Beowulf and Friends

Jake Hoffman

Per. 3

9/8/13

Beowulf and the Tales of Heroes Past

            Heroes of any generation have some defining characteristic that make them unique to their time period and culture, as a formula for heroes this can be seen in both the epic heroes of old, like Beowulf, and the modern heroes, let’s say Cpt. America.  Both these heroes are shining examples of the time period of their creation, and as such show traits held in priority to the social expectations of their respective culture. For example, the courage and wisdom of Beowulf was characterized as a Nordic hero, while the patriotism of Cpt. America was the embodiment of pride in the time of World War Two. Both heroes were figure heads of their cultures through courage, and strength of heart and mind.

            Cultures revolve around symbols of honor and superiority, the strength of Beowulf helped him become legend because his inhuman strength allowed him the opportunity to disarm Grendel, or so to speak. “Then farther he hied; for the hardy hero with hand he grasped, felt for the foe with fiendish claw, for the hero reclining, -- who clutched it boldly, prompt to answer, propped on his arm.” However it does not mean his power is used for misdeeds, rather the story is told in such a light as to show that He was no more human than us, an ethological effect also used by Stan Lee in the creation of the Capitan. Stan Lee made the comic book hero an average Joe to show that the hero could be just like you.

Heroes also present a precognitive type of knowledge system in older epics. It seems as if Beowulf knew his fate before the events unfolded. This occurred in many accounts such as the final assault on the dragon when Beowulf told his companion of his death, and the prediction of slaying Grendel with his bare hands. While it may seem cocky to boast about your achievements in current times, it was seen as a resume in the time of the old tribes.  It would be a massive faux pas to give the boasting characteristics to the symbol of America during the war, so Capitan America was given more subtle implications of greatness, a sort of trust that the readers would understand His credentials. Furthermore Capitan America, as a comic book, has no chance of allowing the imagery created in Beowulf (however hard to understand).

All in all, heroes generally stay the same, only minute changes occur to fit the era that they were created in. If a society wants a genius, they make one, while if a society wants strength beyond measure, they call in the spandex.