In the epic poems "The Iliad" by Homer and "Beowulf", there are two heroes one in each epic. Achilles in "The Iliad" and Beowulf in the self titled epic. These poems meet certain requirements to be called epics. In both these poems, the heroic actions determine the fate of nations or groups of people. The heroic actions reflect the values of the age. Lastly, the hero interacts with supernatural beings or events. Even though "The Iliad" was written centuries before Beowulf, there are many similarities in the heroes, actions and fate.
             In the Epic Poems "Beowulf" and "The Iliad" the actions of the hero often determines the fate of the nation or their people. In "Beowulf", the devilish acts of Grendel must be stopped to save the people of Denmark. " The monsters hatred rose higher, But his power had gone. He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder... Snapped, muscle and bone split... And broke. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory." (I. 336-341) In " The Iliad" Achilles and Hector battle, leaving the Trojan prince lifeless. " The bare throat...where the destruction of life is quickest. Here, then, as the Trojan charged, Achilles...drove his point straight through the tender neck." (I. 163-166)
             In the Epic Poems "Beowulf" and "The Iliad" heroic actions and deeds reflect the values of the age. In "Beowulf", the hero had to be fearless not backing down from anything. " He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone's...answer; the heaving water covered him...Over. For hours he sank through the waves....At last he saw the mud of the bottom...And all at once the greedy she wolf discovered him." (I. 450-456) In "The Iliad", the people of the time believed in venerating a body after the person has passed
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