Beowulf Essay

To be a hero is a big responsibility, whether it be in the past, or in our modern world. Beowulf is the hero of the ages, otherwise known as the original hero that set an example for all heroes to follow. As compared to a modern day hero, such as Spider-Man, Beowulf holds all characteristics, only in different ways.

Beowulf as compared to Spider-Man, you could see many differences when you analyze their stories. Spider-Man is a man who was bitten by a spider, and turned into a normal person with superhuman abilities. Beowulf, on the other hand, is a cocky hero who decided to be a hero on his own, not with special powers. Both have enemies, and that is where the whole idea of a "hero" comes into play. Spider-Man has his major enemy, the Green Goblin, just as Beowulf has Grendel. If these characters didn't have their antagonists, their heroism wouldn't exist. Spider-Man and Beowulf are externally similar, but internally, completely different. Spider-Man fights his enemy to save the people he loves, just as Beowulf has done. These things that they have in common make them heroes, in retrospect.

As an old-time hero, Beowulf doesn't have superhuman abilities. He has his strength, his courage, and his ego to work with against his enemies. Spider-Man has the powers of a spider built into his body in order to help him save people and fight his enemies. Beowulf's enemy, Grendel, helps create the whole plot, as does Spider-Man's nemesis Green Goblin. Both are incredible symbols for hope. In Beowulf's story, he is abandoned and he is the only one left to crush the dragon. Spider-Man deals with many internal conflicts as a character as well, such as deciding whether to become a hero or to keep his cover down. He is a symbol of hope when he finally decides to become the hero that he really is.

Spider-Man and Beowulf may come from different ages, but a hero is always a hero. Their symbols of hope and courage shine through as we witness the forms of heroes changing throughout the years. As one hero morphs into a superhero, the background of how they came to be will always be the same. Heroes are built upon pedestals of courage, and previously overcome challenges.