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. Though their skills were wildly different, Beowulf and Shakespeare illustrated vital characteristics closely tied to the characteristics often thought to be essential to what a hero needs to be great, like focus, excels in skill, and generosity. Beowulf and Shakespeare both showed …show more content…
It takes true goodness to put other’s needs before one’s own desires. Beowulf defended his land in combat that he knows will be his last fight. He slayed the beast and was rewarded with an ancient treasure, but, despite his victory over the creature, he had been dealt a mortal blow. “To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die” (Beowulf 2794-2798). Through his act of selflessness, he not only gave riches to his kingdom, he gave his life. Shakespeare had acquired much wealth through real estate, but he did not invest money in order to live a lavish lifestyle. “Most of his money went to secure his family’s position in Stratford. Shakespeare himself seems to have lived in rented accommodation while in London” (Tinawi 157). His earnings allowed him the time to write his plays uninterrupted. His money was used to uphold his family’s social status, something that his family had then lost when he was a child, in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford. Beowulf and Shakespeare gave what they had so that others could live a good