Beowulf

A detailed Summary of Beowulf

Many parallels can be drawn between Beowulf, the epic hero of the Anglo-Saxons, and Superman, star of comic books, movies and television. Through their comparison, contrast also becomes apparent. Three areas of particular interest for this study are the genealogies of each man, their physical and moral characteristics, and their own particular vulnerabilities.

The genealogy of both figures includes a link to a leader of their people, plus both are raised by families other than their own. Beowulf's father abandoned him at an early age and fled to Hrothgar's court with Beowulf left behind to be raised by his mother's father, King Hrethel. The abandoned boy grew and matured through a normal childhood. But in adulthood he became a great king of the Geats. Superman was born to Jarel, leader of the planet Krypton. He was cast away from the planet by his parents to save him from an explosion that destroyed the planet. The capsule which was his spacecraft landed on Earth, and he was found and adopted by a mid western farm couple named Kent from Centerville. He, too, grew up as a normal teenager. Like Beowulf, his greatness wasn't apparent until adulthood. Beowulf was also adopted as an adult by Hrothgar, King of the Danes, for h

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The characteristics of both Superman and Beowulf closely match the qualities which describe an epic hero. Both are identified as humans but act in superhuman ways. (Although Superhuman is actually an alien, his false identity, Clark Kent, is a mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet Newspaper.) Both men are powerful, virtuous and physically attractive. Both move in worlds where natural laws are suspended. An example of this would be during Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother. He fought underwater without drowning. Superman, for example, defies the law of gravity by his ability to fly. They both show up in times of crisis without warning. Beowulf appeared basically without invitation or warning to help the Danes against Grendel because he had experience in fighting water demons. Superman never seems to be expected, but always shows up just in the nick of time to save the day and leaves unexpectedly as if to avoid praise. This modesty is depicted in both charac!

The deeds of these heroes are famous among their fellow men. They both have superhuman courage and strength. Both use their powers to help their fellow men. Though the scope of their importance may differ, it is only because of the man's knowledge of his own world at the time of their creation. Beowulf was the hero of his domain in the Anglo-Saxon world, and Superman served his domain, the universe, as well in more modern times.

ters. Beowulf's most selfless act was to decline becoming king until the death of his uncle, the rightful heir. Neither figure is encumbered by the laws of man. Although they do not break laws of men, they do resort to violent acts against their enemies. Beowulf is, by far, the more violent of the two. They are both of the highest moral make-up, and their fellow men look up to them. Physically, both Superman and Beowulf are well above the common man. Beowulf has the power of thirty men, and Superman can "fly fatter than a speeding bullet, leap tall buildings with a single bound," and he's "more powerful than a locomotive." He can bend iron bars with his bare ha

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Approximate Word count = 1458
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English