Exploring Heroic Codes and Tragic Heroes: A Comparative Analysis

This essay provides a comparative analysis of heroic codes and tragic heroes, using Beowulf and Oedipus as key examples. The essay begins by examining the heroic codes demonstrated by Beowulf, including courage, aversion to humiliation, physical strength, and pride. These qualities are illustrated through his encounters with Breca, Grendel, and the dragon. The essay then contrasts these heroic traits with the characteristics of a Sophoclean tragic hero, as exemplified by Oedipus. It discusses Oedipus's hubris, his unwillingness to heed warnings, and the tragic consequences that follow, ultimately leading to his downfall. The essay highlights how Oedipus's actions, driven by pride and a refusal to accept counsel, contribute to his tragic fate, thereby serving as a foil to the heroic qualities of Beowulf. The analysis draws on specific examples from the texts to support its arguments and provide a comprehensive understanding of the contrasting concepts of heroic codes and tragic heroes in literature, supported by references to Cherniss (2018) and Qi & Zhang (2018).

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Heroic codes
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HEROIC CODES 2
Heroic codes
Beowulf clearly displays what a hero is supposed to do and the characters a hero should
have in order to be exceptional from the rest. During his time, Beowulf had portrayed courage in
his encounter with Breca. Moreover, there is courage on how he fought and killed sea monsters
which previously no one had ever done so. Also, Beowulf shows how a hero dislikes
humiliation. During his youthful years he was defeated by Breca and also humiliated by Unferth.
This provoked him to challenge Breca and this helped him set a great record that discouraged
Unferth. Moreover, Beowulf is a sturdy and courageous person and this was displayed during his
fight with Grendel (Cherniss, 2018). Grendel was one of the strongest men during his lifetime,
but the strength portrayed by Beowulf astounded him leading to his unimaginable defeat. Also,
Beowulf demonstrated his unbelievable pride when he prepared to fight the dragon. He boasted
on how he would come to grips with the dragon the same way he did with Grendel.
On the other hand, the Sophoclean tragic hero was explained by Aristotle. The theory
explains the downfall of a hero and how it brings fear to audience. Oedipus serves as the perfect
example of a downfall of a hero. As a character, it is apparent that he portrays hubris in an
extraordinary manner (Qi, & Zhang, 2018). Oedipus was one character that did not want to listen
to what other wisemen like Tiresias could say to him. Due to his unwillingness to listen to others,
he unfortunately became blind to the truth about the killing of his father. Later on, Oedipus had a
bad end following a tragedy that struck him. He is seen as a character that scuffled upon his fate
following his unexpected downfall that sent audience into fear.
In a nutshell, Beowulf demonstrated heroic codes such as courage, dislike of humiliation,
strength and pride. On the other hand, sophoclean tragic hero explains the downfall of a hero.

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Oedipus played a critical role in bringing the downfall of a tragic hero to avenge his disrespect
and pride.

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References
Cherniss, M. D. (2018). Ingeld and Christ: Heroic concepts and values in old English Christian
poetry (Vol. 74). Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
Qi,s., & Zhang, W. (2018). Tragic hero and hero tragedy: reimagining Oedipus the Kin g as
Jingju (peking opera) for the Chinese stage. Classical Receptions Journal, 11(1), 1-22