Though they come from different cultures, time periods, and lands, King Arthur and Beowulf do share some similarities and differences. The first and the most vital differences between them is that King Arthur is defined as a romance hero, and Beowulf is said to be an epic hero. According to the myths, an epic hero is a central figure in the epics where he reflects the particular values and heroic ideals of his society. Beowulf, one of the ancient England’s heroes- a brave knight, is described to be the perfect archetype of an epic hero. Like all the epic heroes, this hero of ours “possesses superior physical strength and supremely ethical standards”.
To some people it means more than anything, but to some it has not meaning or concept. The ones who hold their integrity high are what most consider the good people in this world, and just the opposite is true for those others that do not care for even their own integrity. Ours heroes can change in our mind as we get older with the inclusion of new ones or exclusion of others. When I was a child heroes like Spiderman and Superman occupied my mind. As I started to age I started to look for real life heroes.
What qualities does an epic hero have that the average person may lack? In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is poised under pressure, brave, and intelligent but can sometimes rush through his plans and not think them through all the way. A modern day hero that I can compare to Odysseus would be Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the only Medal of Honor winner to survive the actions that earned him the reward since the Vietnam War. Sgt.
Newell, H.E., 1980.Beyond the Atmosphere: Early Years of Space Science, Special Publication 4211,National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration, 497 p. O'Keefe, J.A., L. Dunkelman, S.D. Soules, W.F. Huch, and P.D. Lowman, Jr., 1963. Observations of space phenomena, Mercury Project Summary, Including Results of the Fourth Manned Orbital Flight, Special Report 45,National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration, Washington, D.C., 445 p. Pecora, W.T., 1969.
2014. Miller, Mitzi, ed. "Jet magazine." JetMag.com. Johnson Publishing Company, n.d.
Heroes choose to abide by their role and stick with it. They do not try to reconcile themselves with the rest of the world. Times of heroism are generally times of terror, but that day never shines in which this element may not work. The circumstances of man, we say, are historically somewhat better in this country, and at this hour, than perhaps ever before. One of the best examples that I can think of is when Beowulf fought Grendel and won.
Definition of a hero In the dictionary, they define hero as a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. To sum that up, basically, a hero is a strong individual with outstanding abilities. To me, heroes are that plus more. I believe that a hero can be a person that is very selfless and loves to help out no matter what. You have heard of many super heroes growing up such as batman, superman, etc.
This world has many heroes; the T.V, radio, and media shout out their names. Its apparent they that they gave their best, and they deserve their fame; but the heroes that should be shown are the ones that go with the game and never shout their name. the game players who are quietly doing deeds that help and show others their best, but that the world never shouts their name or recognize the impact they have. We need to recognize the heroes that people don’t know by name. we need to show them that we care, what better way to show them we appreciate them than to carve a replica of them in something as enduring as rock.
I feel that being a hero is having the willingness to make a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others. A hero is a person who doesn’t expect something out of the heroic deed, and they don’t need fame or media to honor them. Christopher Reeve, known as Superman to many, exemplified these traits, and lived the definition of a true hero. On the screen he was pictured as invincible when in his own life he fought for his own survival. He exhibited grace and strength while showing selflessness in order to help those that were facing similar circumstances.
What Is A Hero? What is a true hero? According to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, a hero is, “a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength” (1913). Most people do not understand the true meaning of a Hero. A hero does not actually have to be a man.