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Sir Gawain And Beowulf Comparison

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Taylor Armendariz

Mr. Ryan

English 4

9/20/17
Beowulf

The epic Beowulf is by an unknown author. It is an epic about a warrior named Beowulf, who helps king Hrothgar defend his land against an ogre named Grendel. Another story by an unknown author is the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It is a romance about a green knight who goes to a dinner party and desires to play a game. Both Beowulf and sir Gawain show bravery, courage, and strength in all that they do. Beowulf’s bravery is certainly not in question throughout this epic. From his victory over Breca in a swimming contest, to his final fall as a glorious king defending his kingdom, we see that bravery is an important aspect of his life. We see some of this bravery when …show more content…
It was said that he had the “Strength of 30 men”. Beowulf boasts of his strength quote “So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength.” (415-418) Not only does he boast of his strength, but he also shows Hrothgar just how strong he truly is. In his battle against Grendel, Beowulf renounced the use of weapons and instead resorted to hand to hand combat. While his men were attacking the beast, Beowulf essentially rips Grendel’s arm straight out of its socket with his bare hands: “Hygelac’s kinsman kept him helplessly locked in a handgrip. As long as either lived, he was hateful to the other. The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lapping burst.” (812-817) This quote is just saying that Beowulf was able to hold Grendel with his bare hands, an ogre who was easily quadruple his size. Even Beowulf’s men, with all their weapons and armor were amazed at this feat: “Clear proof of this could be seen in the hand of the hero displayed high up near the roof: the whole of Grendel’s shoulder and arm, (in) his awesome grasp.” Beowulf’s strength and bravery are never questioned throughout this epic tale. In conclusion, Beowulf has all of the traits you would desire in a hero. From his exploits in defeating Grendel, to his final breath defending his kingdom, Beowulf shows

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