Luke Skywalker vs. Beowulf

• Blog – Compare Luke Skywalker to Beowulf. What makes them different? Do they share any traits in common? How are they both heroic?

Luke Skywalker and Beowulf are similar in several ways, but also very different. They are both called to action, but this can also be seen as a difference. While both Luke and Beowulf were called to action both acted in a very different way. Luke was to go with Obi-Wan-Kenobi to help Princess Leah. Luke was very reluctant to go and help because he wanted to stay on his own planet. On the other hand Beowulf willingly goes to help Hrothgar and to kill Grendel. The next difference would be Luke and Beowulf’s physical appearance. Luke is like a “normal” human being, meaning that he is not overly huge and fierce looking. Beowulf is just the opposite. Beowulf is huge, and intimidating. With these differences in the end both of these heroes face the challenge they were presented with despite being unwilling or willing.
Some of the similarities between Luke and Beowulf are that both received a mystical weapon. Luke received a light saber from Obi-Wan-Kenobi and Beowulf received a giant sword when fighting. Beowulf also has strength and courage, which can be seen as a mystic weapon. As said above they were both called to action, which is the second step in the hero cycle. Another way in that these two are similar is that both have a spiritual guide. Luke’s spiritual guide is Obi-Wan-Kenobi and for Beowulf it is fate. Luke’s spiritual guide helps him through the beginning of his journey by teaching him to use the force. Beowulf knows that he needed to help Hrothgar and hill Grendel, and later his mother, so that is how fate drove Beowulf.