A Comparison between Beowulf and The SailorBeowulf and The Sailor In a comparison between "Beowulf" and "The Sailor" two conflicting beliefs about fate and the sea are found from the main point of character history. Beowulf is resigned to fate and is humble before the strength of the sea, while The Seafarer is afraid of the powers of fate and the sea and is unwilling to accept them. Although Beowulf's actions and thoughts give him a divine appearance in the story he believes that God and fate work together. He boasts of his encounters with diabolical sea creatures, saying, “I treated them politely, / Offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword.” This strong statement reveals Beowulf's divine and invulnerable self-confidence. For Beowulf, “Fate saves/The living when they drive away death alone.” Beowulf is forced to observe fate but does not believe he should rule it completely. He allows fate to direct his life, but not to govern his actions. A demonstration of Beowulf's belief in fate is evident when he says, "Fate will unfold as it must." This means that there is a master plan for the world that it must live with. When Unferth taunts him, Beowulf responds by questioning Unferth's manhood and mocks him in front of everyone. Boasting, “Neither he nor you can match me.” Although he tests fate, he has a more fearful respect for the sea. He knows his power from his race with Brecca. The seas were dark and harsh, but he remained humble and ventured through the murky waters because of this respect. In contrast to Beowulf's beliefs, the Navigator feels that fate destroys everything and takes everything away. Fate is an omnipotent power for him and no man can control it, no matter what he does. “”Fate is stronger/And God is mightier than any man's mind.” This shows the fearful surrender of the seafarers to these otherworldly powers. “Wondering what fate wanted and what fate will do.” Yet, with all this fear and pain, she doesn't accept it, but rather wants to push it away. He is afraid of his power and ability to be stronger than any man. Although he fears fate, he is ambivalent towards the sea. This indecision is so overwhelming that it has taken over his life. While on land, safe and sound visiting his favorite mead, he longs for the embrace of the sea.