milton describes Lucifer’s struggle with God. In Beowulf’s final moments he realises that he is done for, “A king before, but now a beaten Warrior” (54, 690-691), his pride falters for just a moment. Even though he is literally dying once the dragon is slay, and he lays dying, his only request is materialistic mementoes. “Bring me ancient silver, Precious Jewels, Shining armor, and gems” (56: 758-760). He was so full of himself that he does not want to even acknowledge his family of friendships, only treasure. Much like Beowulf Lucifer’s pride only falters for a moment; he is back on his feet in, but a moment after his fall from grace.¨The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a heav’n of hell, a hell of heav’n, (1:254-255). After realizing this Lucifer is ready to cause havoc and openly defy God again.
Beowulf and Lucifer are definitely different characters, but their similarities are uncanny.
While both these characters are beaten down by the product of their pride it does not stop them for long. Beowulf is as full of himself as the day he slew Grendel, and Lucifer may even be more proud of himself while ruling in Hell. They come from a high position and in the end they are high kings. Their pride causes them to get brought to their knees.