The Anglo-Saxon epic hero, Beowulf, and modern day firefighters have many differences and similarities. How brave must one be to run into a smoke and flame-filled house to rescue a person or pet from certain death? As brave as man must be to fight off a monster that is twice his size? Is one hero really more brave than the other is, or do they just possess different kinds of bravery? The epic hero, Beowulf, and modern day firefighters have many differences and similarities.
Beowulf was an epic warrior of the Anglo-Saxon time period. According to the people of his time in history, he was the strongest, bravest, and most loyal man to ever walk the earth. Beowulf could kill any monster, slay any dragon, and defeat whoever challenged the super hero. Beowulf knew the power and strength that he had, and like all heroes of the time, was not afraid to let it show. Beowulf would boast without a trace of humility, and his pride was accepted as perfectly normal. Beowulf built himself up by speaking to the Danish King Hrothgar:
"...My people (the Geats) have said, the wisest, most knowing
And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes'
Great king. They have seen my strength for themselves,
Have watched me rise from the darkness of war,
Dripping with my enemies' blood. I drove
Five great giants into chains, chased
All of that race from the earth." (lines 244-250)
Later in the story, just before his last battle, this time against a fire-breathing dragon, Beowulf uttered his final boast:
"I've never known fear, as a youth I fought
In endless battles. I am old, now,
But I will fight again, seek fame still,
If the dragon hiding in his tower dares
To face me." (lines 624-628)
When it came time for Beowulf to die of the wound he received from the dragon, he commanded one of his men to make sure that a tomb/tower was built and a ceremony was held in his reco...