Beowulf contains many distinctive characteristics that are considered admirable still to this day. At the same time, many new characteristics have developed through the course of time. Many of these qualities can be seen through the comparison through modern day heroes. Heroes are incredibly significant in societies developing throughout all time and in all places. Every individual society has distinct heroes which define them as a whole. Beowulf exemplifies characteristics of a modern day hero because he stands up for what is right, because he possesses the qualities of a leader, and because he shows bravery.
Primarily, Beowulf demonstrates the quality of a modern day hero because he stands up for what is right. Many people struggle with this quality because it requires courage. While the average person would tend to walk away from a situation that would make them stand out from the crowd, a hero would correct the condition even if people look down on it. For example, you could easily relate the character Beowulf to a modern hero Batman. Bruce Wayne (Batman) sacrifices his own identity so that a true idols image is not desecrated. Although Heath Ledger breaks down and begins committing crimes, Bruce understands that Heath resembles hope for the city of Gotham and stands up to protect Heaths name. Beowulf endures similar circumstances when Grendel begins attacking the city. Beowulf decides that he must leave his homeland and fight an unprecedented demon. This demonstrates a true hero because Beowulf and Batman could just as easily go on with their lives but for the sake of others, and the greater good, they stride to stop the problem that is hurting many people.
Secondarily, Beowulf exemplifies characteristics of a modern day hero because he possesses the quality of a hero because he is a leader. His leadership is comparable to even that of Martin Luther King Jrs. Beowulf demonstrates qualities of a hero through many different ways. For instance, Beowulf brings many men to assist him to kill Beowulf. He entrusts his life on them believing they are dependable. On the same page, King risked his life daily by standing up for what he believed in, which was equal rights no matter what ethnicity, religion, or beliefs. Also, towards the end of his life, Beowulf brings several soldiers to help slay the dragon terrorizing the land. Many of the men do not go but instead listen to him and follow him to almost certain death. Countless people believe in Beowulf, knowing that he is the most reliable man at the time, to help them through countless calamities. One in the same, King led tens of thousands of people away from the traditional segregation that was common in America. Beowulf also brings leadership into his country keeping it orderly and productive all the time he is there. He never once strays from the path of righteousness. Each and every one of the predicaments Beowulf was challenged with he has come through with the upper hand. Untold numbers of people are in Beowulfs dept yet Beowulf asks for nothing in return. He simply asks for the townspeople to help him in whatever way they can and he will assist them. In comparison, King accomplished everything he sought after without any violence. While he was under threat on a daily basis, along with his family, he knew what had to be done.
As a final point, Beowulf exemplifies characteristics of a modern day hero because he demonstrates immense bravery. Beowulf shows many traits that are unequal to many others, but one, which can never be matched, is bravery. Beowulf displayed bravery in every aspect of his life. Beowulf showed a good deal of bravery by simply showing up to Herot to confront Grendel. Hearing rumors of Grendel slaying countless men, Beowulfs bravery never faltered. Another hero who shows similar bravery would be a fireman. Firemen are the ones that have to show up to the scene of great devastation and walk in, completely aware, that people may in fact be dying inside. Another instance in which Beowulfs bravery was displayed was when he was confronted with the request to slay Grendels mother. Everyone knew Grendels mother would be on a separate lever than that of Grendel. Beowulf simply shrugged off the uncertainty of what he might be getting himself into. Firemen also confront the same ambiguity when receiving a call from the scene of an accident. They never know what might lie ahead but do know they are the only ones that can do something about it.
In conclusion, Beowulf exemplifies characteristics of a modern day hero by standing up for what is right, because he possesses the qualities of a leader, and because he shows bravery. Many heroes today are very similar to heroes of various cultures and times. Although this may be true all heroes demonstrate qualities that are respected. Despite the fact that many people know these heroes dont exist, they take them to heart and live through their example. By doing this it helps people live better lives. All people need a hero to look up to, someone to look to and say, Am I doing what is right?
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