The role of literature in advancing myths cannot be overemphasized. In pursuit of this, various authors have extensively explored two prominent medieval superheroes. These are Beowulf Cu Chulainn. Irrespective of their strengths and numerous exploits, their characters varied significantly. For instance, on the one hand, Cu Chulainn was more obsessed with fame. However, on the contrary, bravery, loyalty, and generosity describe Beowulf.
Beowulf portraits
Beowulf has origins in the first millennium and is a revered classic and an exceptional Northern epic. The poem expounds on an encounter with the monstrous and emerging victorious. 1 On the other hand, it brings to light the beauty of living past tough and challenging events. This should take place irrespective of the fatigue, both physical and psychological that could be felt. Likewise, Beowulf gave the tale of good over evil triumphs and was divided into three acts. Beowulf encountered Grendel in an open fight by ripping off the monster’s arm. He also went ahead to kill Mendel’s mother and was rewarded with several gifts. Beowulf later became a king and had his realm faced with the dragon guarding the treasure-hoard. He entered dragon’s mound and killed his foe but was wounded in the process. Beowulf’s conclusion indicates the burial of the king and lamentation for the slain hero. Heaney interpreted the Beowulf epics and revealed the importance of medieval occurrences to modern and future generations. 2 Despite all the lines from of epic poem, many people believe that the poem was passed orally over generations. Upon passage of the information, modification of the story made it a success until final publication in Anglo-Saxon.
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Several medieval texts emerge from Beowulf’s epics. An example is the Homily on St. Christopher, ‘Marvels of the East’ which illustrated beasts and deformed monsters. Beowulf, however, became the end figure in his lines. Being that Beowulf was the originally expected owner of the epics, different names came about as the owners of the poem. In Beowulf a parallel between the history and advancement of the twentieth century and the story is impossible to draw. Likewise, Heaney brings to light the Irish upbringing. However, ultimately, Beowulf expounds on the spiritual and psychological truths that are both liberating and permanent.
Cu Chulainn portraits
Cu Chulainn was an Irish originally named Setanta. His father was a warrior and his uncle, Conor MacNessa a king of Ulster. The uncle had a band of army known as The Red Branch Knights and Cu Chulainn wanted to be a warrior of this group. However, he had shown more abilities of magic, wisdom, and warfare and since he was still very young. Despite these strengths, he still could not still be allowed to join The Red Branch Knights. 3 The father denied him the access to join the army because of his young age. In early childhood, he used to play hurling game, and his team almost won all the matches. At a young age, the boy went to search for King Connor and asked him to accommodate him. The king asked Cu Chulainn to accompany him visit Culains house for a party, but the boy did not go in time with the king because he had to play hurling game. When he arrived later at the Cuilans party, he was attacked by the Cuilans ferocious guard dog. This dog was well known and was subsequently the most feared in the whole Ireland. However, Cu Chulainn killed the dog using his hurling stick with just one blow.
The king came to find out the cause of the commotion and found the boy unhurt but was upset about his dog. In order to appease the king, the boy agreed to guard Cuilan until its replacement. He told them that he would be called “ The hound of Cuilan” which translated to his full name Cuchulainn. Cuchulainn became known over few years, and he achieved high recognition in the Red Branch Knights. He later fell in love with a girl called Emer, but the girl could not marry him until he gained even higher status in the Red Branch Knights. This forced him to the Isle of Sky where he trained for many years with Scathatch, the goddess of warrior. On his return, he found his homeland under attack by Nechnan warriors, and he killed them all. Emer’s father was unhappy with the marriage and so locked her away in a tower. Being that Cu Chulaninn was determined; he rescued the girl, fled with her and married her. These feats explain Cu Chulaninn’s drive. While his strength and position as a worrier, the source of motivation is disturbing. Thus, his quest for fame overshadows his determination to be a real warrior.
Cu Chulainn fought in many fights afterward and was killed in one of the wars. His fellow soldiers placed him on a large rock even after his death with a spear and shield in his hand to scare his enemies. He was afterward rendered the Victorious by Conall and his bravery talked to this day. Cu Chulainn was brave, strong and a good fighter and above all very determined till his death.
The comparison of the portraits exhibited by Beowulf and Cu Chulainn arise from different contexts. Beowulf was brave, and his bravery is illustrated by his ability to attack the king and kill him for the liberation of his people. His attack on the king’s mother also shows his bravery and zeal because it was fueled by his resolve to avenge for the lives of his people. Beowulf’s loyalty is captured upon meditation as the new king of the people where he was rewarded several gifts. He also showed the loyalty through indicating he killed the dragon and monster and he was injured in the process. He did all these to ensure his people were safe wherever they were. Being a king, he also tried to safeguard his people’s consent and maintained peace in his entire region. Moreover, Beowulf showed his generosity to his people by writing about everlasting peace, death, and burial of the king.
On the other hand, Cu Chulainn as seen in the above context is obsessed with fame. Firstly, he was young and wanted to join the army. Secondly, he searched for the king himself at a younger age and out of his abilities to play hurl games, he killed the most ferocious dog ever and gained recognition. Further, following this act he guarded the place and obtained fame out of that. However, Cu Chulainn was very brave and was also loyal to his missions. He protected his people during wars and killed many opponents for the sake of his people. It is due to his recognition as a fierce warrior and defender of his people that his fellow soldiers after his death used his body to scare away the enemies. His determination and hard work helped him gain fame which he indeed deserved.
In conclusion, Beowulf and Cu Chulainn portrayed multiple desirable characters that made them heroes. For instance, both liberated their people from their enemies and ensured that long lasting peace prevailed. Their achievements have therefore made the medieval heroes inspiring, and therefore their stories empower one generation to the other.
Bibliography
Heaney, Seamus. "Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. 1st bilingual ed." New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (2000).
The Táin: From the Irish Epic Táin Bo Cuailnge . OUP Oxford, 2002.
