Wyl.p6.t7

The Greeks/Romans and Anglo Saxons shared and conflicted in beliefs. The Anglo Saxons and Greeks/Romans were especially different when it came to literature. Often times, the Greeks/Romans held tragic plays that depicted the downfall of a great warrior. The Anglo Saxons however, portrayed their heroes as magnificent and they often died in glory or while in battle. In Beowulf, Beowulf is depicted as a mighty warrior with “awesome strength.” He “battled and bound five beasts” and raided a troll-nest.” He dies a magnificent death after successfully slaying a dragon. The Anglo Saxons emphasized the strength and abilities of a hero and their literature often brags about their dangerous but mighty deeds. This shows that the Anglo Saxons truly revered their warriors and were optimistic about their skill and strength. The Greeks/Romans often portrayed their warriors as strong but possessing an emotional weakness. In Oedipus, Oedipus’ weakness is his short temper and his frequency to jump to conclusions. His traits are emphasized at the end of the play in which is he gauges his eyes out with a brooch and is banished from his own kingdom. The Greeks and Romans were pessimistic about their warriors and kings and often sought to find human weaknesses in them whereas the Anglo Saxons glorified their soldiers and emphasized their combat skills and massive strength.

Aashrita Mangu, Christine Yi, Elaine Hong, Tiffany Show