Fear and Hero

Throughout the ballad of Beowulf, the author allows the reader to see, in action, the true workings of heroes; Men and women who cast aside their own personal needs and desires for the better of others. During his time, the actions that an individual persevered over their lifetime, both good and bad, determined the title by they were known to by the rest. For one to be a hero they most meet many requirements. A hero is an individual who is feared and respected by subjects and by enemies. A hero one must be bold, courageous, valiant and daring. A hero must not fear death or whoever brings it, instead, in his wisdom and timing, be prepared at all times to face anything. “The battle was over, Beowulf Had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, But wounded as he was could flee to his den, His miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh, Only to die, to wait for the end. Of all his days.”(500-503)
The classic hero, Batman, possesses strength, ethics and, above all, fights evil. This applied in the time of Beowulf and still applies today “the strongest of the Geats—greater And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world—“(110). As a result of innovations, society has come to tribute Batman, a modern day hero. Beowulf is described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and vanquishes evil with his extraordinary abilities to bring peace and justice. Beowulf’s traits that support this are his amazing physical strength, and his ability to put his people’s welfare before his own “Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror And quickly commanded a boat fitted out,” (112-113). Beowulf could have been one of the first mortal superheroes ever written about, and is compared easily to American superheroes, as with the example of Batman, a modern day hero. Despite the differences, similarities between the Anglo-Saxon hero and modern day hero can be seen through the comparison of Beowulf and Batman.
The story of Beowulf has been passed through many generations,