Literature Class of 2014
Fyffe Senior bloggers worked on Battle of the Royal Epics
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Beowulf: True Hero
I believe that Beowulf shows the greatest characteristics of a true hero more than both Gilgamesh and Achilles. Gilgamesh wishes to slay Humbaba simply for personal gain. Achilles fights for revenge against Hector for killing his companion Patroclus. The true hero, Beowulf, goes to slay Grendel with no motive other than to simply help out his common man. Although all are know as "epic heroes", I believe Beowulf personifies true heroism the greatest.
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I agree that Beowulf is the true hero, but if you're viewing Achilles from a Greek point of view, it might be different. Achilles is considered the greatest Greek warrior ever, and with him avenging Patroclus' death and killing the Trojan hero, Hector, it results in an overall victory at Troy for the Greeks. Achilles seeks revenge for the death of a fellow Greek. I would hope you would seek revenge of my death if I were killed by an enemy.
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