What are the makings of a hero? To many a hero may be an individual who greatly protects others, whether with super powers, or with there strength. However, it is of much importance to know that a hero is not only made up of strengths, if not every hero has a weakness... usually the weakness of heroes are much more complicated to distinguish then those of your everyday human being? Why you may ask yourself? It's simple every hero has a drive for victory that is never ending.
This leads me to wonder if its possible that a hero is so victory starving that they are constantly placing themselves at risk in order to save the day. However, when it comes down to it, can this possibly healthy? Does this drive actually keep them at a sane mentality or are they eventually turning themselves to be just as insane as the villain?
The villain is always known for starting the issues which arrise; however, in reality the heroes are constantly looking for new villains if not the same villains due to there great desire to win a victory. In some cases such as with Beowulf this has made the hero to be known for his conceitedness as well as his gigantic ego which is present throughout the entire story.
This is clearly even visible many years after Beowulf had won in battle with Grendel as well as with Grendel's mother. However, these victories as well as being a great ruler greatly cared for by his people weren't enough victories for Beowulf. This was demonstrated at an older age about 50 years after he had defeated Grendel's mother when a dragon appeared. Beowulf at an old age believed himself to still be capable of earning this victory. However, in this situation it was not possible for Beowulf to defeat the dragon alone. He did; however, manage to accomplish this by the help of the young Wiglaf.
Clearly, this is an example of how although a hero would love to win every battle, as well as to always have a feeling of pride and a large ego from there accomplishments, Beowulf is only human and is not invinsable; however, it brings him pleasure to know he died with great honor protecting his people, once again demonstrating he is in fact an epic hero.
Thanks for posting on Beowulf, Stephanie; I'm sorry things got confused there at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteSo what do you make of Beowulf and all of this hero business? You ponder a lot of good questions, but I would like to see you get in depth and really argue through an answer for one or two of them. For example, is this drive for success a good thing, or a villainous tendency waiting for the wrong day? What about it specifically peaks your interest?