What Is A Hero?

   "Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more, believing in yourself." -Harry Potter. Both Beowulf and Harry Potter are considered heroes of the time period in which their stories were written. But however similar they are in their respective accomplishments, they are still different in goals, motives, and personalities. Beowulf fought to gain glory and maintain it, while Harry Potter was thrust into the hero role to defeat the most feared villain of all time, Voldemort. Nonetheless, Beowulf and Harry Potter exemplify the heroes of the respective time periods in which they were written through their actions, intentions, and conduct.

   A hero is defined as character who, in the face of danger and adversity, displays courage and will for self-sacrifice for the greater good of society. Beowulf and Harry Potter both display great acts of courage and self-sacrifice to save humanity from some menacing force. Beowulf presents himself as a confident warrior who can emerge from any battle victorious. In his first battle against Grendel, he bears no weapon because he says that would gave an unfair advantage to the beast. Beowulf's overconfidence in his ability to defeat Grendel is typical of the time period in which this story originated and grew. Beowulf is the role model, of sorts, or the perfect citizen who can defeat all the monsters and save the people. His overconfidence and arrogance is typical of the time period in which his story was told; people wanted an exaggerated hero. Harry Potter, however, acts the complete opposite. He is very modest and plain, mostly due to his upbringing. But his journey to triumph took many years with his being humble and respectful the entire time. In modern, contemporary times, people would rather have a less pompous hero, someone humble and relatable. 

   Harry's and Beowulf's intentions behind defeating their respective enemies not only comes with similarities but many differences. Both want to defeat their own monsters to save society from further destruction; but the meaning behind their actions differs. Beowulf goes into battle to find glory, to gain fame and keep it. He craves the attention, the admiration he gets from victory. In the early centuries of A.D., a hero was usually glorified in personality and action. Like Beowulf, a hero of that time period loved the attention of a win. But Harry Potter's story is different. He was pushed into the role as a hero at a young age and couldn't get out of it. He accepted his fate with grace and persevered into battle with composure. He didn't have any ulterior motive, just to defeat Voldemort for the greater good of humanity. In modern times, the audience likes a humble hero, one who is not cocky or boastful, one like Harry Potter.

   Both Harry and Beowulf had to overcome adversity to triumph over a menacing villain, but their paths to success differ. Beowulf volunteered himself and his men to defeat Grendel and the dragon. He prides himself in his victory and the manner in which he won. In one battle, Beowulf fought without his sword, and in another battle he ripped off his vest before fighting. His boastful actions were popular among the audience in which the his story was intended: a strong, confident character that the listeners and readers could enthusiastically cheer on. However, in modern times, a hero like Harry Potter is more favorable. Harry's journey to victory was long and arduous; and the entire time he managed to stay humbled and unpretentious. He tried to remain quiet and discreet (although that was also due to the context of the story). These days, the audience prefers a hero who doesn't try to overdo it in face of battle. But no matter what the audience prefers in a hero over time, they still love a hero.

   While the values and face of a hero have changed over time, a hero by definition still remains a hero. Beowulf and Harry Potter still faced danger and difficulties while displaying great acts of courage to save humanity. Preferences of what hero should do and how he (or she) should act have also changed over centuries of literature and film. Beowulf was hailed as a hero in his time period and encouraged to be extremely confident. And Harry Potter became popular for a more modern idea of an even more modest hero. But what remains the same is the audience's love of a good, old-fashioned hero who helps save society from impending doom.