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Beowulf Comparison

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Throughout history, there have been authors that rely on other stories as a ground of their own. This is more prominent in some authors more than others and there is also a substantial increase in the amount of information taken from the stories. An example of this is J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and it's connection to Beowulf in its settings, characters, and scenery. One of the first parallels of these two stories is the scenery and weapons. J.R.R. Tolkien based some buildings and cities on those of Beowulf. One of the areas that have a strong connection can be seen in the destruction of Rohan (The Two Towers), which is under the rule of King Théoden and the destruction of Hrothgar's Hall. In Beowulf, a place known as, "The Hall", …show more content…

The Anglo-Saxons were known for making amazing sets of weaponry just as Tolkien’s elves and dwarves were known for. Beowulf also talks about the use of archers just as Tolkein's elves were known to be expert archers. The armor worn by Beowulf and the Geats was the same armor worn by the warriors of Middle Earth. Beowulf wore a chain mail shirt, a helmet, and a shield and both Bilbo and Frodo both wore a chain mail shirt made of mithril. The use of plate armor, which was used by Beowulf’s soldiers, was used in Tolkien’s works and were more profound in areas used to protect specific body parts such as the legs and the …show more content…

The first two characters who are closely related are the antagonists of the novels, Grendel and Gollum. Both creatures are said to have some human traits and have came across as being an enemy of heroes of the stories. They have also been banished to dark, sepulchral areas on the outskirts of civilization ad are seen as outcasts who loathe humanity. Although Gollum is not as aggressive as Grendel, he still has outburst of violence and brutality, which he showed when he threatened to eat Bilbo. Although Grendel and Gollum are twisted creatures, many readers might also feel pity for them. Each have been shunned by society and have been ostracized. Both have also undergone life-changing alterations by turning from their natural, hobbit or human state, into their now wretched outcome. Grendel and Gollum both have above average strength as author David Day notes, “just as some unknown power gave Grendel enormous physical strength and long life, so the evil power of the Ring lengthened Gollum’s miserable life for centuries and seemingly enhanced the power of his wraith-like hands” (Day

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