Beowulf Essay

Throughout history every culture has developed values and heroic figures that exemplify these values in literature. As one of the first English stories Beowulf is the first hero exemplifying the values of the English speaking world. The story of Beowulf has many similarities and differences to heroic stories told today. Through literary techniques and common heroic qualities, Beowulf and the modern hero, Superman make for a good comparison.

Written in the second century A.D. the qualities possessed by Beowulf reflect the values of a strong individual during that time. The Chaos, barbarism, and turmoil experienced by people in this time drove people to follow people who were strong leaders and fierce warriors. Beowulf is a good example of this. He is able to single- handedly take out a demon without using any weapons or armor, he is brave and noble. The story uses hyperbole to make Beowulf seem even stronger and fiercer through giving him seemingly super- human qualities, like being able to hold his breath for so long to fight Grendel’s mother. Beowulf is an epic poem, like many stories written in that era around the world. With more than 3,000 lines, the poem is able to tell a complex story and maintain detail and structure throughout.

It was once said that there is only seven types of stories in the world, and all the stories written are just different versions of those same stories. We can compare elements of every story and find similarities and some differences. Take for example Beowulf and Superman. They are both regarded as heroes in their eras of origination. They both have super- human strength and other abilities. There are however some differences. After his victory, Beowulf basks in the glory and accepts his rewards and treasure, while superman tries to stay hidden and avoid the limelight acting as modestly as possible and trying to lead a normal life. The beginning of the story in modern heroes usually begins with the back story showing the hero’s life and reasoning for who they are. Beowulf did this differently to modern heroes by showing who Beowulf’s family was and how great his ancestors are. In that culture you are defined by your family, so by showing who Beowulf’s family was, the author showed who Beowulf was. There are also differences in the media the stories are told through. Superman and other modern hero’s originated from graphic novels and have since become movies, showing great emphasis on visuals and looks, whereas Beowulf originated from oral tradition eventually moving to written text, which focuses more on narration .

It is clear that Beowulf exemplifies the heroic qualities and literary techniques of its time. The war and chaos of the period shows the need for a strong and braver hero. And with English still in early development the epic poem reflects the available literary techniques. The comparison of a modern hero and Beowulf shows how some traits and characteristics of heroes and literature carries over from period to period and others change. Every story has a hero.