Journal 1: Beowulf vs. Modern Day Superhero

The classic hero possesses the qualities of strength, moral ethics, and, above all, fights evil. These characteristics applied in the time of Beowulf and still apply today. However, humility has become a desired quality in modern times, whereas self-confidence to the point of arrogance was a favorable attribute in the time of Beowulf. Despite the differences, similarities between the Anglo-Saxon hero and modern day hero can be seen through the comparison of Beowulf and Batman.

Beowulf and Batman both possess the heroic quality of strength. Beowulf swims for seven day and fights nine sea-monsters, something most men cannot accomplish. He demonstrates his strength again in the battle with Grendel. For example, Beowulf tears off Grendel’s arms using his bare hands. Batman also has the classic heroic quality of strength. Batman fights gangs of criminals on numerous occasions in the movie “Batman,” showing his muscular strength and endurance, like that of Beowulf. Batman and Beowulf also have ethics. Batman often releases criminals after a fight instead of killing them. The criminals were not immediately life-threatening, so Batman did not feel it was right to kill them. His ethics does not allow for murder, therefore Batman kills only when absolutely necessary. Batman and Beowulf share the same ethics: one that condemns murder. The heroes are true to their ethics and only kill when absolutely necessary.  Another quality shared by Batman and Beowulf is their commitment to fighting evil. When a villain attacks innocent citizens, the hero is there to protect them and fight the attacker. Beowulf protects herot, traveling from Geatland to aid King Hrothgar and fight Grendel. After the battle with Grendel, Beowulf remains to kill Grendel’s mother. Beowulf knows that as a hero, he must protect these people, even if they are not his people. Batman also knows he must fight evil in Gotham City, although he perceives no personal threat. Batman battles criminals on city streets and ultimately fights and destroys the Joker. These enemies do not pose a threat to Batman himself, but he fights them to save the people of Gotham City. Both Batman and Beowulf wear this heroic responsibility to fight evil well.

Beowulf and Batman, however different their backgrounds and settings may be, still posses the classic characteristics of a classic hero.  They exude strength, they abide by a code of ethics, and both fight evil.  Although humility is now a favorable quality instead of arrogance, the comparison between both figures clearly shows their similarities.