A True Hero
What is the definition of a true hero? Many people have been considered heroes for many
different reasons. Both Hercules and Beowulf have both been regarded as heroes. Beowulf was a
great warrior who lived in the time of the Vikings. Beowulf traveled the face of the earth fighting
monsters and beasts in search of money and fame. Hercules was also a great warrior but he lived
during the time of the Greek gods. Hercules was born a god but he was stolen as an infant and
turned into a mortal by his fathers nemesis, Hades. Hercules retained his godlike strength and now
he must prove himself a hero. This is the only way he would be able to reunite with his family of
gods. In the Disney animated film "Hercules" the character is a far greater hero than the character
Beowulf from the epic poem "Beowulf" because he had more of a desire to be a hero, he fought
his battles with better motives, and he had stronger friendships in his companions.
The Old English epic poem Beowulf is written in al...
English: An illustration of Beowulf fighting the d...
Beowulf & GrendelBeowulf's desire to be a hero had mostly selfish reasons. In one of Beowulf's speaches he
states, "Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall, welcome my death." Although
this might sound heroic, he shows how he wants to be a hero to gain fame. This shows that he is
more worried about his personal image than the people he plans to protect. Beowulf also says,
"My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to." Any
warrior, no matter how noble, knows he must have advantages over their enemy to win and
showing up to battle without proper equipment is a dumb thing to do.