The Disintegration and Reconstruction of Epic Traditions: A Comparison of Heroic Ethics and Narrative Strategies in "Mahabharata" and "Beowulf"

Abstract

In the academic context of epic traditions and heroic ethics, ancient Indian epic "Mahabharata" and ancient English epic "Beowulf" have shifted towards a comparative space of narrative strategies for heroic ethics writing. This paper takes the two epics as research objects and enters into the analysis from three dimensions: heroic ethics, narrative structure, and cultural context. It systematically compares the similarities and differences in the narrative strategies for shaping heroic images in the two works. This study cannot fully cover all the features of the epics. The research finds that "Mahabharata" completes multiple reflections on heroic ethics through complex character relationships and war narratives within the framework of righteous ethics, while "Beowulf" presents the lofty limitations of heroic ethics through linear narration of the hero's achievements within the Germanic heroic tradition. Such research provides strong support for epic studies.

https://doi.org/10.65281/905215