What Makes a Hero

   What do you think of when you hear the words “hero” and “villain”? Do you think of Thor and Loki? What about Batman and the Joker? Or, do you think about policemen and everyday criminals? Everyone defines what heroes and villains are in their own way. Today, some people view heroes as super humans, like Superman. Superheroes have special abilities that set him or her above society and the hero has a super villain fighting against him/her and the society. They are honored by the cities they defend and they always come out on top. Other people view policemen, firefighters, and soldiers as heroes. These people defend our country, they defend our society, and they are inspiring and real people. These men and women are people that the younger generations can aspire to be. Another form of a hero could be an everyday person on the street, like someone's parent, friend, or celebrity. Many people describe a hero as someone they can look up to. If a person is struggling in school, their tutor could be their hero. If someone overcomes poverty, that person could potentially be someone else's hero. A celebrity who donates money to charity or who simply acts or sings well could be a person's hero. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They all have various character traits and don't need a super power to be honored. 

    In Beowulf, a hero was one who defeated monsters and was brave, honorable, and loyal. To be considered a hero, Beowulf needed to slay not only Grendel and Grendel's mother, but the dragon as well. He was brave and loyal, but he did express hubris and boasted of his greatness. Heroes during this time had tragic flaws. Tragic flaws include hubris, indecisiveness, and narcissism. This flaw usually led to their downfall. For Beowulf, it was hubris. He wanted to fight the dragon on his own and the only warrior to stay by his side was Wiglaf. During Beowulf's time, an honorable death and a large funeral were necessary for heroes and every warrior wanted to die honorably. Beowulf received a large, glorious funeral, for he died honorably and saved the kingdom from the fearsome dragon. 

    Today, we also give our heroes funerals and honor them after their passing. Most soldiers have special funerals. An everyday person has a funeral as well with family and friends honoring the life they led. We, as humans, continue to honor those who have past on when we visit their graves and place flowers down for them. Anyone can be a hero and today's definition is more realistic and tangible. Yes, it is good for people to dream big and enjoy reading about and watching their favorite super heroes, but it is better for a child or adult to look up to a hero in their community. It allows them to have reachable dreams instead of dreaming of super powers. Anyone can be a hero and we should always keep that in the back of our minds. Beowulf is a hero, but so are everyday people.