Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon folk epic written by an unknown author. It was written in the eighth century. Antigone is an Ancient Greek tragedy written by the playwright Sophocles around 430 BC. Although the two works were written during two different time periods, in two different places, and are different kinds of literature, they contain many similarities in the manner in which they depict an epic hero and a tragic hero.
             Beowulf tells the story of one of the most heroic men of Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to provide people with a sense of security, and is willing to go into danger despite possible harm to himself. He encounters terrifying monsters and the most brutal beasts, but he never fears the threat of death. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for great honor and for the good of others. Antigone is a tragic play in which the main character Creon suffers many losses and undergoes emotional pain and anguish. A target of the curse on the House of Oedipus by relation, Creon is also a victim of fate. At the end when realized his mistake, he forced to live, knowing that three people are dead because of his ignorance, which a punishment worse than death. He is classified as the tragic hero.
             The two heroes, Beowulf and Creon, are very similar in some aspects and also quite different in others.
             Firstable, both heroes are of aristocratic birth. Beowulf is the cousin of Higlac, who is King of the Geats. Creon is the brother of Jocasta, the Queen of Thebes.
             Secondly, both of them have strong senses of duty. Beowulf is always devoted to his people, his king, and their security. For example, when he goes to slay the dragon, he has no help, he realizes that the dragon is more powerful, and he probably will not return from this battle, he still goes along with this because he was the king and it was his responsibility to provide secu...