As a massive Tolkien nerd with the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug only a few weeks away, I’ve caught myself watching a few trailers while trying to study for my English final. It wasn’t until I re-read Beowulf that I realized how much the two tales have in common.. Any chance Tolkien read the epic and used it as a source of inspiration for his writing? First of all, the plot of both these stories is driven by the desire for vengeance, though not for wrongs directly impacting either of the heroes. Beowulf is seeking vengeance for the wrongs done to Hrothgar’s people by Grendel, while the unlikely hero Bilbo is seeking vengeance for the wrongs done to Thorin’s people by Smaug.

This brings in the question of motivation for each of the heroes; why do they feel the need to help the others achieve vengeance over their enemies? I think the simple answer is that their actions represent a desire for adventure and honour. While both Bilbo and Beowulf receive treasure as a reward for their roles, this is likely a secondary motivator, as both were quite well-off before their quests. Honour, however, can only be gained through valorous acts, which both heroes eventually achieve. While both pieces are purely fictional, the heroes are immortalized for every as symbols of both courage and honour.