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Achilles Vs Beowulf

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The protagonists in The Illiad and Beowulf are represented as resilient and daring individuals, which is mostly correct. However, the characters Achilles and Beowulf go through tragic experiences that leave them transformed. The godlike Achilles is distraught from the loss of a dear friend who was murdered. This encourages him to participate in the Trojan War to get his revenge. The fostered Beowulf is a loyal man who encounters many mythical creatures to save the kingdoms. The two heroes have different situations, but are normal humans who are placed on an elevated pedestal by the communities. The impression of a hero is that an ordinary individual finds a type of toughness that is endured to overcome difficult obstacles that are faced throughout …show more content…

We never should judge a person from their presentation, but we are human and automatically judge appearance. The set of armor for Achilles and Beowulf adds to their heroic characteristics. The armor of Achilles is lost in battle, but Hephaestus, god of the force, makes a second set for the Trojan War. The first suit of armor was decorated with embossed stars, while the second gleamed because of its gold and silver decorations (Strauss 7). Hephaestus also made a remarkable shield for Achilles. The descriptions on the shield are carvings of the heavens, earth and the seas, the cities: Troy and Greece, a flourishing vineyard and a herd of longhorn cattle. The protective gear gave him confidence and also the emotional strength to demolish Hector. However, Beowulf wore armor in all battles against the creatures, but did not receive them as a gift from a god. Beowulf wore the same suit of armor in the fight against Grendel and Grendel’s mother. As he suits up for the second battle, the proactive gear “was a beaten gold, princely headgear hooped and hasped by a weapon-smith who had worked wonders” (1450-1452). Even though Beowulf’s armor was not crafted from the heavens, he gained respect from the dents and experiences gained from the battles. Individuals looked to his armor and saw that he had went through trials and tribulations. Overall, the image of their armor gains respect from soldiers and

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