King Arthur

Heroes are usually the major part of a legend. Heroes exemplify the qualities that the people of their time period admire most in a person. King Arthur was considered a romantic hero in the medieval era.

King Arthur is a mysterious figure thought to be from the sixth century AD. He was the King of Britain for thirty years and during that time consolidated all the smaller kingdoms into the one country today known as England. He also founded The Order of the Round Table, a collection of knights that helped rule the kingdom. The help they provided was as counselors to the King, and as the military defense for the country. He was best known for his repelling the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons.

Compared with Beowulf, I found that they are so different from each other.

King Arthur's personalities are completely opposite from Beowulf's. King Arthur is a very compassionate and humble person. He doesn't care about being praised, or making a name for himself. All he wants to do, as king, is what he thinks is right and best for everyone. Not like the fact that Beowulf cared so much about being forgotten, Arthur didn't care at all if he even had any recognition or memorial after dying.

The way King Arthur and Beowulf fight is completely different too. King Arthur always used weapons. He relied on them to defeat his enemies and to protect himself. King Arthur also fought his enemies with armies, and battled against armies. He fought for his people and to better society. Beowulf fought with his bare hands. He was considered the strongest man in the world, so why would he need weapons? He also fought to better society, and he rescued needy people, but I think all he wanted was fame.

These two heroes may have their differences, but they also have some similarities. They are both kings, and are loyal to their people. King Arthur always fought for his people, even though sometimes they did not like him, he always stayed loyal to them. And Beowulf was very loved by the Geats. Even though he was out for fame, Beowulf always came through for his people. Another similarity is that both King Arthur and Beowulf were very brave, and were not afraid of death, and lastly, they both represent good in their stories. And even though I'm not a fan of Beowulf, I still think he did some very great things in his story.

What we consider a hero today comes from the attributes we see in King Arthur and Beowulf, such as strength, leadership, and bravery. It shocks me that these characteristics came from so long ago and are still relevant today. That shows me that the attributes we have learned from these heroes, will not only last another century, but they will probably last forever.