Beowulf essay

Transcendence

In today's society, confidence and liking of yourself is seen as being arrogant and a narcissist. However, there was not the case in the time of Beowulf. Being confident in that time period was seen as being an admirable trait. In modern society, we put our idols on pedestals because we perceive them as being flawless. We idolize superheroes because they are portrayed as characters who have better abilities. An example of a modern hero who has a similar personality to Beowulf is Tony Stark (Iron Man). Stark knows that he has brilliant mind that can not be matched. This makes him fearless when he goes into battle because he knows his mind can overcome any challenge that he is faced with. These characters are not over compensating for their insecurities by being cocky but rather confident in the fact that they are the best at what they do. These heroes are either glorified or looked down upon based on the values of the society that they live in. Society's values and opinions dictates whether certain characteristics are seen as admirable or shameful in a hero.
Society's perceptions play a huge role in portraying a hero. A hero can change depending on what society needs. In Beowulf's time, a hero being without fear, and being the best at something. In our society, intelligence is power. This is why Iron Man is set as Marvel's front man, because his personality is the easiest to perceive as a leader. If these two stories were told from a woman's perspective, these two characters would not both be considered heroes. In the time of Beowulf, a woman might have still perceived Beowulf as a hero because he was a strong man who could protect her and a family. In today's society however, a woman might perceive Tony Stark as a narcissist who is self righteous and pretentious. Its these perceptions in society that determine what makes a hero.
Each of these character's respective strengths gain them fame and heroism. Beowulf's heroic actions have gained him the status of hero. When he bold said he would slay Grendel naked, it was not because he was being foolish, but rather he knew that it would further prove his skill in battle. Similarly, Tony Stark uses his brilliant mind in order to gain fame and heroism. When imprisoned, Tony devises a elaborate suit of armor in order to escape. These characters do not show fear as they know that their strengths will win their respective battles. Both of these heroes have a code of honor. This sense of duty is what fuels their actions. Beowulf seeks awe from the crowds from his impressive feats. Iron man loves doing things in a grandiose way. These characters use their “powers” to seek the attention and awe of the masses.
Hero's live and die with their society. Beowulf in his time was seen as the ideal human. In our time however, he is seen as an over confident narcissist. Hero's are only given the amount of fame that their society allows them. Society's values and trends constantly change, which mean their idols and their personalty evolve as well. Hero's are made to be the idols that the average human strives to be. These traits change as society’s values do. Throughout time, one trait of heroes has remained constant, they are the best possible versions that someone can be. This constant glorification of the ideal human has fueled the constant perception of what heroes are throughout time.