Modern Heroism In Beowulf

Although cultural heroes ultimately serve the purpose of solidifying the values of a particular culture , the ever-changing, dynamic nature of heroism identifies itself as religious or a natural trait. Heroism is considered putting yourself at risk when in danger, helping those in need, and being the first one to step up and help, In the read Beowulf, he does just that. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” This quote is perfect in relation to Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon beliefs. Heroism is displayed in many ways, It is showed all throughout the articles as well. Beowulf displays and greatly achieves one of the Anglo-Saxon values heroism through strength and greatness. As the story continues he resembles the traits of a protagonist more and more, for example, they place their careers in a high positions as if they are more important than their lives. Beowulf is seen in my eyes as almost fearless, how he goes about his quest and actions, slays Grendel and Grendel 's mother. Beowulf seems to put his life of adventure and intensity in front of his personal life. He focuses more on the Military part then he does his family or close friends. For him to put that in front of his morals and beliefs makes him an even greater hero.

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.

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost,” (Ash). A true hero is mellow and unpretentious. One who is willing to do anything for an individual or group of individuals. This sacrificial love a hero has is completely selfless and is not in result of starvation for fame or fortune. A hero receives fame through word of others and does not strive to become famous. A hero is meek, they do not brag about accomplishments, instead letting their actions do their boasting. Beowulf falls short of authentic heroism due to his lack of humility, dearth of selflessness, and failure to reign supreme after his final task.

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.

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.

The concept of hero is never outdated in literary. Every author has their own understanding of how a hero should be like, and all heroes live and behave differently according to the society they live in. The definition of hero is much broader than a man with superpower. In Beowulf and The Great Gatsby, both of the protagonist, Beowulf and Jay Gatsby are considered heroes in the story. Although both of them embody the values of their societies, Beowulf is a more successful hero because he truly reaches the expectations that his society has for a hero and embraces the reality, which leads him to sacrifices his life for a more worthy cause.

The world as it is depicted in Beowulf is home to many aspects of society that are at odds with behaviors acceptable in modern culture, but perhaps shares a startling number of similarities as well. As part of the Anglo-Saxon society, the concept of loyalty is imbued into the seams of the civilization, and allegiance can be found split between lords and kin. Tales concerning themselves with eternal human problems are not few and far between in Beowulf—given that it is an epic poem—and antithesis governs the flow of the narrative. In the midst of the battles raging between evil and good, heroes and villains, mourning and glory, and victory and defeat, death is omnipresent, constantly looming and prompting men to drift towards their swords. This is a society in which chances for a clean slate—a tabula rasa—are minimal, and every action is chiseled in stone, forever etched into eternity. During a time period when very little is certain, the only guarantee of being remembered, of having your name go down stamped with your identity, is through heroism and action. Boasting is a means through which one can build a reputation for himself, planting his name into his opponents’ heads and setting a foundation for success. It remains a skill to be used prudently, though, as overstating and misrepresenting one’s abilities has the great potential to yield adverse repercussions.

Most heroes receive accolades, rewards, or some type of fame for the heroic things they have done. But for the people who don´t get any kind of recognition, usually they feel as if what they did was not appreciated. That´s why people should receive the positive attention they deserved for the great deed they have done.

Heroism has changed since beowulf yet in some ways stayed the same. There are many characteristics of a hero some are the same and some are different. Some of the strongest characteristics that have stayed the same are selflessness and courage. There are also some that have changed since Beowulf like super strength.

Heroism in Beowulf has changed in some ways in the twenty-first century. Heroism in Beowulf meant that you have to be masculine and have superpowers. In the 21st century, heroism has changed drastically. A hero can just be a random person. A person could be a hero to another by just being a role model.

Heroism is defined as great bravery, but there are many interpretations of what great bravery truly signifies. Over time the image of heroism is altered to conform to cultural beliefs and morals. Often times, heroes are written into poems, or stories to set an exceptionally high standard and become a role model for people in their time period. In the famous epic, Beowulf, the ideal hero is portrayed as a superior warrior who is able to overcome unthinkable means. This proposal of a warrior as a hero did not last long in history, however. As times changed, people developed different values and beliefs that transformed a hero from a warrior to a saint. In today's world, a hero is considered as

Most people in modern day society believe that heroes are like Batman, Superman, or even Spiderman. These fictional characters are children's modern day heroes since they are portrayed as brave, loyal, and fearless. However, as these children are growing up, their perception of a hero is changing when they come across celebrities, civil rights leaders, or someone highly inspirational in their life. According to the Anglo Saxon society, a hero is portrayed with the qualities of being brave, loyal, and fearless and these qualities are in the pagan warrior Beowulf. Just like Beowulf, the main character of “The Hunger Games”, Katniss Everdeen , who fights in a battle to save her district from poverty, is also an embodiment of a true hero. Though

Epic poems, are about epic and big journeys. The story i will be talking about is ‘Beowulf’ Throughout his journeys, he has shown to great lengths to show his heroism, with or without his weapons. The kingdom of Wulfgar is in great danger, and word spreads quickly that they need a hero. Beowulf's heroicness and strengths clearly proves that the theme of the this story is heroism.

Philip Zimbardo, a psychology professor at Stanford University, once said, “I’m saying to be a hero means you step across the line and are willing to make a sacrifice, so heroes are always making a sacrifice. Heroes always take risks. Heroes are always deviant. Heroes always doing something that most people don’t and we want to change…”

Looking back at early forms of literature we notice the classic idea of heroism in Beowulf. As time passes by the notion of a hero changes. Consciousness in early literature such as, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, does not enter the innermost thoughts. The notion of a hero and the notion of consciousness changes within literature through time. In the novel, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen the hero is portrayed differently compared to earlier texts as well as the characters being aware of one’s environment. The author Jane Austen, carefully shapes her characters’ actions, feelings and affiliations in a specific way. In Sense and Sensibility we have a clearer picture of the consciousness of characters than what we see in Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.