Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Martin Luther King

For leaders, being a hero for their people can help in various ways. In the tales of both Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, and Once and Future King, written by T.H. White, both works contain main characters that become heroes through their actions. Their values and traits, such as those of leadership, humility, and respect, contribute to the making of their heroic nature. However, a hero is not without their own set of flaws. Beowulf and Wart, King Arthur in his youth, differ in their acceptance of their duty. Nonetheless, this adds more to their character and makes them more personable being. Beowulf and King Arthur

Many people disagree on who might qualify to be a hero. While a few people could qualify to be called a hero, many people have done some heroic things at some point in their life; Beowulf and Cuchallain demonstrated heroism through their actions. A hero in the medieval times is considered to be someone that is a noble character that fights for his honor or the honor of his kingdom or community and also someone that is willing to risk his or her life for the greater good. Beowulf was a brave man that volunteered to fight a monster that was terrorizing the people of Herot. He heard about the monster, and decided to travel all the way to Herot to assist the king in defeating the monster. “ I come to proffer my wholehearted help and counsel’’

Are there heroes in today’s society? No one thinks of themselves as a hero, but it does not take any special skills to be a hero because anyone can be a hero. The characteristics of a hero only show up when there is a time of need such as a major catastrophe or minor incidents that happen on a daily basis. During the twenty-first century there have been quite a few major catastrophes. The major catastrophes include the 9/11 attacks, two major hurricanes (Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy), and the Boston marathon bombing. There are also several different major and minor characteristics that a hero will show in times of need. For instance some major characteristics of a hero are perseverance/determination, bravery/courage, dedication/endurance, and selflessness/sacrifice. Some minor characteristics include humility, fearlessness, skill, strength, integrity, and intrepidity (Wanamaker, 2013). In the twenty-first century the 9/11 attacks is the first major catastrophe. During this major disaster there were quite a few individuals who helped to rescue people. There were heroes in each of the three crash sites that occurred on that very eventful day.

No one would believe that two different men from two completely different time periods could have any striking similarities. If someone just so happened to put an Anglo-Saxon warrior and a civil rights leader from the 1960’s right next to each other, there would be several differences on the surface that would immediately meet the eyes. Although if one happens to dig a little deeper, he or she would find that there are various similarities between the two men that are just beyond the surface. Despite Beowulf and Martin Luther King Jr., living in different time periods and having different ideas about how they should defy their adversaries, Beowulf and Martin Luther King Jr., are very much alike in their battles for the well being of others and their way with words.

Everyone has their own idea of what a hero is and what a hero does. Most people think that guys like superman and batman are heroes because they have incredible superpowers and they are famous people who receive glory. Many people describe heroes as strong and indestructible people, however, heroes are actually not always famous and they are not always the way that society portrays them. In fact, most heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and have notable traits for society to follow. Although heroes are mostly overlooked or misinterpreted by many people, a hero is always a courageous, selfless, and persistent person who has the determination to create change for the better.

“It’s not true that there are no heroes anymore…” (Oliver Stone SB 63) Heroes. Today when we hear heroes we think of superheroes with powers. but have we really thought what heroes really are? Heroes are your regular everyday people that work to the best of their abilities to make a difference in the world. A hero is not someone who thinks about themselves but someone who does things that they believe are right and are admired or idealized for their courage.

Ricky Martin once said, “Heroes represent the best of ourselves, respecting that we are human beings. A hero can be anyone from Ghandi to your classroom teacher, anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem. A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity.” Almost anyone can be a hero, as long as they have the courage and the maturity to understand and respect those who they attempt to help. Despite the fact that a hero cannot save everyone, being heroic is about placing others before oneself and strive to help those who need it the most.

Courage displayed by people of today’s times which amounts to monumental change, like that of Martin Luther King Jr, shows heroism. M.L.K Jr. embodies the characteristics of a hero through his bravery which resulted in the betterment of society. His revolutionary behavior to strive for advancements in the culture of many, and his risk in doing so, labels him a hero. Alike to Martin Luther King Jr. with his willingness to be criminally charged, Beowulf has the audacity to fight the evil that is Grendel. With his bare hands, Beowulf would “settle the outcome in a single combat” (line 426) that would rid the town of evil. The similar bravery between Martin Luther King Jr. and Beowulf depicts how people of today can be heroes. The bravery that exists in the most revolutionary people which leads to good change displays qualities of a person that can label them a hero.

Not every hero wears a cape or tights, nor do they all have superpowers. Being a hero does not mean you have to be a crime fighter or a warrior. Heroism comes with the good that you do, and helping people and wanting better for people are makes heroes. Heroism can range from big to small; a hero can makes someone’s day, or he or she can even make history. Heroes can be local or worldwide. A hero could even be someone an individual looks up to as a role model. Heroes do not have to be well known by everyone to be a hero. They could just be helping their community. Not every hero is the same, and people may not agree on who is and who is not a hero. Heroes are what an individual makes them to be. Although Beowulf and Malcolm X are people of different time eras, both men demonstrate a variety of characteristics of a hero.

Heroes have achieved many feats that support the belief of a greater good and expressing valor and selflessness through the ages. There are fictional or real life accounts that have recognized these men and women for their vigor and marked them as heroes due to their events of success and motives of committing the heroic deeds. Yet there are copious amounts of people who have sacrifice themselves for a greater good but they have been lost through time even if their actions were prosperous or doomed in the end with a valiant purpose. They are unsung heroes who committed the actions based on their inner fire of what is right or honorable or rather than the fame they hope to achieve from those acts. The world or a populous may not know of their actions, but the actions and beliefs of an individual or group can entitle them of being hero-like without the necessity of recognition and success. They have lost their lives or a part of themselves to a cause based on righteousness rather than self-gain. They presented selfless heroism rather than the the intention to receive praise from the victories. Sacrifice contributes more to Heroism because the individual invested his or her own determination, valor and accepting the opportunity to risk their self-health (physical or psychological) based on great intentions rather than reaping the accolades of committing good deeds.

If one hundred people were asked the meaning of the word hero, each of them would have a different definition. The word hero has several definitions based on the fact that the definition varies based on the person who is being asked. The late author, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou defines a hero as “… any person really intent on making [the place they live] a better place for all people” (Zevallos). Her definition pinpoints why Beowulf and Reverend Al Sharpton are both heroes. Even though Beowulf and Reverend Al Sharpton were born in different time periods and places, they have more differences and some similarities.

The definition of a hero is not a simple dictionary definition. Heroism is a complex idea, but many people in history have been regarded as heroes. These great figures were honored by all, it is they who embody heroism. They made a large change for the better in our society. While this change is what made them stand out, all you need to be is one who helps and trusts others even if you have to sacrifice something for them.

Heroes, from Beowulf to Superman our cultures have always created heroes. We may always have political, social, economic and religious differences, but at the end of the day we all have one thing in common, heroes. They help define who we are and what we want to be. They give us hope and inspire us to head in the right direction. They show us that good will always triumph over evil and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Heroes give us the inspiration we need to overcome problems in our own lives and that is why we create them. Beowulf perfectly embodies the idea of a hero. He defeats the evil Grendel and his mother, slays the dragon and saves his people. He is

Heroes are those who have gone above what the average person would do to ensure the welfare of others. Natural disasters, terrorism, poverty, and war are some of the many things that destroy and end people’s lives. Throughout history, many people have made a difference. However, as history progresses, what we consider to be socially normal changes along with our definition of a hero. In Ancient Greece, Theseus, Hercules, and Perseus were considered heroes, but today only Theseus and Perseus would be considered heroes because Hercules would be shunned by society.

The word heroism brings to mind different things to different people. This is because people tend to have different concepts of heroism and what it means. The definition of heroism has changed a lot since ancient times and will continue to change. Despite these changes, there are a few things about heroes that will never change. A hero can be described as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Both ancient and modern day heroes are idealized for possessing these traits. Heroes, no matter from what time period, will always be powerful, strong, brave, and valued.