Beowulf's Accomplishments

Words: 576
Pages: 3

Hodges, Initial Post:
The development of different religion, political, and cultural practices change hero figures because each era possesses different ambitions for the society at each time. During 1900-250 BCE, “The Epic of Gilgamesh” provides insights on political and social problems during this time era. Initially, Gilgamesh is malicious and inhumane during his rulings; however, the townspeople proclaim their ruler to be too domineering. Soon thereafter, the gods eventually spiritually awaken Enkidu to discipline Gilgamesh to mold him into the hero the townspeople need. The ambition of this epic eventually shifts from political focuses to friendship and heroism on behalf of both Enkidu and Gilgamesh. It is not until the end of the epic that another significant change can be observed; the death of Enkidu as well as the grieving that Gilgamesh experiences.
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Beowulf’s epic concentrates on the defeat of real monsters such as Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Each of these monsters are indicated to be cursed by God and casted away from society to be solitary because of their relations to Cain of the Holy Bible. These creatures are observed to be the purest of evil. (Beowulf 1267) Likewise, “Beowulf” demonstrates some Christian views opposed to praise to several different gods in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Iliad.” Further, Beowulf concentrates on protecting the community as well as promoting the uniting of two different communities that previously were controversial. The political advances during this epic are significantly different than seen in previous epics as Beowulf was adopted into the household of Hrothgar for his grand deeds. Beowulf was granted his honor for the protection of the people in the community; in other words, he did not wage war for land or over prizes given by multiple gods. (Beowulf