Many people may have heard of the epic poem Beowulf, but at this time, many may not be able to tell his story. The same cannot be said for Thor, a recently adapted film based on a Marvel Comic, and also Norse Mythology. It is hard to believe that Thor, a story written four hundred years later (need to put in citation) can relate so much to Beowulf, written 750AD. Their similarities stem from the close proximity of time in which they were created. The pair share many of the same values and characteristic. While in Beowulf's environment his qualities are encouraged, in Thor's society, his is not. Beowulf, a man of pride has many qualities of a modern day hero. His super strength, and egotistical attitude relates to that of Thor. Though he is brave, courageous, and physically and mentally strong, he believes too highly of himself. Beowulf first main speech, he states, "because all knew of my awesome strength" (Beowulf line 418). He continues on, boosting about himself, and all that he has done saying, "They had seen me bolstered in the blood of enemies/ When I battled and bound five beasts, /Raided a …show more content…
He, like Beowulf, boost about all the marvelous battles he has led his friends into. While trying to convince his friends to defy King Oden's wishes not to go to Jotunheim to attack the frost giants, Thor states specific things that he did with each of his friends. In some cases he only talks about how he helped each friend, or the battles he fought with them, but all together each friend states how each thing could not have happened without the help of Thor. Thor believe what he wants to do is what should be done. He believes he is the most powerful, and who care if he does what he wants. Due to him thinking like this, his father, King Oden makes Thor complete a quest to prove he is worthy of being king and wielding the power of Mjölnir, his powerful hammer that seems to yield all of his strength and
The representations of Thor has definitely changed over the past years because of the way people have thought and imagined about the “Thor scenes” in the Greek mythology to create a movie or cartoon for readers. Some representations have been kept and some have been varied, such as the outfit, powers and friends. During the years of people have created multiple movies of the same concept and have added more characters or changed some bits. In the extract of Snorra Edda it reveals that Thor wants to prove that he is powerful and worthy, he comes with the giant Hymer to find his own bait but ends up being arrogant and aggressive because the Midgard Serpant had made him angry. He cannot control his anger and slashes out. Meanwhile as, in the film
Beowulf had many characteristics which helped him to succeed in battle. Beowulf was known as the strongest man alive. His strength allowed him to succeed in battle. If wasn’t for his pure strength, he would not have been able to defeat Grendel because his weapons wouldn’t work. By fighting Grendel without weapons, he opened himself up to greater praise. Beowulf’s strength could not be seen as a disadvantage, while the results of his strength could. Beowulf’s strength allowed him power in battle, but it also made him vain. While his cockiness allowed him to be sure of himself in battle, some of his peers found it to be a character flaw. Unferth saw Beowulf as cocky and vain. So, while his cockiness was a flaw in the eyes of others, Beowulf saw it as a self promise and used it to his advantage.
Beowulf is very faithful to the kingdom in which he works with and serves. He says to Hrothgar, “If there is any favour I can perform / beyond deeds of arms I have done already, / anything that would merit your affections more, / I shall act, my lord, with alacrity” (1822-1825). Even if he is home, all the way across the seas, he would drop whatever he was doing and come to help Denmark defeat its evil that comes to that land. He shows his undying dedication to helping the king and the kingdom that he lives in. Beowulf then tries to defeat this dragon, that is, his final battle. He has been in “retirement” and has not fought in quite some time, but he still is being depended on by his kingdom to fight off this evil. Sadly, he does die, but he was so dedicated, brave, and strong enough to fight off this dragon to make sure all is safe. It was, “that final day was the first time / when Beowulf fought and fate denied him / glory in battle” (2573-2575). Each characteristic has a special part of an epic hero, but faithfulness can really set the tone for a hero's life.
Beowulf does this because Hrothgar has saved his father and they were friends so he feels obligated to help him but also does it out of kindness. In Ironman, his Call to action is he is almost killed by a surprise bomb attack on his Humvee that puts tiny pieces of metal into his chest and his only way of survival is if he has a battery attached to him. Later, he is captured and is imprisoned by a group of terrorists called Ten Rings. He then creates a tiny portable battery that fits in his chest to stay alive. Ten Rings ask Ironman to create them a bomb and he agrees, but actually has different plans in mind. Ten Rings thinks that Ironman is creating the bomb but Ironman is actually creating the Ironman suit. When he is finally finished with the suit it gives him superhuman
There are many things to take into consideration when characterizing a person as a hero. Heros are typically seen as people who accomplish brave deeds and fulfill noble tasks for the greater good of things. In the epic poem Beowulf by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet a hero is revealed. What makes Beowulf a hero is his unbelievable strength and power. He does not get discouraged or let anything stear him away from what he feels needs to be done for the safety of others. In his battles with the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon Beowulf exhibits his strength and will to fight. Beowulf, is loyal to his people and his king. What I feel is the most important quality of Beowulf, though, is his willingness to risk his life for the good
The movie Thor is about a young man who all he has dreamed about is becoming king of his home, “Asgard.” Thor is what seems to be a combination of a Viking with the power of lighting. Thor has a huge ego and at times thinks he is better than anyone else. While his brother Loki looks at him with great jealousy,
Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon hero who very much exhibits the qualities of his surrounding society in his heroic deeds and general personality. Beowulf is filled with superhuman
Beowulf is a good example of a courageous and strong hero. He shows all of
While fighting the Dragon Beowulf shows feats of strength and courage that define him as a hero. The classical hero displays a special quality that separates him from the rest of
What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.
Day by day, individuals are faced with challenges that lead to extremes. People confront hurdles while achieving everything they are obligated to do. Every day, ordinary people are to some extent heroes. It is normal for people to face obstacles and barriers when performing their duty of duty. But within those people, the ones that do not quit due to their frustration are the real heroes.
...mately, Beowulf’s traits of loyalty, strength, and bravery were what an Anglo-Saxon warrior strived for to win glory for himself and his lord. Beowulf is the heroic prototype for future warriors, and his character has set the stage as one of the most influential classical heroes in literature.
Beowulf was a perfectly shaped epic hero of fame and glory. He possesses uncommon human ability and a very loyal nature. He won the respect of all who came. in contact with him through his champion-like etiquette and dignity. Although these two characters represented entirely different types of heroes, they shared one important similarity.
Beowulf is a heroic tale; "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is mock-heroic. In what ways does Chaucer use "The Nun's Priest's Tale" to ridicule the heroic style? Increased length is a clear result; name other story elements or writing techniques Chaucer uses.
Yet, Beowulf again puts his pride on a pedestal. As a king he has greater responsibilities and he should not jeopardize his life. The well being of his nation should come first. In addition, he should be a better leader to his people, who look for guidance and comfort in their king. The fight with the dragon proves that Beowulf is a fearless hero.