Beowulf Across Myths

This comparative analysis worksheet is designed for Grades 7-10 and invites students to place Beowulf in conversation with mythological or legendary heroes from other cultures. Students choose one of four comparison prompts (for example, Beowulf vs. Hercules, Beowulf vs. Gilgamesh, Beowulf vs. King Arthur, or Beowulf vs. a cultural hero of their choice) and complete a structured chart identifying similarities, differences, and shared or contrasting cultural values.

Through this comparison, learners examine how different societies define heroism, strength, leadership, loyalty, honor, and fate, and how those values shape each hero’s actions and legacy. The activity encourages students to see Beowulf not as an isolated text, but as part of a broader global tradition of heroic storytelling.

Learning Goals

• Cross-Cultural Literary Comparison (Secondary ELA) – Compare heroes across myths and legends
• World Mythology & Cultural Traditions – Identify how culture influences storytelling
• Analytical Reasoning – Evaluate similarities and differences using evidence
• Cultural Values in Texts – Analyze what each hero represents within their society

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Aligned with middle and early high school ELA and social studies standards
• Choice-Based Engagement – Students select a comparison that interests them
• Clear Organizational Structure – Chart format supports focused, meaningful comparison
• Builds Global Perspective – Encourages respect for diverse cultural traditions
• Prepares for Writing & Discussion – Ideal groundwork for essays or Socratic seminars
• Flexible Use – Works for mythology units, epic poetry studies, or cross-text analysis
• Low Prep – Print-and-use worksheet with clear prompts

This Beowulf Across Myths worksheet helps students understand heroism as a cultural idea shaped by values and tradition. By comparing Beowulf to heroes from other myths, learners strengthen analytical thinking, deepen cultural awareness, and gain insight into how stories across the world answer the same timeless question: What makes a hero?

This worksheet is part of our Beowulf worksheets collection.