Journal #1

Beowulf vs Superhero

Archetypal heroes obtain supernatural powers which are used to aid the community. In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf receives help from God. Throughout the poem, he makes references to God and the Christian religion. He believes his success is because of God’s presence. In the modern day New York City movie, Spiderman, Spiderman receives help from science. Peter Parker, who is Spiderman, gains his powers due to the innovations in the scientific world. Both of the heroes acquire help form something greater than them to help their society. Another common trait to archetypal heroes is that an event leads up to the quest the hero partakes in. In Beowulf’s family past and Grendel’s attack leads to Beowulf coming to save the Geats. He recognizes that he must save the people because Hrothgar helped his father out of debt earlier. Likewise, Parker’s uncle is murdered by a random robber on the street which causes Peter to use his powers to help the people of New York City. In both of these works, the heroes are different from society and obtain uniqueness, solving problems no one else can. They both rely on something greater than them and react to an event that leads to adventure.