A hero is a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities; Beowulf, the title character of an epic poem, and Superman, a modern day hero, both proved that they are worthy of the “hero” title. Throughout time, Beowulf and Superman have both been known as brave heroes that stand up for others. The two of them put themselves in difficult situations to protect other’s lives. A hero should be a significant figure, and in the epic poem, Beowulf signified strength, courage, nobility, and honor. As a hero, Superman shared many of the same significant qualities. Although their stories of heroism seem obviously parallel when referring to the characteristics shown by the two heroes, the contrasts are also apparent. The two heroes were very indifferent in various ways. Although Beowulf was exceptionally strong, he was merely a human, but Superman was not human and was exiled from the planet Krypton. Beowulf was eventually defeated and killed, but Superman was immortal and indestructible. Until the end of the poem when Beowulf was defeated by a fierce dragon, he really had no weaknesses; however, Superman constantly struggled with his weakness Kryptonite. Although they both used …show more content…
The two of them never failed to succeed, but fame made Beowulf more boastful. A hero simply always helps out without any recognition in return. No matter the powers of the enemy, Beowulf and Superman never denied helping anyone. Beowulf left his own people to help defend others from the dragons Grendel and his mother, and Superman spent most of his time saving others; therefore, when he encountered Kryptonite, he did not back down. The modesty and selflessness that the two heroes display distinguish them and their story lines from other people and even other
Throughout Beowulf’s battles, he did not receive any outside help from his men. He independently fought Grendel the “infamous killer.” Although Wonder Woman fought very few of her battles independently, she also relied on her comrades who were also apart of the Justice League. As she worked alongside her counterparts, she was able to defeat numerous villains. Additionally, Wonder Woman was connected to her followers as she fought to protect them. Beowulf was quite the opposite. As Beowulf focused on defeating Grendel, he watched as Grendel attacked one of his men and “ripped him apart.” The final difference between the two is a weakness that often leads to death or almost to death. Towards the end of Beowulf’s fifty year victory, he is faced with his last battle against a dragon. Ultimately, it is Beowulf’s pride, which he exudes as he states “ No one else could do what I mean to, here No man but me could hope to defeat this monster,” that leads to his death. On the other hand, Wonder Woman is not faced with such
Although not every hero shouts “Avengers Assemble” before a worthy deed, heroism is shown in all aspects of the everyday world. Webster Dictionary has exactly 5 definitions under the word hero and still no two people explain heroism the same. Superman and Captain America are a glimpse of the fictional characters society titles a hero. Firefighters and Military portray heroism each day in the lives of every civilian. As Sullivan and Venter stated “individuals are referred to as ‘heroes’ for seemingly different reasons” and even through endless studies the adjectives referring heroes is ever changing. Among the various ideas of what it means to be a hero, boldness and valiance capture the essence of heroism.
society in which he lives. He apartment is purposely set on the opposite side of town
The Iliad, the Odyssey, Beowulf, and Hamlet are classical stories that are still relatable and debatable to read and discuss. Though some of the stories are intertwined or continue off one another, the character and stories are distinctive. The stories contain different hero development and progression among them. All the stories contain an idea or concept of a hero that may not necessarily have to do with gaining power or control like modern superheroes. Power and control are referred to having to be the ruler and having the ability to do what you'd like. The modern heroes selflessness of a human on duty or even volunteering, and that person’s willingness to put their own lives on the line for the lives of absolute strangers, is specifically the quality that redefines the modern hero and separates them from heroes in the past.
A hero is defined as a person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. A hero is strong in mind and body, courageous in spirit, and selfless where others are involved. Superman and Beowulf both exhibit these characteristics. The differences between Beowulf and Superman are as obvious as their similarities. Beowulf and Superman share some of the same characteristics.
Do people ever talk about superheroes, and monsters? Especially people into comic books and children. Every child, even adults, have a superhero they look up to, or a role model they want to grow up to be like. Superheroes are everywhere from movies to books. Children even sit in their room playing with toy superheroes, hoping one day they can be just like them. Even hundreds of thousands of years ago there were superheroes! A long time ago in the Anglo-Saxon Period there was a brave and loyal hero! His name was Beowulf, and everyone looked up to him. This hero definitely brought peace to many people, and if it wasn’t for the mighty hero Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxons would have been terrorized forever. Therefore, the times were hard before Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon warriors always stood for three values, and the time was changed without monsters.
Without mental strength and stability, one cannot lead or rule efficiently and may cause more harm than good. Beowulf is not just a hero in the terms of Joseph Campbell, but is also the definition of an Anglo-Saxon hero. Christopher Garcia, author of The Anglo-Saxon Hero, declares that to be an Anglo-Saxon hero, one must be a warrior which Beowulf is. Although he is the interpretation of an Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf does not bask in his own glory. He controls his mentality which demonstrates how he is mentally strong. As Garcia says, “warriors had to be willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for the glory and people.” Throughout Beowulf, Beowulf fulfills his job as a hero by using his mental strength to display a proper attitude without being overconfident in his abilities. An example of his properness occurs in a formal boast when he claims, “I mean to perform to the uttermost / what your people wanted or perish in the attempt” (634-635). Presented in this quote, Beowulf shows the obvious power of his mentality and willingness to put his life at risk to save others. Beowulf is a definite hero by definitions and exhibits the proper mental strength to relieve the fear the Danes have from Grendel’s multitude of fatal
Superman, one of the mostly known superheroes resembles, a lot like the champion Beowulf. Both heroes come from an elite family, and both superlative men prove to be unrivaled in righteousness and courage. An antagonist possessing great power is presented in both tales. Superman, however, is not considered man as he is an alien who posses many superpowers to help him establish justice. Although Beowulf posses the strength of multiple men, he was still a mortal man and faced the high probability of death. Beowulf 's tale ends with him defeating a great dragon at the cost of his own life. Other heroes face more than just one person. Vigilantes like the punisher face enemies such as a corrupted government or society as a whole. Beowulf never had to face a kingdom or a corrupt king, but how he interacts with people shows his higher hero qualities. In Beowulf 's encounter with unferth, Beowulf sets the jealous dane straight by reminding him of his failure to stop the evil that´s been parading around. Afro from ¨Afro Samurai¨ is a lot of things. In a world where one 's power and skill can be ranked by numbered headbands, Afro seeks the number one spot in efforts of avenging his father 's death. In comparison both Afro and Beowulf seek reputation. It´s in Beowulf´s nature to want bragging rights and fame. Afro´s desire to be ¨number one¨ is what led to his name being well known all over ancient japan. Although the afro samurai´s motives are identical to Beowulf 's, his disposition is that of a completely different category. Beowulf is not the type to simple kill those who think lowly of him. As mentioned earlier, Beowulf´s social skills are pretty good. Even though some modern day superheroes do not posses such skills, they still hold at least one trait or ideal that Beowulf
Beowulf’s fight against the dragon shows Beowulf as a hero. Although Beowulf had previously defeated two other foes, he stands fast and fights his most formidable foe yet, the dragon. Dragons were notoriously difficult to kill, and the poem states that it was a great man, who could kill a dragon, even if it meant losing one's life. While others cower away Beowulf fights the dragon. Beowulf defeats the dragon but loses his life in the same instance. Like the classical hero Beowulf loses his special status in death. Beowulf sought no compensation for his services; the mere satisfaction of helping others was pay enough. Like his two previous battles Beowulf fights for those who could not fight for themselves.
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.
Beowulf’s fight against the dragon shows Beowulf as a hero. Although Beowulf had previously defeated two other foes, he stands fast and fights his most formidable foe yet, the dragon. Dragons were notoriously difficult to kill, and the poem states that it was a great man, who could kill a dragon, even if it meant losing one's life. While others cower away Beowulf fights the dragon. Beowulf defeats the dragon but loses his life in the same instance. Like the classical hero Beowulf loses his special status in death. Beowulf sought no compensation for his services; the mere satisfaction of helping others was pay enough. Like his two previous battles Beowulf fights for those who could not fight for themselves.
Superman, Spiderman, and Batman are heroes! They possess the two traits that are needed in western civilization to be considered a hero: wisdom and fortitude. These modern heroes have wisdom and fortitude. Did Beowulf possess these traits? Beowulf shows he is a hero through both his wisdom and fortitude throughout his adventures. Beowulf is a great hero because he possesses both wisdom and fortitude.
Heroes are found everywhere in the world. They are seen in movies, on television, in books, and in reality. A hero can be anyone, from a friend to a fictional character. To be considered a hero, one must make selfless sacrifices, develop and learn, overcome challenges and temptations, and ultimately present their known world with a gift of any kind. Homer’s
Recently, students of Olympian High School have stumbled upon the question, "What is a hero?" In the school's 2013 Young Minds Essay Contest, students are expected to consider universal concerns and ideas. Many times when people think of a hero, they think of Superman, Batman, and many other Marvel characters who display unattainable superpowers. However, heroes are prevalent throughout the world. A hero can be anyone who has the desire to help others, brave in dangerous situations, and does not look at exterior gain from helping others.
Pretend for a minute that the superhuman world exists. Many people know the general story of Super Man and of Beowulf. We all know that they both have an enormous amount of strength. They are heroes and people around them relied on them, because they fought the bad guy. It’s also known that they come from completely two different types of worlds, and lived centuries apart. Superman isn’t even human but kryptonian which allows him to have other powers besides strength. In a dark ally being robbed, or a meteor heading toward earth, or the government (which ever kind it is) has gone whack, or any other kind of sticky situation you find yourself in, who are you going to wish was there, Superman or Beowulf. First you have to know what their qualities, strengths, weaknesses, are and what they can provide to help you.