BEOWULF

For people to be identified as heroes, they should meet all life aspects such as social, economic and cultural interests which ought to be within a stipulated time limit. By fulfilling all the values, the hero portrays heroic motivations appreciated by both the public and leaders. Every culture stipulates its cultures, and this is depicted when an individual is emulated and admired due to the great virtues through the actions they show. Beowulf represents the real traits of a perfect hero through his two phases of both youth and age as indicated in the poem. First, at his child age, Beowulf is a great warrior through is strength and courage. Moreover, he shows good manners and values such as loyalty (Niles and John 17).
Odysseus and Achilles are essential characters who help to explain what the writer intends to pass to his readers. However, their roles are controversial due to trait similarities. Both seem to be ordinary men who talk to their gods, and they are mortal. Besides, they are active with a caring attitude through standing by the side of their fellow men. Besides, they are both emotional since they cry when one their men die or hurt. This is evident in a scenario where they use violence to revenge for their dead people (Finkel and Norman 742).
However, the two legends differ where one of the characters outdoes the other exemplary. In this case, Odysseus cares more for his people than Achilles does. This is evident where he feeds them with good wine and food and by providing them with ways of battling and providing guidance as they fight.

On the other side, Achilles seems reluctant where he is self-centered with the notion of every man for himself. Besides, Odysseus resists temptations like lotus eaters while Achilles resist temptations like nourishment before fighting. Also, both are tactical to win, but Odysseus uses intelligence to win battles while Achilles uses physical strength to get through fights such as the use of body armor and swords. Also, Odysseus is a tolerant character since is entire journey is full of blessing due to lack of god’s favor, and equally his solders are stubborn but still manages to guide them throughout. However, Achilles is impatient because he does not wait for the battle until the right time but rather rushes into battles aimlessly. Equally, he restricts himself and his men from drinking and eating. Finally, Odysseus is a more satisfying hero because he tries several times without getting discouraged even after losing all his men. Moreover, he survives severe and deadly conditions during the battle and through the journey back home. On the other side, Achilles offers fewer efforts to his crew (Tolkien and Reuel 23).
Both legends Odysseus and Achilles are tied to historical context. Odysseus is one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology (Foley and Miles 41). His virtues and encouraging skills are impressing and worth to be emulated. His fame is out of his courageous and willingness to serve his people. Achilles also plays a great role as per the historical context is concerned through his traits and impact on the society.
Both Odysseus and Beowulf are more alike than any other heroes in the poem. They portray amazing characters through their courageous battles. Similarly, their level of intelligence and skills are quite impressive. They both are hard working with a sense of humor. They believe in family and can do anything to protect and make them proud.
In conclusion, the poem is full of teachings and critical reflections that enables learners and other members of the society to learn and embrace such traits. The poem depicts the importance of establishing identity and gives a clear explanation on the tensions between heroic codes with other value systems. Equally, it describes the differences between a good king and a good warrior.
Works cited
Finkel, Norman J. “Achilles fuming, Odysseus stewing, and Hamlet brooding: On the story of the murder/manslaughter distinction.” Neb. L. Rev.74 (1995): 742.
Foley, John Miles. Traditional Oral Epic: The Odyssey, Beowulf, and the Serbo-Croation Return Song. Univ of California Press, 1991.
Niles, John D. Beowulf: The poem and its tradition. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1983.
Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel. Beowulf: the Monsters and the Critics. Vol. 18. London, 1936.