Beowulf is known to be an epic tale of heroism, and danger. In the time of the Anglo-Saxons the tale talks about epic battles with demons, dragons and much more. (The British Library, “Beowulf” 2014) Aside from just battles we see honor in the form of funerals and friendships. The poem though unsure of the specific time invented has been passed down from generation to generation, molding the minds of its listener.(Encyclopedia Britannica, “Beowulf”) Beowulf has changed modern views of heroism, which can be made clear by comparing heroism prior to the poems existence and heroism of today because of Beowulf, the theory that a hero must be a god, or demi god are not a need, nor do you need to be born into fame or carry a name. The poem rather
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Those who fight for good and destroy evil. Heroes that are wise and willing to die in the name of honor, as well as heroes who are humble in their nature. Lastly, we seen loyalty to the men who follow our hero into battle. What about modern-day heroes are they the same characteristic held in Beowulf? I’d say so! Those who received the highest medal of honor in the United States Military, the congressional medal of honor are men who though trained in combat skills go above and beyond the call of duty. One receipt of the medal, Sergeant 1st class Sammy L. Davis saved his fellow soldiers by swimming across a river on an air mattress with a broken back, rib, shrapnel and gunshot wounds on top on not knowing how to swim from the start. (Anderson, Medal of Honor recipient shares story with Fort Benning Troops) This reminded me closely of the tale of Beowulf and the dragon. Beowulf was injured to the point of death and still slain the dragon and gave what we would call today the ultimate sacrifice. Beowulf changed the definition of heroism. This poem was the turning point from earlier heroes to modern-day heroes. Prior to Beowulf heroes were god, who required tribute in order to keep their people safe. After Beowulf, we see extreme loyalty to the men who followed our hero, and to friends of his family. We also see strength and brains outweighing special
Those who fight for good and destroy evil. Heroes that are wise and willing to die in the name of honor, as well as heroes who are humble in their nature. Lastly, we seen loyalty to the men who follow our hero into battle. What about modern-day heroes are they the same characteristic held in Beowulf? I’d say so! Those who received the highest medal of honor in the United States Military, the congressional medal of honor are men who though trained in combat skills go above and beyond the call of duty. One receipt of the medal, Sergeant 1st class Sammy L. Davis saved his fellow soldiers by swimming across a river on an air mattress with a broken back, rib, shrapnel and gunshot wounds on top on not knowing how to swim from the start. (Anderson, Medal of Honor recipient shares story with Fort Benning Troops) This reminded me closely of the tale of Beowulf and the dragon. Beowulf was injured to the point of death and still slain the dragon and gave what we would call today the ultimate sacrifice. Beowulf changed the definition of heroism. This poem was the turning point from earlier heroes to modern-day heroes. Prior to Beowulf heroes were god, who required tribute in order to keep their people safe. After Beowulf, we see extreme loyalty to the men who followed our hero, and to friends of his family. We also see strength and brains outweighing special