Vader's Bastard vs. Hygelac's Nephew

While there are many differences between the two men Luke Skywalker and Beowulf, there are underlying ties that bridge star systems and eons to link the two heroes inextricably. But the differences are pretty important too. Beowulf is far superior physically to Luke, and would probably dwarf him considerably, after outweighing him by several hundred pounds of muscle. Beowulf is renowned as having immense strength, and proves this in the fight with Grendel, whereas Luke is a shrimp, to put it bluntly, and uses skill more than brute force to accomplish his goals.

The upbringings of the two heroes differ greatly as well. Luke is raised as a farmhand, with limited means of improving his heroic capabilities. He can practice flying ships, and does, but his skills in combat have no means of improvement or even testing until he receives the light saber from Obi-wan. Beowulf, by contrast, has a heroic upbringing, or at least a means of accentuating his skills is implied by the height of said skills in his combat with Grendel. Beowulf is a born hero, descended from heroes, while Luke is a reluctant hero born (seemingly) from simple farm folk.

Beowulf is also ready to fight all the time, every time. He never shies from a fight and is even willing to fight Grendel with a great handicap, completely without weapons or shield. He also seeks out challenge, volunteering to fight Grendel without being asked. Luke is the opposite, a reluctant farm boy who only joins the struggle against the empire with much prodding. Beowulf seeks out danger, while Luke must be pressed to enter it.

However, despite these differences, Luke and Beowulf share many qualities. They are heroes with great skill, with a sword and shield or a light saber and spaceship. They are asked to perform great feats, and they perform them, saving many lives in the process. They stand, often unaided, against great foes, and their skill and fate's gentle hand guide them to victory time and time again. These threads of heroism tie their lives together despite the great differences in setting and character between the two stories.