Final answer:
The passages provided describe various fictional narratives with themes of courage, strategy, and combat, featuring different characters like Ethelred and Gil-Dong displaying heroism and tactics in the face of adversaries, aligning with strategic combat philosophies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage seems to be a mosaic of various fictional narratives, including likely renditions of classic stories and strategic fight scenarios. It does not directly relate to Grendel or Beowulf, but rather presents different heroic and combat situations featuring Ethelred, the hero from 'The Trist', a dragon, and the warrior Gil-Dong. Ethelred confronts challenges with boldness and force, indicated by his destruction of the door, and Gil-Dong attempts to rescue a maiden with a poison arrow.
In all of these instances the themes of courage, strategy, and combat are prevalent. Characters face dire situations and adversaries with valor and cunning tactics. Ethelred does not shirk from forceful entry, while Gil-Dong is willing to risk confronting many to save one.
The excerpt from Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' suggests strategic combat philosophies emphasizing control over the enemy and ensuring one's own advantageous position, further entwining the themes of strategy and combat.