Match 19619 Beowulf vs. Peter The Great

[Macklemore]

In the cosmic space of time and existence, the boundaries of mortals and mythology, history and circumstance transformed. The great Anglo-Saxon hero Beowulf, archetype of strength and valor from the renowned Old English epic, found himself cast into an age far beyond the hallowed halls of his Geatish kin. The year was 1705 AD, the world as Beowulf knew it had morphed into a vast unknown, unblinkingly at the doorstep of the modern age. Yet, the warrior in him stirred, ceaselessly yearning for a new campaign of honor, of courage. His eyes set towards the vast expanse of the East, towards a burgeoning empire - Russia.

His imposing figure, garbed in the armor of yore, stood as if a testament to a time long past, causing whispers of curiosity and fear wherever he trod. The old divinations that spared him from Grendel’s grasp and the clutches of the ghastly dragon seemed to have cast him adrift on the tides of destiny to this juncture.

In these unfamiliar lands, the name of Peter the Great echoed intensely. He was a ruler much like Hrothgar, Beowulf's former lord, a visionary who dreamt for his people and poured his life into the forge of his land, stoking it to a grand and powerful empire.

Drawn to the stories of the Tsar's unparalleled ambition and dauntless efforts to modernize his realm, Beowulf decided to travel to Russia. Perhaps there, surrounded by the chaos of construction and reform, he could grasp the essence of this new epoch. He traversed the treacherous terrain, braved icy winds, crossed swollen rivers, and trekked through dense forests, his heart ablaze with the same fire that once guided him through countless battles and epic quests.

When Beowulf finally arrived in the heart of the Russian Empire, he was astounded at the spectacle. He saw no mead-halls, no feasting warriors or scops reciting grand tales of valor. Instead, he found towering architectures of splendor and grandeur. Men clad in strange garb, speaking alien tongues, engaged in trades and wielding not the sword, but the quill.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tsar Peter the Great, ruler of Russia, sat in his chambers within the Grand Kremlin Palace. He had been poring over maps, considering his next great endeavour, when the door burst open. His trusted advisor, the seasoned Ivan Kuryakin, entered, panting and holding a parchment.

"Your Excellency, something has come to our notice that needs urgent attention!"

Peter looked up from the seemingly endless flow of documents, his interest piqued. "What is it, Ivan?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. Ivan, known for his calm demeanor, seldom permitted himself to become this flustered.

"There is a rumor ongoing among the common people and even within some circles of our fellow nobles, that the legendary Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, has risen and is currently in Russia."

Peter blinked as his mind envisioned the legendary figure. Beowulf... a character from a long-forgotten past, a hero renowned for his battles against the monstrous Grendel and dragon.

"Beowulf? Are you certain of this information, Ivan? Every learned man knows that Beowulf's time passed centuries ago, he exists now only in legend."

Ivan nodded solemnly. "It is difficult to believe, your Excellency, but the rumors are spreading like wildfire. Some have claimed to have spotted a tall, powerful figure, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the descriptions of the hero, roaming our lands."

A thoughtful expression crossed Peter's face as he considered the situation. In a country filled with superstition and faith, such rumors held power. They could uplift northern Russia, or shake its foundation. He imagined panicked whispers morphing into serious fear, ensnaring the heart of his nation. 

“Even if this rumor is fiction, we cannot allow the talk of Beowulf’s supposed return to spread uncontrolled. Disregarded fear can become rebellion.”

But within Peter’s heart bloomed a second, unspoken thought. If this man truly bore the image of Beowulf, might he embody the hero’s virtues as well? Peter had always wanted to meet a man of ancient tales and compare their views on leadership and courage. Such an encounter could offer guidance and perhaps even an ally. 

“The people need assurance,” Peter decided, his voice echoing in the calm room, “Spread the word: I, Peter the Great, will face this Beowulf. I will judge whether he is myth or man. If he is truly here and possesses valour, then we have nothing to fear. If he isn’t, then we will quench these rumors and bring peace to our people.”

It was a bold promise, and Ivan eyed his Tsar with admiration as he bowed in acquiescence. “As you command, your Excellency.” With those words, Ivan slipped out of the room, leaving Tsar Peter the Great lost in his thoughts of Beowulf. A feeling of anticipation stirred within him, a sensation he hadn't felt in ages, as he prepared himself to meet the legendary hero - or expose the illusion once and for all.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brought together by an unlikely Dane living in the area of Finland under Russia's possession, Peter the Great smiles and offers the Dane a seat, proposing to the Dane to serve as a translator for the two historical legends. Beowulf, with his bear-like strength, and Peter, with his lion-hearted bravery, found themselves seated before a roaring hearth, the shadows flickering erratically across their faces.

"The tales of your valor precede you, Beowulf," Peter started with a hint of admiration in his voice. "As does your fame, Peter Alexeyevich. You have made a name for yourself, reshaping Russia into a great power," Beowulf responded, nodding his approval.

Peter, in his natural, charismatic manner began to draw parallels between their epochs. He spoke about how he modernized Russia, much like how Beowulf brought stability to the kingdoms he defended, using not just their strength but also their intellect and judgement. 

"Laws were fluid in my time, dictated by those who wield the sword and those who sing of our deeds. We had our code, the warrior's ethos. It bound us in a tapestry of trust and loyalty," said Beowulf, his eyes far away, lost in reminiscence. 

"And 'tis a code that persisted in my era, too," replied Peter, "though it was more defined, engraved into statute books rather than hearts. But the weight and meaning remained the same. It was obedience we demanded from our men and their faith in us."

Sure-footed yet humble, Beowulf talked of the dragons he out-fought, and the kin of Cain he bested. Peter listened in awe, making note of the parallels between their battles, replacing monstrous creatures with political ones, and savagery with diplomacy.

"On sea, or land, or the abyss beneath- for you there are no confines, where your valorous heart can pursue right and order," Peter said, his voice reflecting his impression. It prompted Beowulf to consider the similarities in their experiences, understanding that courage and leadership held a universal resonance irrespective of the epochs and their peculiarities. 

"But a king's duty is not just to defeat enemies," Beowulf mentioned, "The mead hall is as much a battlefield as the murky waters and the dragon's lair. As a king, you must win over your people, guide them onto the path of order and enrich their lives in every way possible."

"Two epochs, different yet so alike," Peter reflected. "We roped in the fickle play of destiny and fate and made kingdoms out of chaos."

"What is it like, to be a ruler of such countless souls, and yet carry the weight of their futures on thine shoulders?" Beowulf asked, curiosity burning in his eyes. 

Peter leaned back, his gaze falling on a distant memory before returning to Beowulf. "It's like standing in a vast ocean, knowing every ripple you create will either cause nurturing waves ashore or devastate with a storm." He admitted, "Change is not always welcomed with open arms, it is often met with resistance and fear. But a true leader understands the necessity of evolvement."

"They fear thee?" Beowulf queried, intrigued. He was used to kings commanding respect, not inciting fear.

"Some do," Peter agreed, "But it is not fear for their ruler they harbour, but fear of the unknown. I do not dismantle old customs lightly or thoughtlessly; I do it when I see their stagnation and the growth they impede. And for that, some may see me as a threat, but most, I believe, are beginning to understand and accept the prosperity these changes promise."

And so their conversation would turn into long hours, interwoven with philosophical questions about what it truly means to be a ruler and a loyal subject in a world of constant change; and as each night passed, Beowulf found ever-growing respect in his heart for the Russian tsar. Though born and raised in totally different eras, both rulers identified in each other the common drive to bring prosperity to their people—even if it means upsetting long-standing traditions. 

In Peter, Beowulf saw an embodiment of courageous leadership where authority shoulder not just power but also responsibility and selflessness. And to Peter, Beowulf was a test of his belief in benevolent rule where even a loyal subject from a different timeline could appreciate the intent driving his radical reformation.

Upon learning about Beowulf's heralded spear-throwing abilities, Peter the Great decided to arrange a grand competition. He announced that Beowulf would face off against the Russian champion of his choosing in a test of strength and skill.

The Tsar, seeking for a worthy opponent for the legendary hero from the Anglo-Saxon tale, chose Ivan, the strongest and the bravest warrior in his kingdom, a man of towering stature whose presence alone could inspire fear and awe. Ivan was unsurpassed in his skills with the spear and was known to take down a bear with a single, well-aimed throw.

Word of the competition spread, and soon, all the people of Russia, from the snow-dusted Siberian plains to the bustling metropolitan Moscow, were abuzz with anticipation. An exotic, oak-built stage was erected, and the day of the competition arrived.

On the day of the challenge, both the warriors, Beowulf and Ivan, stood tall, clasping their spears, their eyes fixed on the target ahead. A hush fell over the crowd as Peter the Great signaled the beginning of the competition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Beowulf were to humiliate the best Russia has to offer, vote Beowulf.
If Peter the Great managed to get to Beowulf through niceness, to the point where Beowulf throws the spear throw so that the Russians win, vote Peter the Great.

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Beowulf
Read more about Beowulf at Wikipedia
Official Site: Paramount Pictures Links: Wikipedia Wikipedia www.who2.com

Peter The Great
Read more about Peter The Great at Wikipedia
Official Site: Public Domain Links: Wikipedia

[Pizzaguy2995]

You gotta remember that amongst the Vikings, Beowulf was HIM. The greatest warrior the great north has ever produced, slayer of sea monsters, dragons, monsters descended from Cain. 
 

It’s no insult or hyperbole to say that there was no one in all of Russia that were built like Beowulf. He’s a different breed. 

[Callisto]

Match Final Results

Member Ratings:
5.00 - Pizzaguy2995
4.60 - Boratz

FPA Calculation:
2 Total Votes cast
9.60 Total Combined Score
9.60 / 2 = 4.80 Final Rating on the match

MATCH SCORE
Beowulf: 3
Peter The Great: 1