Compare And Contrast Batman And Beowulf

Both men Beowulf and Wiglaf demonstrate Anglo- Saxon’s values of bravery, honor and loyalty throughout the epic poem. These values carried on into other ages as time went on and are shown in today’s heroes such as Batman. Although, many decades apart both men, Beowulf and Batman demonstrate bravery, honor, and loyalty. The men though different time show their bravery through the events to protect those in need. Beowulf who “waded in, embracing water,taking its measure, mastering currents,riding on the swell. The ocean swayed,winter went wild in the waves,…vied for seven nights”(35) shows his bravery as he goes to fight off monster. Although, Batman may not have swam for many nights he has fought off several villains with his bare hands, not
backing down to protect society.

Both batman and Beowulf are similar in their honor code. Batman’s ethics state that he is not a murderer, unless it is not absolutely needed. Batman lets those who are not harmful to go free. Beowulf’s similar ethics are seen in a conversation with Unferth where he explains to Unferth “You murdered your own brothers, your own close kin. Words and bright wit won’t help your soul; you’ll suffer hell’s fire, Unferth, forever tormented.”(89) He like batman is honorable in the fact that neither will harm anyone unless someone they love or in society is in great danger.