Heroic and cultural identity is one of the central themes of literature, particularly epic works. Since ancient times, humanity has expressed its values, beliefs and life ideals through its heroes. "Beowulf" is a masterpiece of Old English literature, in which questions of heroism and cultural identity are explored in depth.

Heroism is a manifestation of such qualities as courage, dedication, perseverance and perseverance, which are highly valued by society. Heroes are individuals who are willing to risk their lives in the interests of their people. In "Beowulf", the hero Beowulf seeks to protect humans from evil creatures, restore justice, and perpetuate his own glory. Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a particular culture, respecting the history, language, traditions and values of its people. "Beowulf" reflects the customs, values and beliefs of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) society. In the epic, such qualities as courage, loyalty of Warriors, fidelity to the oath, hospitality and striving for glory are highly valued[4].

The issues of heroism and cultural identity are explored in many other epic works besides "Beowulf".

• "Iliada "(Homer): the ancient Greek epic"Iliada" describes the courage, ambition for glory, and struggle against fate of characters such as Achilles and Hector. The epic reflects the military values of ancient Greek society, faith in the gods and the struggle of man before death.
• "Ramayana "(Valmiki): in The Hindu epic"Ramayana", the hero Rama is embodied as the embodiment of Justice, devotion and devotion to duty. The epic promotes the moral values of Indian society, the importance of family relationships, and the triumph of good over evil.
• "Shahnama "(Firdavsi): in the Persian epic"Shahnama", the hero Rustam appears as the embodiment of Homeland protection, justice and valor. The epic reflects the history, traditions and national pride of the Persian people.
• "Qobusnoma "(Kaykovus):" Qobusnoma", a vivid example of Central Asian Literature, embodied the qualities, pandemics, etiquette inherent in a statesman, a commander, and an ordinary person.

This study utilizes comparative literary analysis to examine the representation of heroism and cultural identity in three epic narratives: the Old English Beowulf, Homer’s The Iliad, and The Epic of Gilgamesh. The analysis focuses on three core aspects:

The Heroic Code – an exploration of each protagonist’s character traits, motivations, and behaviors in light of their cultural ideals of heroism.

Societal Values – an examination of the norms, communal expectations, and virtues highlighted in the societies depicted within each epic.

Mythological Structures and Narrative Functions – an investigation into how myth, legend, and divine interaction shape the heroic journeys and reflect the cosmologies of each culture.Texts were read in scholarly translations and supported by secondary literature, including historical, anthropological, and literary sources. Themes were identified through close reading and categorized into shared motifs (e.g., glory, honor, fate, divine will) and culturally unique expressions of heroism and identity[5].

Shared Heroic Archetypes: All three epics present a central heroic figure—Beowulf, Achilles, and Gilgamesh—who embodies extraordinary strength, faces profound trials, and ultimately confronts mortality. Despite cultural differences, each hero reflects a society’s idealized masculine virtues.

Divergent Cultural Emphases:   Beowulf emphasizes loyalty, communal duty, and legacy, reflecting the  tribal kinship-based society of Anglo-Saxon England. The Iliad prioritizes individual glory, honor, and the tension between personal desire and fate, characteristic of Ancient Greek heroic culture. The Epic of Gilgamesh explores existential themes, friendship, and the quest for immortality, mirroring Mesopotamian concerns with human limitation and divine order[2].

Cultural Identity Transmission: Each epic functions as a cultural repository, transmitting values, moral lessons, and historical memory to future generations. The heroic narrative becomes a vehicle for expressing and preserving cultural identity, particularly in oral and early literary traditions.

The representation of heroism and cultural identity in Beowulf, The Iliad, and The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Axes:

• Honor/Glory
• Loyalty/Community
• Relationship with the Divine
• Mortality Awareness
• Quest for Immortality
• Warrior Ethos

   Unique themes between the three epics.

• Shared Themes (center): Heroism, fate, mortality, divine influence
• Beowulf only: Christian-pagan blend, tribal loyalty
• Iliad only: Greek honor code, wrath, kleos (glory)
• Gilgamesh only: Immortality quest, friendship as transformation

In an era where cultural identity is increasingly complex and globalized, revisiting epic traditions reminds us of literature’s enduring power to bridge temporal, linguistic, and ideological divides. The epics’ emphasis on memory, legacy, and the individual’s place within the community continues to resonate, suggesting that while the world changes, the core themes of heroism and cultural belonging remain central to the human story. The figure of the hero serves as a mirror for society’s highest aspirations and deepest anxieties—whether through Beowulf’s sacrificial bravery, Achilles’ internal struggle between rage and duty, or Gilgamesh’s existential reckoning with death and immortality. These stories not only uphold traditional values but also challenge and reconfigure them, offering insights into the human condition across time and space[3].

Through the comparative analysis of Beowulf, The Iliad, and The Epic of Gilgamesh, this paper has shown that epic literature functions not only as entertainment but as a critical repository of cultural identity. While each epic reflects the unique ethos of its originating culture—be it Anglo-Saxon loyalty and courage, Greek honor and fate, or Mesopotamian existential reflection. They all articulate a shared human desire for meaning, legacy, and transcendence. Understanding these works in dialogue allows modern readers to appreciate the enduring nature of heroic ideals and the role of storytelling in preserving societal values. Furthermore, these narratives illuminate how heroism is shaped by and responds to the cultural, spiritual, and historical needs of a community.

"Beowulf" and other epic traditions are an invaluable resource in the study of heroic and cultural identity issues. These works reflect the visions, values and beliefs of different cultures about heroism. By studying epic works, we better understand our past and learn lessons for the future. Their importance does not take hold over the centuries, but also serves as a spiritual fodder for new generations.