Beowulf vs Thor
Beowulf vs. Thor
Beowulf, a legendary hero of Geatish lore, from the epic poem named after him, is
the definition of a hero. There is one being who can be collated to Beowulf: the
mighty Thor, god of thunder. Derived from Norse mythology, Thor is hot headed,
with an appetite for food and drink. He also is one of the strongest gods, serving as
the protector of the people. Both of these characters share similar qualities in what
some would define a hero, despite one being a man, and the other being a deity.
Thor is one of the most famous of the gods in Norse mythology, well known due to
his popularity. Thor is described as having a quick and hot temper, and a love for
food. The enemies of the gods, the giants, were on the receiving end of ... Show more
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Beowulf starts out as a mighty warrior with nothing to lose, in contrast to his
mentor, King Hrothgar, a wise king who wishes to protect his people. Beowulf
learns from Hrothgar gaining the qualities fit for a king. Thor and Beowulf were
mighty fighters. Thor had iron gloves, a strengthening girdle, and an invincible
hammer. Ingri d Aulaire s book of Norse Myths does well to describe these, For who,
as Loki said, would belive that he came to Jotunheim on a friendly visit if he
brought his hammer, his iron mitt, and his belt of strength? (Ingri d Aulaire, 2005)
Beowulf fights without the use of weapons against Grendel, revealing his
enormous strength. Moreover, the seafarers, who carried thither rich gifts as good
will offerings to the Geats, have said that he, strong in battle, had in the grip of his
hand the strength of thirty men. (Beowulf, p. 26) Against Grendel s mother, he uses
the sword Hrunting. In the poem, Beowulf receives the sword Hrunting, the name
of the hilted sword was Hrunting, and it was one of the greatest among the olden
treasures; its blade was of iron, stained with poison twigs, hardened with the blood
of battle; it had never failed any man whose hand had wielded it in the fight, any
who durst go on perilous adventures to the field of battle; it was not the first time
that it had need to do high deeds. (Beowulf, p. 71)
Both Thor and Beowulf battle their enemies. According to one well known myth
about Thor, Thrym, king of the