Comparison of Modern Time Super Heroes and the Ancient Beowulf Essay Example
Introduction
People who are classified as heroes have the position of qualities that are not exhibited by normal human beings. The conditions in question are, for instance, strength, moral ethics, and the will to fight evil. These characters are present in the today’s society as they were at the time of Beowulf. The difference that is displayed between the modern time super heroes and the ancient Beowulf time is that at present, stars are supposed to show the quality of humility whereas self-confidence was the quality of heroinism that was displayed during the time of Beowulf.
Body
No matter the difference in the desires that the heroes of Beowulf time and the moment shows, making a comparison between Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon hero) and Batman (modern society hero) will depict the similarities between the two heroes. Both Batman and Beowulf displays the
...heroic trait of strength. The abnormal strength of Beowulf is seen when as the individual swims for seven nights fighting sea-freaks (Hawes, 87). On top of swimming consecutively for seven days, Beowulf shows his strength again by removing the hands of Grendel’s as they fight. On the contrary, Batman fights many criminals on different occasions in his movie “The Batman.” Together with sharing the similarities of strength the two heroes have the same moral ethic that doesn't allow them to kill. After fighting the enemies, Batman lets them free. Both heroes also display the notion of fighting evil.
Christian elements are shown throughout the Beowulf story in many different occasions. The story Beowulf acknowledges that survival of human beings depends on the protection that God provides. In addition to recognizing God as the provider, Beowulf story argues that al
natural gifts flow from God and that for a man to lead a good life the person should be humble and unselfish. In war scenarios, Beowulf in many cases acknowledges God as the protector quoting that if God had not guarded the character throughout the war, Beowulf could have lost the battle (Dodig, p.67). Lastly, Beowulf acknowledges that God’s given success should be handled with humility. Even though Christian elements covers a bigger percentage, though, out the Beowulf poem, instances of paganism are also portrayed (Tolkien, p. 45). For instance, fulfilling the last wish of a soldier is a pagan element that is displayed in the poem. A statement made by Beowulf that “fate saves a man who is not doomed when his courage is good” also depicts a pagan element. Regarding the evidence got from Beowulf, it is a fact that Christianity during the time of Beowulf was more accepted by the Anglo- Saxon society.
Conclusion
Following that Beowulf was considered as a hero by the Anglo–Saxons, it is a fact that the society valued religion because it is via religion that one can fight evil in the society. On top of the value they accorded religion, the community admired men’s outstanding courage. The remarkable courage is associated with other values such as heroic cord, bravery, truth, honor, and loyalty. Though the Anglo-Saxons desired the benefits highlighted above, the society displayed fear of humiliation and loneliness in their life. The presence of monsters in the poem is used to show the concerns that Anglo-Saxon community associated with death. The fact that Beowulf, by helping the society fight evil is considered a hero, proves that the community
on top of fearing humiliation, loneliness, and death, it also feared evil.
Works Cited
- Hawes, David. "Beowulf the RPG." (2010).
- Dodig, Vedran. Christian Elements in Lord of the Rings and Beowulf. Diss. Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2016.
- Tolkien, J R. R, Christopher Tolkien, and J R. R. Tolkien. Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary: Together with Sellic Spell. , 2014. Print.
