In modern day culture, our heroes seem to be more personal, whether its your parent(s), who raised you and taught you many things that will help you along in this world, or an armed forces veteran, who gave up so much to try and protect this life we've grown accustomed to. Maybe back in the Dark Ages and any time where stories like this were written the heroes may have been the same kind of breed, protectors of their people, and those who taught them how to grow.
To me, an Epic Hero seems more made up than truthful, many of our legends and folktales drew influence from warriors and events of their time. An Epic Hero seems like an exagerated version of the ones we know. Beowulf, to me, definitely seems like an epic hero; battling sea monsters, slaying trolls, and having the strength of many men. Maybe Beowulf drew influence from a warrior of it's time, but I know that when I think of Beowulf, I think of epic battles, monsters, and yes, perfectly quaffed hair.
I understand and agree with your assessment that Beowulf is most likely an exaggerated tale based on some warrior of the time.
ReplyDeleteI think that your assesment of a Epic Hero simply being the manifestation of some of the basic ideals of normal hero is spot on. I agree that our epic heros are people who are more personal to us, like the family members. Having these two obvious heros, (parents and Beowulf) brings things into perspective as we asses heroic people.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with you Michael; I like how you said that heroes now a days are everyday heroes like firefighters and policemen. Like you said epic heroes back then were 'fighting sea monster's and what not but like on September 11th I would say the people who risked their lives to just maybe save some lives in those towers were 'epic' heroes you know?
ReplyDeleteEverything to ya'll is 'epic', unfortunately. So, the term of being epic really does not mean as much to us now as it did centuries ago. Slaying sea monsters, ripping off arms and fighting dragons...yes, that is epic...shouting the word "ameriKa" in my classroom, is not epic. Comparing the 9/11 experience and those involved to the meaning of an epic tale, hero etc..would be understandable. Yet, the word 'epic' is not as outstanding as it used to be...-.-
ReplyDeleteI don't know Ms. A AMERIKA is pretty epic!:P I think anyone who risks their lives day to day has to be pretty epic.Even if they don't realize it. The word epic is a little different for everyone, and i agree it is used alot more than it should be to make things sound better, but who is to say what is epic, and what isn't?
ReplyDeleteOn a scientific viewpoint, You are correct. Maybe the only heroes that we see everyday are not so super-powered but rather human. For that, they have my respect.
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