Beowulf Essay

Beowulf Essay

“A hero or heroine refers to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity.” - Wikipedia. I almost never use Wikipedia as a source for anything, but this definition perfectly describes Dakota Meyer.  Dakota Meyer was a corporal in the marines in September 2011 who saved 36 soldiers who were under heavy fire. A hero is someone who is courageous action when it needed for others. Sergeant Meyer exemplified heroic traits similar to how Beowulf did in his story. Beowulf and the contemporary hero Sergeant Meyer stories were told in different ways. The way that Beowulf was told would change drastically if it was told in a feminist perspective.

    Beowulf and Sergeant Meyer displayed heroic traits through their physical and mental actions.For instance, the plot of both of the heroes stories were roughly similar. Beowulf had to fight demons and people and Sergeant Meyer fought Taliban fighters. One trait that both of these heroes share is self confidence. Beowulf’s self confidence is so high it’s almost comes across as cockiness. Sergeant Meyer had tremendous self confidence. The difference between the two is Beowulf was boastful while Sergeant Meyer was humble. Sergeant Meyer claimed that the day was not a success because he didn’t save every man under attack. Another vital characteristic needed to be a hero is the willingness to sacrifice one’s self. Both men demonstrated this flawlessly. Beowulf gave his life fighting against the dragon when virtually no one else would. Despite Sergeant Meyer’s orders to stay put, he put his life in danger taking five trips into a Taliban raid on the top of a jeep with no armor. Lastly, another valuable heroic trait is loyalty. Beowulf was loyal to his king and fought many battles for him. Sergeant Meyer was loyal to his country and loyal to the men who needed his help. Both of the stories were told in two vastly different ways. Beowulf was passed down orally from generation to generation until one many decided to write it down. Sergeant Meyer’s story was told through the media, the President, and first hand by the survivors he saved. The media portrayed his story as a brave iconic American hero. President Obama told his story in admiration and respect. The first hand survivors told his story with gratitude. With all of these different ways the story could be told it added to the heroism.

    The story Beowulf could have changed immensely if it was told from a feminist perspective. First, the stereotypical feminist plot would be that instead of Beowulf fighting Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon he could have talked it out with all three and came to an appeasement. Ideally though, the story would have been told with less gore and violence. Because it’s a feminist story there may have been a happy ending. Traits for Beowulf may have changed as well. He probably would have become less cocky and more humble.

    Beowulf and Sergeant Meyer both embodied heroism, but in different ways. A hero is someone that illustrates self confidence, loyalty, and self sacrifice. The stories were told differently and each way affected the way it was perceived. A feminist perspective on the story Beowulf could have changed the plot and characteristics of characters. A hero is someone that understands the responsibility that comes with freedom.