Ok, so I can't ignore this anymore. I can't even count how many times I've thought of Harry Potter while reading over the ancient words in Beowulf. I think it's so interesting how a book in the 21st century can have so many of the same qualities as a book written back in the Anglo-Saxon era. Honestly, I think J.K. Rowling should be titled a 'literary beast' because to me Harry Potter is the perfect hero story, but that's just me. People are entitled to their opinions!
So I'm going to go ahead and list all of the allusions I've seen between Harry and Beowulf. Remember when Beowulf went underwater to fight Grendel's mom? Ummmm helloooo??? TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT MUCH! I related how Beowulf used the sword underwater to how Harry used the gillyweed to breathe underwater. Both of these things helped them survive and allowed Harry to save his friends and Beowulf to defeat Grendel's mother. Another big comparison is how both of the heroes have to fight a dragon, even though they are at different parts of the books. Even the way the characters carry themselves are alike. Both Harry and Beowulf are confident and extremely brave and seem to have supernatural powers (Harry with his dark magic and ability to speak parstletounge and Beowulf with his endurance when fighting the monsters). Even the way the Anglo-Saxons had their eating place reminds me of the Great Hall. Everyone comes together there and celebrates. Both of these places have hosted guests, like Durmstrang and Beauxbaton in HP, and how Heroet hosted Beowulf. Tell me if you've seen any others!
1 comment:
I totally know what you mean, I immediately saw the connection between Harry fighting the grindylows and Beowulf fighting Grendel's mom. Also, is it just a coincidence that the villain's names start with G? Ok so thats a stretch, But i am really starting to get annoyed with all of the allusions I see actually! I want Harry Potter to stay the pure and amazing literary genius that I see it as in my mind, not a Beowulf knock off!
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