Literature Class of 2014
Fyffe Senior bloggers worked on Battle of the Royal Epics
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The Iliad, Beowulf and Gilgamesh: Differences and Similarities
In my opinion, I think The Iliad was different than Beowulf and Gilgamesh; although, they do have their similarities. Achilles wanted to achieve personal revenge on Hector for killing his best friend; whereas, Beowulf and Gilgamesh slay monsters to gain immortality. The heroes in Beowulf and Gilgamesh had extreme pride and brag frequently of themselves but, on the other hand, Achilles was too concerned with getting back at Hector to boast of himself. The three epics are also similar because the heroes were victorious at the end of their daring battles. In addition, each epic hero was royalty; Gilgamesh and Achilles were princes and Beowulf became king . All three stories had similar points but, The Iliad stood out to me.
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I agree when you say The Iliad differs from Beowulf and Gilgamesh. I think that Beowulf and Gilgamesh are sort of cocky about their heroism. Beowulf, having slain numerous monsters, had a right to be; however, Gilgamesh had not proven himself yet, and just came off arrogant and unlikable. Nevertheless, these two epics are more similar compared to The Iliad where Hector is fighting from the heart and not for the glory of fame.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your opinion that the Iliad has many differences compared to Beowulf and Gilgamesh. Even though all heroes fought their battles for different reasons, Achilles reason was more for personal revenge unlike the two other epics mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI too agree. Achilles sticks out more than Beowulf and Gilgamesh. Achilles does not fight a monster to gain immortality. He simply confronts Hector to avenge Patroclus unlike Beowulf and Gilgamesh killing monsters to be remembered forever.
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