The inclusion of fate and what happens to the soul when you die is rather common in ancient literature. The Greek epic The Iliad and the important work of Old English, Beowulf, are two really fine examples of this theme. Fate, how it is, or how it will play out, is recognized in both epics as a thing all must ultimately deal with. What is implied is that the accurate fate of a warrior, no matter how excellent, is death. A man’s death can either involve honor, or shame, it is the objective of both Achilles of The Iliad, and Beowulf to die honorably. An additional intriguing aspect of fate and death is the inclusion of an afterlife, and what that could possibly be. In Beowulf, it is deducted that there is early Christianity that has to do with the belief in the heaven. On the contrary, the belief in life post mortem in The Iliad has a great deal far more to do with the ancient Greek Gods. The goal of this essay is to establish a comparison of the power of fate, and the control it has mentally more than both the protagonists. Also, it will contrast the early Christianity of Beowulf, to the polytheism of ancient Greece and every of their effects respectively to each characters.
From the starting of the epic, Beowulf regards his fate as one particular of a good warrior. This fate is to do as a lot honor to his name as he can, but all the even though, be ready for death, as Beowulf is. This fate, as shown in Beowulf is that of a excellent Warrior and ruler. Beowulf, named on by the agony of the Danish, comes to rid them of the beast Grendal.
“Beowulf got ready,
donned his war-gear, indifferent to death
his mighty, hand forged, fine webbed mail would quickly meet with the menace underwater. It would keep the bone cage of his physique safe”
(Heaney 1442-1446)
The quest for honor just before death is probably the central objective for all correct warriors. Beowulf quests for this honor before death more than all else that is gifted to him such as power, cash, and longevity. Beowulf’s glory before death is shown in his actions such as destroying Grendal, hunting Grendal’s mother, and in eliminating the fantastic Dragon after getting abandoned by his own men. Despite the fact that he realizes that he is a fantastic warrior, Beowulf is also very aware of his own mortality, and knows that…