An Epic Hero versus Modern Day Heroes

For them to tell a story of a journey or task which they have completed is thought to be acceptable, but to boast and exaggerate about accomplishments is frowned upon in today's society. In the time of Beowulf, people worshipped a hero who did not die in battle or who seemed prone to any kind of death. Although they were doing their jobs, as any other loyal firefighter would have done, many of the fighters died, and people of today's culture have a tendency to give more recognition to heroes that pass-away in their line of duty, then to those who survived. I am old, now, But I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares To face me. In modern times, more appreciation is shown to those who give their lives for a noble cause, which is not necessarily right, and not always true, but for the most part it is the case. However unlike Beowulf, ideal firefighters do not brag about the heroic deeds that have personally been achieved. He spoke haltingly to Wiglaf: "Have the brave Geats build me a tomb, When the funeral flames have burned me, and build it Here, at the water's edge, high On this spit of land, so sailors can see This tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf's tower, and boats in the darkness And mist, crossing the sea, will know it. arkness of war, Dripping with my enemies' blood. " (lines 835-839)A modern day firefighter is known as a very honorable, very brave person, if not a famous person a Beowulf was. I drove Five great giants into chains, chasedAll of that race from the earth. None of those who survived bragged about his or her accomplishments. The firefighters of the New York City Fire Department are said to be some of the bravest heroes of this day and age. By today's standards, a man or woman who is willing to enter a burning building or area to rescue a person, or something as simple as a family pet, is quite noble.