Beowulf And Today`s Heroes Essay, Research Paper

Heroes today have changed from those of Beowulf’s day. Back in the time of

Beowulf heroes were mainly the protectors of the country such as warriors and

kings. The roles have changed today were heroes consist of celebrities and sport

players. The roles have changed because our society has changed as well. In the

time of Beowulf the kings were of the utmost of importance. Without a king the

country was sure to fall into ruins. The king’s duty was to protect the country.

He did this by keeping up with the wars of the surrounding country and finding

warriors to protect the country. The king was highly respected and he had a very

important job. Without the king there was no hope for the country. Today really

is not all that different, instead of a king we have a president. Our president

must still keep up with the foreign affairs including wars in order to protect

our country. He must also be able to foresee any affect that foreign affairs

might have on the country in the long run. It is out president’s responsibility

to ensure that our military divisions, including the airforce, navy, and army,

are prepared and able to defend our nation or our nation’s allies. In the epic,

Beowulf, heroes were also warriors. These warriors were supposed to protect the

country against "monsters" and invasions. The warriors were strong men

who could physically make an attack or prevent an attack in order to protect

their country. Beowulf was a warrior who was a hero to the country where the

Danes lived. Beowulf was able to protect and serve the Danes by killing Grendel.

Grendel was an evil monster who had been killing the people that had been

sleeping in the hall that he haunted. Beowulf became a hero by not only killing

Grendle but also by tearing off his shoulder arm and claw with his bear hands.

This is an amazing feat that an ordinary man could not accomplish. To kill a

monster with one’s bear hands is simply unheard of! Today our heroes do not

normally consist of a warrior as much as a sports player. They too, like the

warrior, do things that the ordinary man could not do. Accomplishing unordinary

feats is how they earn the respect of the nation. Their job is also equally

important as the warrior because they allow people to escape their problems and

lives for a while they watch the sport. Mark McGuire is a hero in the sport of

baseball team the Cardinals. Mr. McGuire has hit more homeruns than any other

man in the major leagues has ever hit in one baseball season. He became a hero

by accomplishing such a respectable feat and still being kind to all including

his family that he care a lot for. Not only did he keep our interest in the game

to see how many homeruns he would get, but he also brought the love back to out

national past time. In the year before the country lost respect for baseball

when a baseball strike had ruined the season. In bringing back the love for a

sacred sport Mr. McGuire earned the counties love and respect. Another great

warrior was a man named Wiglaf who tried to save Beowulf’s life. Beowulf ran

into trouble when he was fighting an evil dragon. He had gotten older had had

not ever fought a fire breathing dragon before. All of Beowulf’s warriors

deserted him except for one, Wiglaf. Wiglaf was unable to save Beowulf’s life

but he kills the dragon and fulfills Beowulf’s last request. He builds a

monument for Beowulf and Wiglaf became king. Today the story is slightly

different but equally enjoyable. Sammy Sosa is a baseball player for the Cubs, a

rival to the Cardinals (Mark McGuire’s team). Mr. Sosa is a hero because he too

beat the previous record for home runs in one baseball season. Although he was

battling with Mr. McGuire to make the new home run record the two players kept

it friendly and professional only wanting the better man to win. Mr. Sosa also

helped to bring enjoyment into the game of baseball. Mr. Sosa also helped to

remind us on how important it is to be kind even if the battle is between two

heroes who both desire to win the fight. Throughout time the roles that heroes

play in our lives have changed but they are still important to our countries.

Beowulf and Wiglaf protected their country and people. Just as importantly Mark

McGuire and Sammy Sosa brought enjoyment and a break from hectic lives to our

country. Even thought the roles have changed for the heroes throughout time

their importance to the countries has not gotten smaller. Heroes today are as

important as they were in the time of, the hero, Beowulf.