It is embedded in the nature of humanity to have heroes; recognized individuals who perform actions that are wished to be emulated upon by others. Although the idea of these significant role models remains fixed, the variations of heros through the centuries is irrefutable; where culture defines what characteristics they obtain. The fifth century hero (a physically strong warrior with a reputation) differs immensely from a hero found in the 1900s (a humble man or woman who sought personal achievement rather than fame) which then differs from a modern hero (one typically associated with fame). So how can a hero have a definition if their entire persona changes as culture does? Throughout the madness of ever-changing societal heroic standards, one aspect of heroism has remained constant; Every hero has been found to inspire one or more people, whether …show more content…
Early in history, a group of Germanic tribes who inhabited Great Britain, known as the Anglo Saxons, held a synonymous structural idea of a hero. This heroic figure was a warrior: a physically strong male who would fight and win battles in order to protect a kingdom. People who risked their lives for glory and their community aroused the masses. Beowulf, a fictional character of literature, depicts this fifth century hero perfectly as the brave, honorable fighter who holds a strong reputation throughout the land. Beowulf left the people in awe, as he “survived/every quarrel, each violent conflict” (2397-2400). His many victories against the harmful monsters who threatened their home caused a feeling of energized hope throughout the land and a stronger sense of sanguinity. Specifically in the text, Beowulf’s reputation and courage influenced a young man named Wiglaf to step forward and assist him in his final battle. Wiglaf encourages the other men to help this mighty king who “has gained the most glory among men,”
This essay is the comparison between Beowulf and a modern day hero. I consider any American soldier to be my modern day hero. In this essay I will explain in three paragraphs of how my modern day hero is like Beowulf. With in these three paragraphs I will go over how they are both fighting for a good cause, how they are both rewarded for what they do, and how they are both treated with much respect.
In conclusion, although Beowulf possessed many heroic qualities he would not be considered a hero in today’s world. A hero varies from culture to culture. The Anglo-Saxon appreciated different things in a person that what do not we appreciate today. Many things have changed a lot with time, the requisites for being considered a hero have also changed. Today we do not like to solve problems with war. Pride and honor are not as important as the willingness one has to help others. Beowulf is not feeling that contact with people he doesn’t identify with them because he believes himself better, a part of a hero´s cycle is to be identified with the community. To be part
Beowulf represents what a modern hero truly is rather than Dante the pilgrim, because he displays qualities of courage, pride, and humility. In order to be considered a modern hero the individual must demonstrate these particular qualities, and courage, pride, and humility should be reflected in the actions they make.
Most of us have heard of modern day heroes such as Spiderman, Superman, and the Hulk. Each is a hero to many children. Heroes are introduced to people early on in life usually as fictional characters, but as children grow older their perceptions of heroes alter. The characteristics of a hero are usually based around the ideas of a society or culture. In the epic Beowulf, the main character is thought of as a hero. Beowulf, a pagan warrior and the main character of the epic, shows certain characteristics such as bravery, loyalty, and generosity, which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how modern day heroes show the much of the same qualities as Beowulf.
Erika Mercado Essay 2 Modern Heroes: Dante vs Beowulf A modern hero is a good-hearted person with these attributes: bravery, strong, and contributes to saving the lives of his homelands. Beowulf demonstrates the characteristics of a modern hero: a leader, fearless, and generous. Beowulf is a young hero whose character exerts powerful strength in battles. Dante the Pilgrim does not display hero attributes in The Inferno.
Beowulf shows physical strength in the story by defeating Grendel. In line 219 of Grendel’s mother, it tells how Beowulf killed her. “…cut it through, broke bones and all.” His strength is also told in line 213 of how he “lifted the sword that was so massive that no ordinary man could lift.” Beowulf’s determination, or his will to win, was throughout the story, even up until his death. A quote that describes this is, “…he cut the beast in half, slit it apart. It fell…”(line 185). He shows courage along with his cousin, Wiglaf, when they defeat the fire dragon. In line 189 it says, “…their courage had killed it, two noble cousins had joined in the dragon’s death.”
This recognition that Beowulf receives proves his place as the quintessential hero in Anglo-Saxon society. The unknown author recognizes Beowulf as a warrior who “behaved with honor and took no advantage” (149). This quality is important to Beowulf’s image as a hero. The author also days that Beowulf “bore himself with valor” and names Beowulf “Heroic Beowulf” when describing the hero (135, 149). The author’s recognition of Beowulf as having these qualities and as being heroic shows that Beowulf was regarded as a hero during the authors’ own time. This is also confirmed by the several times people in the epic recognize Beowulf’s heroic qualities. Wiglaf, who was with Beowulf during the final battle, is one of the people to recognize Beowulf’s glory-seeking heroics, saying that Beowulf is “a man unequalled in the quest for glory” (179). This statement speaks much of Beowulf’s willingness to search for and his success in finding glory. Beowulf is also recognized by a thane of Hrothgar’s court during his earlier days. This thane recognizes Beowulf’s heroics and begins “rehearsing Beowulf’s triumphs and feats” by comparing him to Sigmund, an old Anglo-Saxon hero (59). The recognition Beowulf receives from the characters in the epic shows that Beowulf was impressive and heroic to Anglo-Saxons who told his
Societies construct heroes that represent and embody the ideals of those who create them and read about them. Their is a stark contrast between the hero in the time of Beowulf and Hamlet’s creation and heroes created in modern times. Current literature, movies, and television portray a different kind of hero from those created in 1000 AD to 1600 AD. A hero is defined as someone who is "admired for achievements and noble qualities"," shows great courage", and in historical texts such as Beowulf and Hamlet is a "legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability" or an "illustrious warrior" (Merriam-Webster). Despite the popular belief that the time for heroes has passed away, based on the needs of society, today's heroes still exist and have evolved into something new.
Different cultures expect different things from their heroes. In Beowulf they expect heroes to be loyal strong and brave whereas in The Odyssey people expect their heroes to balance mind body and spirit and in My Hero Academia heroes are expected to be selfless and sacrifice themselves. In Beowulf the hero, Beowulf, is expected to be loyal, be strong, and be brave. Beowulf is a hero because he exhibits all of these treats. He shows his loyalty when he helps Hrothgar fend of Grendel because Hrothgar at one point had helped Beowulf’s father. Beowulf is being loyal by repaying his father's debt by helping Hrothgar. Beowulf shows his strength by being able to rip of the arm of an incredibly strong monster like Grendel. In the epic Beowulf fights an incredibly strong monster that had been terrorizing Hrothgar's land. He shows extreme strength by ripping Grendel's arm off. He also shows how brave he is when he and the thanes go to fight the dragon and all of the thanes run away but him and wiglaf. This shows his bravery and that he is calm in the face of danger.
What’s the Difference? Heroes are people who inspire and teach other people to pursue an appropriate path. There are more heroes on Earth than the number to count them with. Heroes have existed since the beginning of time and still continue to exist.
	The epic poem Beowulf, which was told from generation to generation honoring modern Anglo-Saxon beliefs, describes a heroic man who saves a village in their time of need. By definition a hero is a man of exceptional quality. Exceptional quality doesn’t even begin to describe the man that is Beowulf. Beowulf has many heroic characteristics from his super human strength to victoriously slaying monsters and other ferocious beasts. He has excellent leadership skills and commonly boasts of his achievements. Beowulf emerges as the true Anglo Saxon hero; who risks his life for the lives and well being of
Behaviour that’s admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” Beowulf vaunts himself as a great warrior and backs up his words by defeating Grendel; he is thus celebrated and received as a hero. Unferth, on the other hand, proves an empty chatterer, unwilling to fight. Though such verbal elements as boasts and stories are crucial to the warrior culture, heroes are, above all, defined by action as Beowulf proves himself. Whether he is fighting sea monsters, Grendel's mother, or a terrible fire-breathing dragon, Beowulf shows that his strength and courage are what make him a true Anglo-Saxon hero.
The Anglo-Saxon people held their heroes in high regard and had a strict code one had to follow in order to be a hero. The code had many rules which consisted always being fair in battle, fighting an enemy together with your clan, being honorable, and having bravery in battle. Heroes were important to the Anglo-Saxons because they often had a grim outlook on life due to their violent lifestyle. Heroes provided them the hope to improve how they viewed life. An article on csis.pace.edu describes Beowulf as,“the Anglo-Saxon hero is well defined by the actions of Beowulf. It is obvious that Beowulf is the quintessential hero. His strength and courage are unparalleled, and he is much more humble (and honorable) than many of the corrupt warriors around him.” This shows that Beowulf is a direct reflection of the Anglo-Saxon culture in the way he acts, the opponents he battles, and how he battles. Beowulf was also written in the epic style of writing which uses the literary elements of elevated language, kennings, and caesuras to enhance the story. The first battle of Beowulf is against a monster named Grendel, who lives in an underground layer removed from the rest of society. This detail is important because exile was often seen as worse than death this culture. Another important detail in the battle is that Beowulf follows the heroic code by not using a weapon because Grendel doesn't have one. This allows beowulf to
Over time the definition of a hero has changed. Today’s hero can be defined as a person who is admired for having performed a brave and courageous act. The definition of a hero has had different meanings during different time periods. The classical hero, the medieval hero, the romantic hero, and the modern hero all have different characteristics that define them.
Beowulf , a hero from a past story that was written in the 6th century, is one of the oldest English stories today. This story is written by an anonymous, mysterious author and is partially based on facts as well. The story is about a hero named Beowulf, the strongest man of his group known as the Geats, fought Grendal, a monster who was terrorizing people in a banquet hall due to his jealously, along with other enemies. Still even though Beowulf is a relevant hero to have memory of, the heroes that exist in the real world are known to this day are more relatable. Their differences and similarities lie within their methods of their heroic acts, how capable they’re really are, and how can they inspire people.