Beowulf Essay

   Heroes have always existed whether it be in the past or present. Some people view these characters with extraordinary powers or abilities as role model just because most heroes prevail against evil. This is the setting of most stories but in Beowulf he goes beyond his ability and ends up facing death. When I first read the story it made no sense that this ultimate character couldn't defeat the dragon in his last battle. Modern heroes in my opinion always have the positive outcome where good beats evil in the end which makes me portray them as invincible characters. In movies like Hancock Will Smith is a god who is immortal but he doesn't quite remember that he really is but he does realize is more then human. Should heroes be so tremendously powerful like Hancock or should they eventually meet their maker like Beowulf did to prove a point?

   Beowulf was a bold and cocky type of hero who believed he could slay any creature almost like Hancock does but Hancock isn't as prideful for his god like powers. One huge literary element used in both stories is irony. Beowulf thinks he's the most heroic being and believes he can defeat the dragon and dies, Hancock ironically runs into his other half or his 'soul mate' and ends up getting weaker because their connection turns them both into normal humans. Irony is common heroes who believe they are really unstoppable just because you can't always win everything.

   Another major literary element seen in both stories is that they both seem based off myth. Beowulf was a sixth century Scandinavian warrior but the story was more based of a poem of Angelo-Saxon mythology. Hancock is more derived from Greek mythology because of a being made with two halves that separate and eventually end up finding each other. We have many stories in present time that take old Greek myths and use them in movies such as Thor who is another Greek god. Characters like these even though they are gods they still face other gods who can be equally as strong but it seems to still always go the good guys way.

   I believe that Beowulf even though he is a cocky hero and ends up getting killed he really is the better role model when you compare to modern heroes. He believes in himself and his defeat is a lesson that as a normal human you will face things that a lot more difficult then you imagine. I don't believe its smart to think you can face any feat and come out unscathed without at least a little bit of a challenge. Life can be hard sometimes and you face things that heroes might never have to in their lives. Its smart to have a positive mindset but be prepared for challenges that happen when you least expect it because you don't have super powers or even that super hero to save you, it's just you against your problem.