How to Write a "Heroism in Ancient Epics: The Iliad and Beowulf" Essay
Learn how to write a comparative literature essay on heroism in The Iliad and Beowulf, including key themes, structure, and examples for students and writers.
Ancient epics like Homer’s The Iliad and the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf have fascinated readers for centuries, not just for their battles and quests, but for their portrayal of heroism. Writing a comparative essay on heroism in these two works offers a chance to explore how different cultures define what it means to be a hero.
Whether you’re a high school or college student, this step-by-step guide will help you write a strong essay on this classic literature topic.
?️ Step 1: Understand the Concept of Heroism in Each Epic
In The Iliad, heroism is tied to honor, glory, and fate. Heroes like Achilles seek eternal fame through valor in battle. Their bravery is fueled by the Greek concept of kleos (glory earned in war).
In Beowulf, heroism includes physical strength, moral integrity, and self-sacrifice. The hero protects his people, slays monsters, and accepts death with dignity, reflecting Anglo-Saxon values of loyalty and communal duty.
✍️ Step 2: Develop a Comparative Thesis Statement
A good thesis makes a clear argument. Example:
“While both The Iliad and Beowulf celebrate heroic ideals, Homer’s epic emphasizes personal glory and honor, whereas the Anglo-Saxon poem portrays heroism as moral strength and service to others.”
? Step 3: Compare Key Elements of Heroism
Structure your body paragraphs around these themes:
1. Motivation for Heroic Acts
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Achilles fights for personal honor and revenge.
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Beowulf acts for the good of his people and legacy.
2. Relationship with Fate and the Gods
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Achilles struggles with fate, prophecy, and divine intervention.
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Beowulf acknowledges destiny (“Wyrd”) but relies on his own courage.
3. Attitude Toward Death
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Achilles chooses a short life with glory over a long, peaceful one.
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Beowulf faces death as part of the heroic journey.
Use direct quotes and detailed examples from both texts to support your comparisons.
? Step 4: Add Context and Analysis
Discuss the cultural and historical background of each work:
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Greek warrior code in The Iliad.
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Anglo-Saxon values of kinship and loyalty in Beowulf.
This strengthens your essay with depth and originality.
✅ Step 5: Write a Reflective Conclusion
Summarize how heroism is portrayed in each epic and what it reveals about ancient cultures:
“Ultimately, both The Iliad and Beowulf depict heroism as a pursuit of greatness, but they reflect different ideals—one rooted in individual glory, the other in communal protection.”
? SEO Long-Tail Keywords
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? Bonus Tip: Suggested Essay Structure
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Introduction: Hook, context, thesis
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Body Paragraph 1: Motivation for heroism
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Body Paragraph 2: Fate and divine interaction
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Body Paragraph 3: Hero’s attitude toward death
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Conclusion: Comparison and significance
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