In todays day in age, a hero could be sitting behind a computer hiding in the darkness (Cannon). In the 20th century, heroes were considered to be people who fought in wars and who won medals of honor. These people performed amazing feats and went through hardships during these times of war. However, the definition of a hero has evolved since the 20th century into people who make a difference in peoples lives not just in warfare. A good example of an important hero is Beowulf. He is an important hero because he saves the lives of many people. Another good example of a hero is a man named Achilles. Achilles plays an important role in being a hero because he is someone who fights for his army and fights for the people he cares about. Achilles and Beowulf are both great heroes and they show us how great they are in many similar ways as well as many different ways. …show more content…
Achilles is a fierce warrior who leads his army called the Myrmidons. Beowulf starts his heroism by going to the land of the Danes who's king is Hrothgar. Beowulf sails there with his army called the Geats. He comes to the rescue of Hrothgar and his kingdom. Hrothgar tells Beowulf about a monster named Grendel who has been terrorizing the kingdom. Beowulf, being the confident hero he is, thinks that this battle is going to be easy. He ended up being right because Beowulf defeated Grendel handedly. After this defeat, Hrothgar dies making Beowulf king of the land. Beowulf has to
Heroes are a rare and amazing phenomenon. Two heroes that stand out in literature are Beowulf and Achilles. Beowulf is a Herot who is a selfless, even tempered, fate fighting warriors who saves his kingdom numerous times from threats, such as monsters and enemies. Achilles is a Greek, selfish warriors in Greece but has a hot temper and is often unforgiving. Achilles wants to help take the kingdom of Troy, but doesn’t agree with the war.
When asked to describe a hero, Mickey Mantle, famous baseball player for the New York Yankees, Said “Heroes are people who are all good with no bad in them” This quote shows that a hero is someone who always does the right thing and has good intentions. What a hero should look like now is someone who is loyal and brave. In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus proves that he is a hero when he went to save his men on “Circe’s Island.” and defeated the cyclops in “The Cave of the Cyclops.”
Beowulf vs. Achilles Beowulf is an epic poem written by an unknown author in 1000 AD but based in 500 AD. The main character, Beowulf, is an Anglo-Saxon who loves glory. The Iliad, also an epic poem, written by Homer in 1200 BC related to the events of the Trojan War. The main character, Achilles, is a greek warrior with anger issues and strong determination. While both Beowulf and Achilles have many similar characteristics as well as differences, they lived in two different time periods and still represent their respective cultures very well.
Think about when someone helped you in life and they always have a plan B if things so south, and they find ways to solve problems. A hero can also be someone who helps others with homework, helps someone carry things, or even help someone cook. A modern day hero is someone who helps our society, and helps other people when they need help. Or you could be a like Bella Abzug is an perfect example amazing because she helped the world. Bella Abzug is a hero to women by helping them with the rights we have today, she has overcome many obstacles, and she has made a difference in the world.
Beowulf is so strong, despite his old age, that his blows break his sword in half. Achilles, with the exception of his heel, is Semi-immortal. Both heroes have massive physical challenges that they must overcome. Beowulf battles a gruesome marsh-dwelling damned creature named Grendel, while Achilles is on a quest to defeat a number of dangerous warriors who are either Trojans or are allies of the Trojans.
The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land.
Heroes in our society are revered and respected as Joseph Campbell reminds us: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes exist in all societies and throughout history. Maybe they are not always on the news or from the movies, but their words and their actions never fail to resonate across their feats. A hero gives of himself and dedicates himself to causes which better others and their society unlike individuals who are self serving, greedy, and cruel.
Christopher Reeve (AKA the 1978 superman) said that, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”. Both Beowulf and Modern day heroes are similar in that way in that they fight for the common good of people. That quote from Christopher Reeves on what a modern day hero is, also applies to the epic hero qualities that Beowulf has. Similarly Beowulf and a modern day hero defeat an evil so that good can prevail. Some examples are, Beowulf Slaying Grendel and Grendel's mother to save the land of the Danes, and soldiers fighting enemies that threaten the lives of a country, and police officers putting criminals behind bars.
A hero could be anyone. Heroes don’t have to shoot lasers or be able to fly. A hero could be someone who simply shows a great act or certain character trait like bravery or courage. Heroes go through a journey containing a call to adventure, a departure and a return to their homeland. A good example of heroism and heroic acts is David from the Chrysalids and Daniel from The Dangerous Days of Daniel X. David and Daniel experienced sacrifice, hardships and bravery through their journeys of becoming a hero.
Beowulf’s fate causes some of his men to get killed in battle and he leaves his land ungoverned and susceptible to attack demonstrated by the quote, “Grendel snatched at the first Geat, ripped him apart, and cut his body to bits,”(421
Characters such as Thor, Harry Potter, and Katniss Everdeen are considered as prime examples of heroism. As for the story of Beowulf,
A hero does not fight for fame and glory but for the greater good. A hero is someone who goes through adversity to help others in desperate times. A hero fights evil, and defends people. Beowulf should be considered a hero because he is a strong, brave warrior who defended his people and slayed evil monsters. Beowulf proves himself to be a strong, brave warrior by killing Grendel the monster.
Beowulf: Epic Hero or Proud Fool? So what exactly is a hero? A hero to most is a person idealized for their courage and their outstanding achievements and qualities. Some may even consider Beowulf a hero due his never backing down and risking his own life for the safety of his people.
He did carry the ways of a Anglo-Saxon which were honesty, kindness,loyalty, and honor. But all of that was soon covered up with his prideful thinking. Beowulf came to the aid of the king Hrothgar and his people willingly, knowing he could solve the king’s problem. Beowulf succeed in killing the monster getting fame , glory, and riches. Although Beowulf brought along his mighty warriors he persisted that they stay and watch him defeat the monster named “Grendel’’ all alone.
There are various approaches to describing a hero. There is also an infinite number of individuals who can be defined as heroes. A hero can be a person who demonstrates valor. A hero can be a champion. A hero can even save a life or even mankind.