Comparing Beowulf And The Invincible Superman

A hero can be defined in several ways. Someone can be considered a hero by the qualities he or she displays. The epic poem Beowulf, written by an unknown author, describes the most heroic man and role model of the Anglo-Saxon times. This hero Beowulf has all the qualities and traits that a true hero expresses. Beowulf, as depicted in the epic Beowulf, is the prototype of the epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who embodies the virtues and ideals of his culture.

Christopher Reeve once said “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endures in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” In other words, a hero is a normal person who is able to be strong and persevere despite difficult obstacles preventing them. In the book, Beowulf, the the nephew of the king of the land of the geats, helps Hrothgar, another king, kill a series of monsters that threaten his kingdom. He helps Hrothgar kill Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and The Firedrake. Beowulf is a hero because he is just an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite the overwhelming obstacles preventing him from doing so. Beowulf embodies Christopher Reeve’s definition of a hero because he defeated the flesh-eating Grendel, who could not be stopped even by groups of elite soldiers. Beowulf also killed Grendel’s mother, a much eviler being who lived in a cave in an endless pool of blood that led to hell. Finally, he defeated The Firedrake, who swelled up and breathed fire when angry.

      Superman, also known as Clark Kent, is the most popular modern day hero. Superman spent most of his time saving people from natural disasters and corrupt businessmen. He would level slums to force the city to build decent housing, and he would use his powers to terrorize munitions makers.

Being a hero can be defined many different ways. Several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. A hero is noted for his or her actions for being brave, powerful, and acting with honor. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows all of these characteristics by defending the Danish king, Hrothgar, and his people. He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.

Superheroes are unique and have abilities to do things that ordinary people cannot. A superhero does not have to have physical abilities. A superhero is a overall strong individual, whether their strength is mental or physical. Superheroes are unique and can vary in abilities. Beowulf is a superhero like the well known superheroes in television. Beowulf has similar characteristics to Incredible Hulk, Superman, and Spider-Man. Although Beowulf shares many characteristics, he also has many that makes him unique. Beowulf is strong like Incredible Hulk, but does not hurt anyone unless necessary. Beowulf is brave like Superman, although he is not as big. Lastly, Beowulf is daring like Spider-Man, even though he cannot shoot webs from his

He fears that she would, as Boas states, feel “intense displeasure ” (607) were she to know his true identity. For Clark Kent, truly, “the teachings of earlier childhood remain…the truth which is never doubted (Boas 609). Ultimately, his love for Lois Lane forces Superman/Clark Kent to choose which life to live. Deciding to live life as a mortal with Lois Lane, he must give up his powers. Unknown to the pair, at the same time a trio of evil Kryptonians, all possessing the same powers as Superman, have begun to enslave all of mankind. Upon hearing this, the powerless Clark Kent decides that he must set aside his own feelings, and even the feelings of Lois Lane, in order to act for the benefit of the majority. He acts against the desires of Clark Kent, and therefore the culture of his Earth upbringing, and instead acts according to the responsibilities of a hero, therefore embracing the culture of his Kryptonian parents. Clark Kent undergoes a rebirth as he succeeds in regaining his powers, becoming Superman once again. Empowered with the strength and determination to defeat his opponents, Superman conquers the evil Kryptonians and returns peace to the world

Beowulf and Superman have many similar traits that almost every epic hero has. Both of these heroes are courageous, brave, strong and loyal to their people. Beowulf can be considered brave because he defeated Grendel with his bare hands which shows his courage. Similarly to superman who fought against Zod who wanted to take over planet earth and transform it into his own planet, Krypton. This also shows Superman’s bravery, confidence and courage because he fought against his most prominent enemy and saved a whole world, which shows all the traits a hero needs.

A hero is one who is not only strong, but one who uses his strength to uphold others. A hero is humble, philanthropic, magnanimous and selfless, a humanitarian at best. In the unprecedented epic Beowulf, the tale’s namesake exemplifies every characteristic befitting an Anglo-Saxon hero. He is honest, loyal, and courageous. He portrays these characteristics in the battle against Grendel, the affray with Grendel’s mother, and the fight against the dragon that inevitably ended his life.

But whence digging past the loud colours and the "it's-a-bird-it's-a-plane," generic, one realises the true face of Superman. He isn't super for his inhuman abilities or his capricious appearance, he isn't a true man for his strong build and his appealing features:  Superman is super because he's what everyone should aspire to be, and he is a man because he melds the world in a form of good and good only. For if Superman wanted to, he could rule the world and no one would be able to stop him. Superman is, literally, a god among men.  He has the power to sink entire continents and kill millions of people with ease, but he chooses to protect everyone, good or bad, no matter how insignificant and tiny the life is for nothing in return. Superman is a hero because he's there for everyone, never compromising his ideals and taking the high road to support those in need. This is despite the fact that he could basically be a god lording over others without much trouble, but instead chooses to serve and inspire. That is why he is a hero. Superman is the ultimate hero, and not just because he is the most powerful being on earth but for his integrity which sets him completely apart. One could constantly remark on how Superman looks for the best in everyone, how he is ultimately loyal and selfless, not even considering the fact that he could rule the world but chooses to serve is the greatest compliment you can

strength. Beowulf went to help a friend of his father by slaying a monster by the name of

Beowulf has been known as the classic literary hero for years. He contains all the qualities that one thinks of when the word hero is mentioned. He is strong, brave, just and of course fights the bad guy. When you look at the people that we admire and consider heroes today, you can see a lot of similarities with Beowulf but you can also see some differences. Beowulf and the modern day hero both were fighting for what was just and right.

of his daily duty of “protector of the Earth,” Superman reacts instantly to the problems he

Epic heroes face incredible challenges that force them to showcase their otherworldly capabilities. Epic heroes have the ability to do what mere mortals are unable to accomplish. Two of the most significant and well-known epic heroes are Superman and Beowulf. Superman and Beowulf are both epic heroes that each display their own set of unique characteristics, but also share many similarities. These epic heroes are forced to display examples of courage, super strength, and both have to battle inhuman foes.

Beowulf was a brave and strong hero. He feared nothing. Superman is much like Beowulf in this sense. Beowulf did not have super powers but he had no fear of death. He didn’t go out to fight demons for gold. He fought for glory. Superman was similar. He fought to protect. He did not want anything in return. The thing that makes these two men heroes is that they would lay down their life at any moment to save another. The both faced their “demons”. Superman fought crime day to day as Beowulf went around the world to fight demons and prevent them from harming villages. Although both of these heroes were great, they both had their weaknesses. Beowulf could not resist the beauty of Grendel’s mother. She was too beautiful for him to resist.

Who is your favorite superhero? What type of qualities does that superhero have? Almost every hero has fans, because they raises above whatever they are faced with. When you think of a superhero you think they can do things normal people can’t, because their immortal. Every person or town needs a hero, these hero’s don’t necessarily have to save lives but they could solve problems or even make you smile. Hero’s come in all shapes and sizes, they don’t just have to be super strong or immortal. Little kids pick hero’s that aren’t always immortal, like a brother/sister, or even a sports player. At the time to those kids you may seem like a “superhero” but really you are just an average person, making a difference in someone life. Beowulf isn’t