Compare And Contrast Classic Heroes And Modern Heroes

Retiring is a process of one leaving the job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment. Classic heroes and modern day heroes both have similar heroic code of being brave and courageous, but have distinct way of retiring as heroes reflect on time period with different trend of heroism. Although all heroes show gallantry as approaching to the obstacle, the method of fighting through the obstacles for each heroes are unalike. Modern day heroes use power of words, technology, and freedom to accomplish the objective, whereas Classic heroes use power of strength and courage to fulfill other’s need. Perception of influence and life-changing actions toward society is the most understandable image of modern day
In epic literatures, classic heroes aren’t afraid of death and the will of devoting themselves to achieve beneficial goal is priceless. Sir Gawain is frail but a courageous knight, who leads himself to an arduous journey to defeat the antagonist, Green Knight. As Sir Gawain took the stand to defeat the Green Knight, he says, “So my death would be the least loss, if truth should be told” (Anonymous). Sir Gawain, in this section of the text, describes his life isn’t valuable which is why he is a perfect fit to fight the Green Knight and proceed the journey, but at the same time, the author attempts to show the heroic code of Sir Gawain: not being afraid of death. Classic heroes unafraid of death but it’s the only way for heroes to retire is very ironic but it’s a must-have factor in epic literature. Beowulf is on the same side as Sir Gawain. Beowulf is a great warrior that has arrived in Denmark to defeat the antagonist, Grendel, who causes harm to Danish kingdom. Beowulf, preparing for the battle, states his opinion toward death during the battle, “‘hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend’” (Heaney 439-440). Beowulf is ready to encounter battle with his crew and expresses his thoughts of death. In the text, Beowulf knows the one and only way for him to retire is death but doesn’t fear
By gaining fame as a hero, it is to be believed that one can’t retire easily from the position. Beowulf, after defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother, receive complimentary from the Danish King, Hrothgar, for fighting so hard to save Danes, “Geats won’t find a man worthier of acclaim as their king and defender than you” (Heaney 1850~1852). As Beowulf get ready to depart Denmark, King of Danes praises him with honor of saving Danes by comparing Beowulf to other Geats knight. Honoring is a factor that resist heroes from retiring normally as modern day heroes. Sir Gawain, after returning from the brave journey was praised by King Arthur and other knights in the hall where he departs in first place. King Arthur states, “each hero among them, should wear bound about him a baldric of bright green for the sake of Sir Gawain” (Anonymous). Returning of Sir Gawain make everyone in the hall, including the King and the Queen, give respect to the heroism of Sir Gawain and the King make knights and people do a little ritual as a method of giving respect. Situation in Sir Gawain is very similar to Beowulf’s situation of being phrased by the kings. With all the praises and honoring, classic heroes are resisting to