Superheroes In Beowulf, The Anglo-Saxon Hero

Superheroes can come from a multitude of backgrounds and many different characters in literature can be considered superheroes. Beowulf and Thor come from two completely different backgrounds, families, and even different planets. Although their different upbringings lead to multiple opportunities for differences, some similarities can be found. Both heroes surpass the constraints of time by possessing the qualities of a natural superhero, by having a strength within themselves that can overcome all odds, and differing in where their motivation to fight evil comes from.
Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon hero, and Thor, god of the sky and thunder, can be compared to one another as they both do not acquire supernatural powers, but rather fight utilizing …show more content…
Beowulf seems to be hot-headed about most everything that he does: “‘...no strength is a match for mine’” (line 254). When Unferth is taunting Beowulf, Beowulf does not let Unferth bring his confidence down. Beowulf keeps firing back at Unferth, then eventually attacks Unferth’s character. This is similar to Thor. Thor is very confident in all that he does as well. Thor’s confidence is boosted by the knowledge that no human can pick up Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. In this way, the two heroes could be seen as slightly different as Thor’s confidence comes from knowing he has exclusive rights to his power, and Beowulf’s confidence comes from within.
Although there is much uniformity between Beowulf and Thor, a few major differences exist between the two. One being that Thor fights for honor, respect, himself, and his family - the Norse gods, while Beowulf does not fight to earn a reward. Beowulf chooses to help the Danes out of the kindness of his heart. While Beowulf feels as though it is his duty to come rescue them out of their twelve-year captivity. Both heroes fight for noble causes, however it seems as if their motivation may come from different places within