Anglo-Saxon Epic Hero Analysis

Many people do not believe heroes still exist, yet they are all around. In all different time periods, people have been searching for a leader. Whether it is an adult, coach, or sibling; the world needs someone to look up to. The Anglo-Saxon epic hero, Beowulf, and the American Soldier, Joseph Beryle, are of examples of heroes that fill the emptiness of those who are lost and seeking leadership. Although Beowulf is a heroic figure that portrays the values of the Anglo-Saxon time, today, American Soldiers like Joseph Beryle still exemplifies the same heroic characteristics; the only difference between them is the time that has passed.
Although these two heroes are from different time periods, their strengths in battle are equivalent to one another. For instance, Beowulf shows his strength by fighting for the Danish people. He kills Grendel by detaching his arm. “He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split.” (497-498). Although his superhero strength does not

Such as, Beowulf requested that his armor be sent to his country if he were to die in his battle with Grendel. For example, “if death does take me, send the hammered Mail of armor to Higlac.” (186-187). By doing this he shows how prideful he is to belong to Denmark. Even though heroes today do not send their armor back to their leaders, modern heroes are still prideful in their homeland. For instance, when Beryle was captured by Germany in 1944, he never gave up information about America after being tortured. As illustrated, “we were interrogated, tortured, kicked/… after several days of beatings the Gestapo released us.” (3). He could have given in more times than not, but he remained loyal to his country. As Beowulf and Beryle pushed through the hard trials they faced, they continued to show their loyalty to their