Modern Hero Vs. Anglo Saxon Hero

Today's modern day hero has similarities and differences than the Anglo-Saxon hero. The two heroes each have different values they believe in. Also, they are motivated to fight for different reasons. An Anglo-Saxon hero also fights differently than a modern day hero. An example of this comparison is Bono from the band "U2" and Beowulf. Both modern day heroes, like Bono and Anglo-Saxon heroes, like Beowulf, try to improve their societies, but do it in different ways and for different reasons.

Anglo-Saxon heroes have only a few things in common with modern day heroes. One of the things is that they both want to improve the society that they come from. "That I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall" (Raffel 260-261). This shows that Beowulf fights to make his society a better place to live in. In their current state, everybody was always in fear of Grendel, and the population of Hrothgar was decreasing. Even after Grendel is slain, Beowulf goes to find and slay Grendel's Mother, and the dragon. The modern day hero tries to improve their society as well. Bono has many foundations set up and is always thinking of way to help people weather it be traveling to other countries or donating large amounts of cash.

Another reason why they are similar is that both Anglo-Saxon heroes and modern day heroes are very strong. Beowulf displays his strength when he defeats Grendel with ease. "...that no where on earth had he felt a man whose hands were harder" (Raffel 326-327). Anglo-Saxon heroes are very physically strong. Most of their problems are solved with their brute strength. Modern day heroes such as Bono are more mentally strong. It is impossible to physically fight the AIDS virus, so Bono has a campaign to raise money for research. He also organizes and protests to solve other world problems rather than physically fighting to solve them. Even though they are strong in different ways, they both are strong in will. Neither of these two heroes gives up on a task nor loose faith in them selves.

One major difference Anglo-Saxon has from modern day heroes is how they fight their battles. "He raised his arms and seized her by the shoulder" (Raffel 509-510). Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon heroes fight their battles with their fists. On the other hand, modern hero fights with their minds. "In 1992 Bono took part in a campaign organized by Greenpeace against radioactive pollution" (The City Council of Turin, no page). Bono has organized and created many foundations that help and save people all over the world.

Another Difference these two types of heroes have is why they fight their battles. "I sold my life for this treasure and I sold it well" (Raffel 820-821). The Anglo-Saxon heroic code states that Anglo Saxon heroes are seeking fortune. Beowulf makes many references in the poem of how he seeks wealth. Modern day heroes