BEOWULF ESSAY

Heroes are always the one who bravely steps up to save the day. Throughout history this idea of a hero has been recreated in countless different forms. From ancient Beowulf, the Geat, to Batman of Gotham City, heroes always fight evil to promote the common good. However, the types and representations of these heroes have changed as the years passed and cultures evolved. 

Externally Batman and Beowulf are quite similar, however when examined deeper they turn out to have considerable difference. On the outside they are both brave, strong men conquering evil. Neither uses much more than their personal strength and quick wit. This valor is shown through similar elaborately descriptive battle scenes, like Beowulf’s run in with Grendel, where Beowulf triumphantly dismembers the monster. Which can be compared to Batman’s fights with local criminals terrorizing Gotham. The depth of Beowulf’s character basically ends there, he is strong, brave hero who confidently fights to prove his masculinity. On the other hand, Batman’s character is much more complex.  He fights, not for recognition, but for vengeance of his parent’s murder. The story of Beowulf focuses on external conflicts, while Batman’s story explains the internal conflicts the hero deals with, such as doubting himself. Seeing this side of a character makes him much more believable and human. Beowulf shows no sign of doubting his ability, but is oppositely completely convinced that he can do the job, making himself almost impossible to relate to the average person. These major character variations have to do with the different cultures the heroes were created in. 

The varying beliefs and values of a certain culture shape the characteristics of the heroes they envision. Beowulf came from a time where men had to prove their masculinity through demonstrations of strength to become respected. He confidently killed many monsters from all over and was highly praised by locals, who usually offered him gifts and feasts. This type of person nowadays would most likely be viewed as arrogant and undeserving of such high praise, but in his time his self-assured demeanor was a positive attribute. Oppositely, Batman is not in search of recognition for his good deeds. He is only out to fight for justice, a clichéd principle in today’s culture, that justice must always be “served”. These different cultural backdrops create niches for contrasting characters.

Batman and Beowulf are two strong, brave heroes with two disparate cultural backgrounds. Beowulf  confidently fought off monsters to prove his masculinity and be a respected leader, while the troubled Batman battled evil to establish justice and avenge his parent’s death. Although the basic theme of the hero fighting evil has held constant, many other aspects of a hero’s character can vary depending on the culture in which they are created.