FREE ESSAY ON BEOWULF

BEOWULF

Timeless Heroes
Beowulf was written in the eighth century by an unknown author. The story is centered on
Beowulf, the main character, who is able to use his super-human physical strength and
courage to put his people before himself. He encounters hideous monsters but never fears
the threat of death. Beowulf is the ultimate hero who risks his life countless times for
immortal glory and for the good of others. Another fictional hero who possessed these
qualities is He-Man, a nineteen eighties cartoon super hero. Their backgrounds, their
trusted friends, and their super human strength make them epic heroes of their time.
The quality that makes them heroes is the deep respect and responsibility he had for his
people. His grand father King Hrethel raised Beowulf. Beowulf matured according to the
appropriate expectations of royalty. His maturity drove him to test his strengths and
abilities to the limit. He had to prove to himself and others that he is of heroic
success. Beowulf goes to Denmark to prove his heroism. Like Beowulf, He-Man came from a
royal family. When He-Man was not of super natural strength, he was known as Prince Adam
of Eternia. He too had royal respect and responsibilities for his kingdom. When Prince
Adam turns into He-Man, he would have incredible strength that would help him defend his
universe. Both heroes take on the responsibility of fighting for the good of the people.
Heroes at times may need a little help. In Beowulf's case, he used an aid of a sword to
help defeat Grendel's mother. In the battle of the dragon, Wiglaf along with other thanes
try to help Beowulf. However when the fight seems to turn against Beowulf, all of the
thanes fled except for Wiglaf. In the poem, Wiglaf was more than just someone helping
Beowulf, he wholeheartedly demonstrated his loyalty for his lord and was willing to
sacrifice his life for him. For He-Man, he used his magical sword to help him throughout
all of his battles. But his most trusted friend and pet was Battle Cat. Battle Cat was a
huge muscular cat with a saddle upon him that He-Man can ride on. Battle Cat stood by
He-Man in every battle. Their trusty swords and their faithful companions helped both
heroes conquer their enemies.
The most overwhelming proof that Beowulf and He-Man have in common in is their superhuman
attributes. Beowulf battles Grendel, with no armor and no sword. With his sheer heroic
strength, he is able to rip and tear Grendel's arm off his socket. Then Beowulf swims
down to fight Grendel's mother. Being under water for so long is evidence that he is
supernatural. An ordinary man can not hold his breath for more than a minute, let alone
an entire day. He-Man has many superhuman qualities as well. In every episode, He-Man
would use his strength, speed, and magical powers to sabotage the evil nemesis Skeletor's
plot to conquer Eternia. Both Beowulf and He-Man used superior and super natural strength
against their enemies that contributed to their success.
Whether the hero was from an eight century epic poem or a nineteen eighties cartoon
series, both had similar traits of upbringings and stature. They set a noble example of
relying on the necessity of brotherhood and friendship. Their bravery and strengths
surpassed that of mortal men. Their unselfish loyalty makes them revered by all. Beowulf
and He-Man are prime examples of epic heroes.