Protecting the warrior code against time and outside influence in both evident and imperative in the movie Ghost Dog and in the epic poem Beowulf. With each obstacle that both the film and poem touch upon, this warrior code is shown. The protagonists" psyches are revealed and observed through their actions. Although the settings occur at immensely different times in history, both develop common relationships and insights in the battles that threaten the two protagonists. Displaying a strong, central focus to the warrior code, both Ghost Dog and Beowulf uphold their rudimentary values, even during battle. .
Situated nearly 1300 years apart, Beowulf was written in Old English and set in the land of Danes while Ghost Dog lives in modern day New Jersey and follows the code of the samurai. As dissimilar as their environments make them, their fundamental existences intertwine in this warrior code that both Ghost Dog and Beowulf live by. In the first part of Beowulf, the land of the Danes is being harried the wicked Grendel, representing all that is uncivilized and unnatural in the world. When Beowulf lands on the troubled land he boasts "No weapons unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares. And may the Divine Lord in His wisdom grant the glory of victory to whichever side he sees fit" (683-688). An excellent display of the warrior code, Beowulf and Grendel are to fight barehanded displaying the embedded pride and courage that ennobles Beowulf throughout his life. Bold courage and personal ability will determine Beowulf's outcome as much as fate dictates it in his match against Grendel. As much as Beowulf is an avenger for the Danes, Ghost Dog is also an avenger for the Mafia. .
Ghost dog, as played by Forest Whitaker, is a modern-day assassin for the mis-guided Italian mob. He follows the code of the samurai and follows the motto, "If one were to say in a word what the condition of being a samurai is, its basis lies first in seriously devoting one's body and soul to his master"(Online).
