| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "BEOWULF GILGAMESH": |
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"Epic of Gilgamesh", "Beowulf" & "Sundiata", 1999.
Compares 3 epic tales of heroes & how they illuminate the cultures & eras from which they came.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the reader as much about the society in which the work was written as it does about the life of the hero-king Gilgamesh himself. Gilgamesh's story began to take shape some four thousand years ago , and the result of succeeding additions and revisions is a portrait of a larger-than-life epic hero whose character and exploits embody the highest ideals and values of the pagan (pre-Christian) culture he represents. The Mesopotamia of more than two thousand years ago (Sumer was a region in southern Mesopotamia) consisted of harsh and dangerous societies in which bold and courageous action was required from heroes, especially kings. "Gilgamesh" lived in a time of great trouble and strife, when history was in its early stages and society was just beginning to develop. His amazing physical exploits answer the call of the time for blatant..."
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Beowulf and Achilles, 2008.
This paper compares and contrasts the hero figures of Beowulf from "Beowulf" and Achilles from "The Iliad".
789 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper looks closely at the heroes in the poems "Beowulf" and "The Iliad" and shows how Beowulf fights and lives on a superior level than Achilles. The paper discusses how Beowulf, through his battles and his image, becomes a kind of mythological figure, while Achilles, despite the charisma he has with the troops and the way he does battle, remains to the end an ordinary human being. The paper shows how even in death he is killed by a mortal, while it takes another mythological being, a dragon, to kill Beowulf.
From the Paper
"Both Achilles and Beowulf are the centre hero-figures of the literary works they are presented in and the poems "Beowulf" and "The Iliad" are centered on their existence and evolution. However, while Beowulf's mythological struggle seems to bear an extraterrestrial projection, his success seemingly determined the outcome of mankind's faith, Achilles is the centre of a battle between individuals on Earth. Despite godly interventions, the Iliad remains a battle between the Greeks and the Trojans over the fate of Helen of Troy rather than a glorious combat of mythological perspective."
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James H. Morey's "The Fates of Men in Beowulf", 2008.
Explores the thesis presented by James H. Morey in "The Fates of Men in Beowulf" regarding the "Beowulf" poet's description of the deaths of the ruling kings.
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how James H. Morey's thesis, in "The Fates of Men in Beowulf", centers on how the Beowulf'- poet describes, or just as importantly, doesn't describe the deaths of the ruling kings in each of the three dynastic houses. In particular, the paper looks at Morey's contention that the Swedish and Geatish houses have most of their king's deaths related in a clear and convincing way and that the Danish house is the only one with a significant number of kings whose demises are ambiguous. Contrary to Morey's belief, the paper concludes that a close look at the specific examples of explicitly detailed deaths in both the Swedish and Geatish royals, makes it obvious that these two houses are guilty of the same kin-slaying that to Morey makes the Danes special.
From the Paper
"The Geatish house has an even more explicit depiction of kin-slaying in the example of Hrethel's eldest son Herebeald. The tale is related via Beowulf's speech before the dragon fight when he describes how the second eldest son of Hrethel, Haethcyn, hitting and killing his elder brother with an arrow. It is unclear whether or not this was a purposeful act, but the poet's description of it as "fyrenum gesyngad" paints it as deliberate, and malicious, act of violence."
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Life and Death: Socrates and Gilgamesh, 2000.
An comparison of Socrates, in Plato's "Five Dialogues", and Gilgamesh, in the "Epic of Gilgamesh" - comparison on their views on death and the afterlife.
1,268 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper is a comparison between the way the Socrates sees life and death and the way that Gilgamesh sees it - what they think the afterlife is like, how that belief effects the way they life their lives, the changes that Gilgamesh's views about life and death undergo through his trials, Socrates focus on reason, Gilgamesh's focus on the passions/instincts, separation of the body and soul, etc.
From the Paper
"Questions of life and death have been asked and answered in a vast number of ways by every culture and individual throughout history. In Plato: Five Dialogues and The Epic of Gilgamesh, characters Socrates and Gilgamesh understand these issues very differently. Questions of the how to live one?s life, how to come to terms with death, and what can be expected of the afterlife are three main points in which their perceptions differ. Gilgamesh struggles and evolves with these issues, while Socrates has come to terms with and accepts his beliefs on these issues."
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"Epic of Gilgamesh", 2002.
An analysis of the immortality of Gilgamesh in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the "Epic of Gilgamesh", and seek to understand the basic premise of this ancient mythology. By exploring immortality, and the life of Gilgamesh, we can explore his adventures in the classic tale.
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2003.
This paper discusses "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (anonymous), the story of Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, which is the earliest known written epic, predating Homer by eight centuries.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (anonymous), which was discovered in the mid-nineteenth century in the ruins of the great library at Nineva, was written on twelve clay tablets in the ancient Sumerian writing known as cuneiform and dated to 650 B.C. but pieces of the tablets were from 2000 B.C.. The author points out that these tablets are not necessarily the original writing, since certain linguistics believe that the story was written well before 2000 B.C., which is a definite possibility considering the fact that "The Epic of Gilgamesh" was originally an oral tradition passed down through generations. The paper relates that a major interest is that the flood written in "Gilgamesh" is almost identical to the flood story found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible.
From the Paper
"The story of "Gilgamesh" is essentially related to the ancient Sumerian culture, mainly since it is thought by some that the King truly did exist and the story is based on his real life rule. In the story, Gilgamesh rules the ancient Mesopotamian town of Uruk which actually existed at some point in time. He is said to be the son of the god Ninsun and a mortal father, however, historians have not obtained clear details on that matter. Although it is unclear whether or not King Gilgamesh actually existed, the story still acted as in "instructive text" for the people of Mesopotamia."
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"The Odyssey" and "Beowulf", 2006.
An analysis and comparison of the heroic characters in Homer's "The Odyssey" and in "Beowulf".
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the heroes of Odysseus in "The Odyssey" by Homer and Beowulf in "Beowulf", which are two of the greatest epics in Western literature. The similarities discussed by the paper include: both heroes undertake a great journey across water; both heroes descend into the underworld; both undergo trials and tribulations and must depend on the companionship of others; and both are uniquely grand men in their times. On the other hand, the paper demonstrates how despite these similarities, Beowulf and Odysseus are drastically different characters. Beowulf comes across as a noble and self-sacrificing knight, explains the paper, while Odysseus seems prone to adventuring for the sake of spoils, women and fame. Other differences include that Beowulf is literally seen as the hand of God in stamping out evil; Odysseus, on the other hand, struggles in opposition to the gods. The paper also demonstrates how Odysseus struggles against nature and his fellow man, while Beowulf struggles against demons.
From the Paper
"Beowulf and Odysseus have quite different approaches to heroism and its purposes. Beowulf is driven to act as he does based on the guidance of his wise men and religious leaders, who urge him to go "help the king who needed help."(1) At its core, Beowulf's purpose is to bring "relief from this evil." (1) Though eventually he will be rewarded by the Queen for his good deeds and his promise of friendship to her sons and given by her "the largest neck ring I have heard tell of on the earth," (6) still he does not respond either with pride or with hubris, but remains a "gentle, joyful one... mild in spirit, and faithful to his king." (6) Odysseus, on the other hand, does not approach adventures through some sort of over-weening altruism. When he battles monsters, it is because they stand between him and his goals (usually his way home). When he acts heroically, he generally does so in hope of gaining the monetary pleasure of kings. For example, Odysseus usually closely follows up his accounts of his own heroic adventures with a blatant request for tribute, as when -in the middle of accounting his trip to the Underworld, he says: "King Alcinous, if you were to bid me to stay here for a whole twelve months, and then speed me on my way, loaded with your noble gifts, I should obey you gladly..." (Book XI) This is quite different from Beowulf, who offers his loyalty and friendship without price."
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Christianity in "Beowulf", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of Christianity in the epic poem "Beowulf".
816 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in the ancient epic poem "Beowulf", we find a character named Beowulf, who, at first glance, appears to be very Christian. The paper relates that the character of Beowulf frequently praises God and gives thanks to Him, yet the reader gets the feeling that something is not quite right. It seems that Beowulf's Christianity runs only skin deep, because he is very violent and boastful. The paper then examines how the debate over this subject, as well as the identity of the author of Beowulf, has raged for countless years. The paper asserts that, though Beowulf was almost undoubtedly not a Christian, there is indisputable evidence that proves that the author of "Beowulf" was.
From the Paper
"Though the author does not mention Jesus Christ by name a single time throughout the entire poem, he clearly compares Beowulf to him indirectly in multiple instances during the tale. For starters, just as Jesus descends into hell to battle Satan, Beowulf descends into a sort of Hell lair to fight Grendel's Mother. Just as Beowulf was beaten by other Hell dwelling monsters during his fight with Grendel's mother, Jesus was spat upon and laughed at by crowds at his crucifiction. Jesus was sent to earth to complete a task that no one else could complete: To save humanity through his own sacrifice. Similarly, Beowulf comes to Heorot to complete a task which no one else could, namely defeating Grendel. "Now Holy God has, in His goodness, guided him here to the West-Danes, to defend us from Grendel" (Beowulf 382-4) This quote even alludes to Beowulf being some sort of God commisioned savior for Hrothgar, just as Jesus was for mankind. "
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Beowulf: The Evolution of a King, 2002.
Looks at how the character of Beowulf boasts prior to each major battle, in the epic poem "Beowulf".
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Beowulf's three boasts prior to fighting each major battle in the story. It shows how each speech shines light on Beowulf's character and how he matures during the poem. It examines how his character develops to become worthy of being a king.
From the Paper
"The story of Beowulf is one of heroism and bravery. It tells the story of a young man?s growth and development into the ruler of his kingdom. Much of the poem?s depth lies in the changes in the tone among Beowulf?s dialogues as he matures. The changes between the speeches that Beowulf makes prior to fighting each of his adversaries show his maturation into manhood and the effects that these changes have on his behavior."
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"Gilgamesh", 2005.
A critical analysis of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
1,347 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses the inter-twined relationship of the protagonist, Gilgamesh and Enkidu in this epic poem. It discusses how, despite their totally opposite backgrounds, two immensely different people are able to grow such a strong and influential friendship for one another.
From the Paper
"The poem begins by exploring life in the city of Uruk. The people are dealt with unjustly by King Gilgamesh. The people of Uruk complain to the gods about King Gilgamesh's harsh ruling towards them. The gods then summon Aruru (mother goddess), to use her strength and form Gilgamesh's equal. His equal will be mightier in strength and will compete with him over superiority."
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Heroism and Loyalty in "Beowulf", 2008.
An examination of the heroism and loyalty in the poem "Beowulf".
2,308 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the main theme of heroism and loyalty in the ancient literature "Beowulf" and cites examples from the story to illustrate this theme. The paper discusses the loyalty of Beowulf to the king, the people, his values and to the expectations of those around him. The paper also explains that Beowulf, the hero, needs the loyalty of the people while the people need the loyalty of their hero. In addition, the paper notes that Beowulf does not fight for the sake of fighting; he fights only for his people. The paper emphasizes that Beowulf places loyalty on a high pedestal and, as a result, he becomes a hero.
From the Paper
"Beowulf, as one of the oldest texts in literature, is interesting to read because the text reveals much about the society for which it was written. We know that Beowulf placed a high regard for heroism and loyalty. Sarah Lawall notes that Beowulf is "both a heroic poem of dark magnificence and the most vivid account left to us of the social world and life experiences of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples" (Lawall 1057). She adds that the poem is also a "fairy-tale story of how the hero Beowulf conquered three monsters" (1057). In addition, she notes that the "most important fact about Germanic tribal society is its violence, which is why the poet describes that society by means of a narrative of monster-killing" (1057). From this notion, we can surmise that the hero was a hero because he did great things - namely he fought monsters."
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'Beowulf', 2006.
A review of the epic poem, 'Beowulf'.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the German epic poem 'Beowulf'. The paper reports that 'Beowulf' is said to have been written sometime between the years circa 675 A.D. and circa 1000 A.D. According to the paper, the poem tells the story of a king, Beowulf, from his youth to old age, as he saves a neighboring people from the monster, Grendel.
From the Paper
"Copied down by monks, the poem is probably an originally mythological treatment of a real person who lived during the ages when men did not and could not write. Back then, people passed along stories by word of mouth, rather than printing it in a newspaper. Storytellers, called scops or bards, roamed the seas or countryside and for a hot meal and a bed, would entertain the townspeople with songs and tales of what had happened in neighboring kingdoms. The story of Beowulf includes a professional bard who accompanies himself on a harp and sings or chants traditional lays, who improvises a song about Beowulf's victory."
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Female Dream Interpretation in Gilgamesh, 2000.
A look at how Gilgamesh's mother teaches us how to ?untie? or interpret dreams, a skill that Gilgamesh needs to learn and her wisdom is an early tribute to the power of female intelligence.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, $ 40.95
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From the Paper
"Ninsun, the mother of Gilgamesh, is represented as a skilled interpreter of dreams. Dreams and how to interpret them have always fascinated humankind. From the dreams of Gilgamesh to the dreams represented in other literature to Freud?s Interpretation of Dreams to the Jungian perspective on dreams up to the Gestaltian interpretation of dreams, dreams have an enduring fascination in life as well as in literature. Dreams are now understood to be the key to the unconscious mind of humans and dream interpretation is a skill that is practiced by both fortune-tellers and highly trained psychotherapists. Gilgamesh turns to his mother for dream interpretation and she is perhaps the first person in the literature of the world to practice this skill. Ninsun is a very minor character in the Epic, and does not appear in most of the action. It is easy to overlook her compared with the space and attention given to Ishtar, but Ninsun, as mother figure and dream interpretator is not a character that should be ignored. "
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The Dawn of Warfare in the 'Epic of Gilgamesh', 2008.
This paper discusses the dawn of warfare in the ancient text "Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by M. G. Kovacs.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The writer notes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" is one of the most remarkable writings of the Babylonian ancient literature. Its main theme is the condition of man on earth as a mortal being. The writer discusses that the epic is centered on the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the two legendary heroes and friends who pass together through initiating experiences. One of their most important heroic feats is the battle with Humbaba, the demon that guards the Cedar Forest, whom Gilgamesh eventually defeats. The writer notes that the episode of the battle with the demon is very significant for both the ancient and the modern interpretations of warfare. The writer maintains that, first of all, the battle of Gilgamesh against the demon is easily inscribed in the tradition of the battle of good against evil, common to most heroic epics, legends and myths. At the same time, though, modern interpretations of the passage arise when the wider context of the battle is analyzed. The writer concludes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" has very interesting modern ramifications of meaning, mixed with the traditional epic storyline.
From the Paper
"The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is a very profound text, which must have had great importance for its contemporary audience. First of all, the traditional battle of good against evil is emphasized throughout the epic. Also, the wars fought by the two friends together emphasize the classic theme of the quest for immortality. The warfare was not at the time done with the aid of any great technology. The braveness of heroes, the help of a beneficial god, such as Shamash in the text, the perfect communion between the two heroes, such were generally the main reasons why the battle was won in a classic epic. Thus, in the text, the episode of the battle against Humbaba describes the way in which the god Shamash raised all the winds to help Gilgamesh win the battle against the demon .. "
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Beowulf and Christian Themes, 2002.
An interpretation of Chambers' ?Beowulf and the ?Historic Age? in England,? as an allegorical of salvation.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The following paper critically analyzes 'Beowulf', a collection of heathen tales of the early Northland, put together and shaped by a Christian Anglo-Saxon poet in the era of Bede who was influenced by both Greek/Roman and Church sources. This paper examines the significant parallels apparent between Beowulf?s adventure and Christ?s death, decent into hell and resurrection. However heathen the original story was, the writer argues that it is reasonable to suppose that the account of Beowulf?s decent into the grim fen, his encounter with the demon-brood staining the water with blood and his triumphant emergence from it into joyous springtime is at least an allegory of baptism. The following paper gives ?Beowulf and the ?Historic Age? a far fuller historical meaning and even greater artistic value than the writer would have if it were only interpreted on a story level. The writer contends that if one were to start from scratch and invent a story whose every detail was to allegorize the story of salvation (which C.S. Lewis did in his ?Narnia? series, for example), one could not do much better than was done in Beowulf by using plot inherent in the ancient tales.
From the Paper
?A classic work of literature is one that endures past its own generation. One reason a work endures is because it can be read, enjoyed and promote thought not only for the author?s contemporaries, but for people who read it for years to come. In order to do that, it must contain universal themes that remain true across times and cultures.One thing that successive generations of readers do with a classic is relate its themes to their own lives and times. A classic may mean one thing to one person who reads it and another thing to another person. Quite often readers recognize a simple story as an allegory for something else. A recent example of this is how the ?Star Wars? saga has come to be ?adopted? by Christian readers because Christians realized that many of the main concepts could be metaphors for Christian ideals. ?The force? can be God or the Holy Spirit who helps the Jedi (those chosen to lead and defend the common people, or in the Christian tradition, the clergy or ministers or even ?everyman? Christians) to fight ?the dark side?.?
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