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Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

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There are many examples of epic heroism throughout history and today. We see good conquer evil, or visa versa, in many different stories and also in real life. The definition of evil has changed over many centuries, but the idea of a hero stays the same; someone who travels great distances to save someone or something from that evil. A hero is someone who risks their life to save someone else and defeat the bad. Beowulf is a true hero because of his great strength, will-power, and ability to fight evil in the epic poem, Beowulf. A hero’s place in society has changed over the years, but the definition of a hero itself seems to stay consistent. A hero’s overall responsibility is to rescue someone of something from whatever may be affecting them in a negative way. A long time ago, a hero’s responsibility was to defeat old evil (dragon’s, witches, and monsters). Today, a hero is someone who takes a stand against new evil (racism, abuse, etc.). However, a hero’s overall role in society is to defeat the bad, whether it be dragons or the Ku Klux Klan. …show more content…

He came to Herot to help the people of Hrothgar who had been suffering greatly because of the evil monster. “In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats--greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world-- heard how Grendel filled nights with horror, and quickly commanded a boat fitted out..” (Page 44 lines 109-113). Beowulf took it upon himself to see to it the people of Herot were saved from Grendel. Batman is another example of a hero who takes on a great beast to help people. In the graphic novel, Hush, he showed great heroism by taking on Croc to help the little boy. Batman was able to risk his own life to help someone else keep

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Heroes have always been a part of the human caricature. Although, these heroes have not always been categorized in a similar way. Ideas about heroism changed from the Anglo-Saxon period through the Middle English period by the hero becoming a man with characteristics other than being brave. First, as the reader can view in Beowulf, a hero is someone that is a well-spoken, stronger-than-life, and an invulnerable man.

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When thinking of someone who is a hero, that person is strong, saves the ones who are in distress, and kills the bad guy at the end of the day. A classic tale of how a story works. A hero at the end of the day; is the good guy to the town/country and to the people. When reading Beowulf and Arthur, we saw many differences and similarities between the two men. The story of Beowulf is told as King Hrothgar and his town members who were in distress over the Grendel, the monster who ate the soldiers and realm at night, except the king.

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Beowulf: Epic Hero or Proud Fool? So what exactly is a hero? A hero to most is a person idealized for their courage and their outstanding achievements and qualities. Some may even consider Beowulf a hero due his never backing down and risking his own life for the safety of his people.

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Felix Adler, a German American professor of social and political ethics, once said, “The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world.” Ultimately as a society, it’s conclusive that a hero is someone who leads the world in a way that no one else can. The idea of a hero is certainly subjective and is interpreted differently by many. A hero could be defined as someone who saves lives, or one who inspires others with their achievements. They are admired and placed in high personal regard for their impressive actions.

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Heroes are the things that make all terribleness in the world seem a bit less severe. They inspire hope and act as an example of goodness for others to follow. Throughout time, heroes have taken on different roles depending on the societal needs of the time. In ancient times, heroes were great warriors and gained fame and honor through battle and physical skill. In more modern times, a hero could simply be someone who shows great amounts of bravery, skill, or compassion.

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Heroes make the decision to care for someone else and to stand up for what they believe in. They don’t do these things expecting an award or great recognition, but to make a difference. Everyone has a different view on who our heroes are, and one person's hero is not necessarily a hero in someone else ’s eyes.

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A hero does not fight for fame and glory but for the greater good. A hero is someone who goes through adversity to help others in desperate times. A hero fights evil, and defends people. Beowulf should be considered a hero because he is a strong, brave warrior who defended his people and slayed evil monsters. Beowulf proves himself to be a strong, brave warrior by killing Grendel the monster.

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Heroes are seen throughout television shows and in literature. Many heroic acts range from saving the damsel in distress to slaying the dragon. Heroes are those who are held to a high standard for saving and changing the world no matter how small or large heroic action they perform. Probably when asked who is a hero, answers can vary from individuals in one’s personal life like parents to fictional characters such as Superman. However, in the fictional world of heroes, it is more common to view characters like Batman, Superman, or Spiderman as real heroes who fight dangerous villains to ultimately save the world.

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Christopher Reeve (AKA the 1978 superman) said that, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”. Both Beowulf and Modern day heroes are similar in that way in that they fight for the common good of people. That quote from Christopher Reeves on what a modern day hero is, also applies to the epic hero qualities that Beowulf has. Similarly Beowulf and a modern day hero defeat an evil so that good can prevail. Some examples are, Beowulf Slaying Grendel and Grendel's mother to save the land of the Danes, and soldiers fighting enemies that threaten the lives of a country, and police officers putting criminals behind bars.

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A hero doesn’t have to be flying through the air, shooting webs out of his hand, or beating up bad guys. A hero could just be an everyday person who defends people, and does what is right. Sure, Spiderman and Superman are heroes, but not everyone has to be like them. If you are fighting for your country, you're a hero. If you stand for what is right, even if you know there may be sacrifices, you’re a hero.

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In other words, a hero can be anyone from a historical figure to your next door neighbor, anyone who is able to sacrifice things. It's someone who wants to help others to their best capability. Heroes help others with 110%. Whether it is giving the last of your cash to feed a starving person or picking up trash that others have littered, heroes encourage others to be better person, they inspire others to do what's right. Everything they do is for the common good.

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Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and there are many ways to help better the

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Soren Kierkegaard once wrote in a book called Either/Or Part II that, “Someone can conquer kingdoms and countries without being a hero; someone else can prove himself a hero by controlling his temper. Someone can display courage by doing the out-of-the-ordinary, another by doing the ordinary….” In other words, heroes can be anyone by what little they do to what big they do for society (wikiquotes).Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish existentialist philosopher, and religious author. Soren Kierkegaard definition of a hero is one that society would no Heroes are often described as individuals who save the Earth from evil if it is domestic or extraterrestrial;I believe that Soren Kierkegaard definition of a hero is realistic and not as farfetch like

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Everyone has a hero that they look up to and sometimes even expect the hero to save them when they are in trouble. Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, writer and lecturer, once said “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (BrainyQuote). That is what heroes are for; the service of the people. A hero needs to fight the evil that troubles the people. This is another purpose of the hero.

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Everyone has a hero that they look up to and sometimes even expect the hero to save them when they are in trouble. Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, writer and lecturer, once said “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (BrainyQuote). That is what heroes are for; the service of the people. A hero needs to fight the evil that troubles the people. This is another purpose of the hero.

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