Common Themes
Beowulf & The Odyssey
Courage - The ability to do something that frightens one.
Beowulf and Odysseus displayed courage throughout their journeys.
Beowulf saves the Danes and the Geats
Beowulf stepped up to defend the Danes against Grendel and also his mother, even when everyone else was scared of the creatures.
Beowulf knew he was getting to old for battles, but decided to face the dragon anyways. This took a great deal of courage to go into a fight knowing it could be his last, which it did cost him his life.
Beowulf vs Grendel
Beowulf killed Grendel even when everyone else was terrified of the monster.
Beowulf vs Grendel's mother
Beowulf was able to swim down to the lake bottom and defeat Grendel's mother.
Beowulf vs The Dragon
Beowulf would also slay the dragon even though he knew it may be his last fight.
Odysseus vs Polyphemus
Odysseus patiently waited for his time to strike and injure the cyclops. He displayed extreme courage being trapped and coming up with a plan for him and his crew to escape the cave.
Odysseus vs The Suitors
Even though Odysseus was outnumbered by the suitors, he found the courage and strength to fight through and take them all down.
Odysseus visits Tiresias
Odysseus visited the underworld even though he knew there was a chance he would not make it out alive. He went anyways so he could speak to the blind prophet, Tiresias, to get instructions on how to return home.
Common Themes