Throughout history, heroes have been defined by the monsters and threats they face. In the epic poem Beowulf and the film Dr. Strangely, the heroes confront different types of enemies that reflect their cultural values. Beowulf, rooted in Anglo-Saxon tradition, fights physical monsters that threaten human society. Dr. Strange, a modern superhero, faces psychological and existential threats that challenge reality itself. By comparing these two heroes, we can see how cultural values have shifted from the Anglo-Saxon period to the modern day. In Beowulf, the hero battles physical monsters that represent chaos and destruction. Beowulf's first challenge is Grendel, who is described as the "Shepard of evil" and "Guardian of crime," who for twelve winters terrorizes Hrothgar's Kingdom, killing men while they sleep. Beowulf defeats Grendel with his bare hands, proving his immense strength as he rips off the creatures arm, leaving Grendel to "Only die, to wait for the end Of all his days." Afterward, Beowulf faces Grendel's mother, described as a "greedy she-wolf" …show more content…
In Beowulf's time, society called warriors who could protect their people from tangible dangers. As Beowulf says "Fate will unwind as it must," showing that strength and courage are vital in facing inevitable threats. The monsters Beowulf faces represent real immediate dangers, requiring physical combat and heroism, as seen when Beowulf proclaims, "His gold and everything hidden in that tower, will be mine or war will sweep me into a bitter death!." In modern times, however, the threats heroes face are often psychological or philosophical. Dr. Strange's use of intellect and strategy highlights this shift, as he declares, "Sometimes the best weapon is not strength but knowledge." Modern society values intelligence and self-awareness, requiring heroes to navigate complex moral dilemmas rather than physical