"Beowulf" and "King Arthur"

Paper Summary:

Although there are many similarities between "Beowulf" and "King Arthur", there are a number of significant differences. Both men, for example, became heroes for different reasons and objectives, thus implying that their motivation sprung from different sources. This paper, therefore, contrasts and compares "Beowulf" and "King Arthur" by examining their qualities, their ambitions, and the outcome of their noble and heroic actions.

Outline:
Introduction
Men of Honor
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Beowulf and King Arthur, although existing within different eras, were considered as heroes because of the way in which they stood against evil. Beowulf, for example, whose incredible deeds are told in an Old English heroic poem of the same name, defeated the terrible human-eating monster and its mother, while King Arthur fought an evil knight. Both heroes, furthermore, rode out in battle against an enemy that had supernatural powers, thus leaving them both in a distinctively disadvantaged position. As depicted, therefore, Beowulf and King Arthur were men of courage and honor - heroes because of the way in which they bravely faced a powerful enemy, despite the risks they faced. In fact, both heroes chose to go into battle either alone, or with just a few men, as seen by Beowulf, who demands, "That [he] alone and with the help of [his] men / May purge all evil from [the] hall" (165-166).

Sample of Sources Used:

• Michael, Geraghty (2008). Online article: "Beowulf/King Arthur Mythology by Michael Geraghty." Retrieved 10/30/2008 from:< http://cterfile.ed.uiuc.edu/mahara/view/view.php?id=261>

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