Jared Gode

Mrs. Brink

Language & Literature

16 November 2016

Hero Analysis Essay

Imagine having to stand up against the beasts of nightmares, day after day.

There is nowhere to run, no backup on the way, the fate of thousands of people on your

shoulders. Yet you dont back down, facing immeasurable odds, you fight harder than

ever before. And you win. Heroes like Beowulf and Superman are able to accomplish

these herculean feats without flinching. Created in 1938, Superman is the iconic

American superhero, fighting villains such as General Zodd, Lex Luthor, and

Doomsday, to name a few. While first originating in comic books, Superman is seen in

many movies, including Man of Steel. On the other hand, Beowulf was created

somewhere around 5th century C.E, and began as an oral story. Many renditions of the

story of Beowulf have been written down, including Beowulf: A New Telling. Based in

Northern Europe, Beowulf fights and defeats a multitude of frightening monsters. The

actions performed by both Beowulf and Superman show that, even on opposite sides of

the world and centuries apart, cultural values have stayed the same.

The first value that both Beowulf and Superman share is determination. Beowulf

exhibits determination throughout Beowulf: A New Telling, in situations that would make

the most confident man think twice. An example of this determination is shown when the

text states, If you take my private advice, [the coastguard] added, youll pack back
into your ship before youre all killed Fighting [Grendel], why, its like fighting the sea!

You cant win! (Nye 22). Even with this grim advice given to him, Beowulf is

undeterred, and shows that no matter the gravity of the challenges facing him, hell fight

through those challenges to do what is right. Superman also shows determination all

through the film Man of Steel while risking his life and resting the fate of the world on his

shoulders. This determination is best shown when he is attempting to destroy the World

Engine. Though he knows he will not possess the strength he generally does near the

World Engine, he risks his life and still fights as hard as he possibly can in order to stop

it. This display of perseverance and determination shows that even with huge limitations

and risks, he works through these limits and does everything in his power to do what is

right. Its clear that both Beowulf and Superman show theyre unbelievably determined,

because of their willingness to do whatever is necessary to defeat evil.

Another value that is demonstrated by both Beowulf and Superman is

compassion. Beowulf shows compassion to the slave who felt as if he had to do a

terrible thing. This compassion is evident when the text Beowulf: A New Telling says,

By saying the slave should eat honey, [Wiglaf] explained, [Beowulf] means that we

should find a little pity in our hearts for one who was driven by despair to do something

he will always regret, (Nye 93). Beowulfs ability to forgive someone that others believe

should be punished shows he has an open-mind, and is understanding and empathetic

where others are unforgiving and bitter. On the other hand, Superman shows

compassion when he turns himself into General Zodd. When Zodd demands that

Superman be handed over to him-and threatens if that doesnt happen that he will
invade-Superman willingly sacrifices himself in order to protect the human race. This

selflessness shows that he understands and is willing to do what needs to be done to

protect others, at any cost. Both Beowulf and Superman are compassionate because

they understand the point of view of others, and go to great lengths for others.

The final value shared by both Beowulf and Superman is bravery. Beowulf

demonstrates bravery throughout all of his battles, but shows it especially in his fight

against Grendels mother. His bravery is shown when the text states, Beowulf

screamed with fright. And the scream saved him. It brought him to his senses. It

reminded him what he must do if he was not to be destroyed(Nye 68). When feeling

frightened and helpless, Beowulf is able to draw courage out of that fear and use it as

an advantage. He uses this newfound courage when the text states,Beowulf began to

speak, easily, boldly, in a voice that made the whole cavern ring That man is truly

brave who, feeling fear, yet puts fear to use and plucks new courage from the fear

itself, (Nye 69). This shows that Beowulf not only regains control after panicking, he

also utilizes his bravery to gain leverage over his enemy. Superman shows his bravery

when he saves the men on the exploding oil rig. When he sees the oil rig being

destroyed, he goes to great lengths to save the men on the rig, with the risk of exposing

his powers to the world a possibility, he puts his fears aside and saves the men without

hesitation. This display of heroics show he was willing to risk the world finding out about

him, yet his care for others and selflessness overrules his fear. Beowulf and Superman

are both brave because even when battling their fears, they persevere and do what

must be done.
 Its clear that even in different time periods and different cultures, the values

regarded highly by these cultures have stayed the same. Cultures show values through

heroes like Beowulf and Superman to set a good example for young people. Children

aspire to be like heroes, so showing cultural values that culture wants young people to

demonstrate through heroes will make kids want to show those values. Cultural values

have stayed largely the same over time because most cultures want their young

demographic to have similar values, no matter the time period. Who wouldnt want their

children to have the bravery, determination, and compassion it takes to rest the fate of

the world on your shoulders, and fight impossible battles.