Mustafa Al Ghoutani

12E

Compare and Contrast Essay

Nov/9/2024

Evolution of Heroism

A hero is an entity that always goes out of their way to risk their lives in the
face of danger to help others, do good acts for others, and so on [Wikipedia].
But a hero has many definitions. The first traces of heroism being in
literature was in the form of epic poems [The Guardian]. Stories evolved from
word of mouth to text, to books, and eventually, digital. And so do
protagonists, as time progresses, people get more ideas on how to create
such a unique, inspirational, and memorable character. Epic literature heroes
were simple, yet so powerful. But modern literature heroes were complex yet
relatable. Although their complexity shaped them into why they started
being do-gooders in the first place.

Heroes like Achilles, Beowulf, and Odysseus are all notable examples of epic
heroes. But what do they all have in common? Epic heroes like these have
spectacular combat (and) strength, keen sense of courage and mentality,
being able to handle the most complicated of things without complaint, and
a daring but moral attitude, always knowing exactly what is between good
and evil. An example of said morality is dependant on who the hero is
encountering, whether it be some kind of monster they must fight off or an
innocent, tragic person in need of help that the hero must support [Study].
Epic heroes came from either word of mouth or written text, each of them
sharing unique and abnormal experiences that help them overcome their
troubles. In most cases, the hero is either born or gifted with an ability that
makes them invincible [PapersOwl]. An example is Beowulf with his larger-
than-life size, even having his own sword and shield fitting for his height.
They are so big to the point that more than one person was needed to hold
such items for him. Another well known example is Achilles being dipped in
the River Styx by his mother to become immortal, but that did not work out
as expected when he was shot in the left heel during battle. An exception is
Odysseus, who was just like any great warrior, but he makes his way out of
trouble using his intelligence and intellect. What forms a characteristic epic
hero is their constant ability to boast and pride, but what is more important
is the respect they gain for either almost or entirely sacrificing themselves
for the greater good [Study]. Take Beowulf as an example when he fights and
kills the dragon at the near end of the story. Beowulf eventually succumbs to
his severe wounds and dies. Wiglaf mourns his fallen friend by building him a
statue to honour him for his troubles. Take Hercules as another example. For
his duties, he ascended to Olympus so he could live the rest of his existence
as a god.

Most epics share similar traits for their protagonists. Charisma, bravery, and
overconfidence. But despite all, most epic heroes grapple with flaws that
make them seem more human. Despite being either a gifted supernatural or
naturally born superhuman, that does not make them immortal, and upon
death, show us a human side of such respectable characters that go through
countless terrifying experiences no average human can face, for the greater
good.

Modern heroes, unlike epic heroes, share a more personal and relatable
however complex side of being a do-gooder. In most cases, modern heroes
are not naturally born with superpowers, but however gifted. Take Deadpool,
an ordinary mercenary with combat skills like no other suddenly gets
diagnosed with cancer and his only thought of a cure was to get
experimented on. These experiments were so severe he eventually got his
superpowers from the disease itself. Thus, making him the Deadpool we all
know and love [The Gamer]. Another case is Kal El, also known as Superman,
a Kryptonian who was unfortunately born with the sight of seeing his home
planet crumbling to its death. His parents send him off on a pod to Earth,
where two farmers found him. They both teach him how to use his powers to
be responsible and to fight crime. Not all modern heroes possess
superpowers. For example, Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman, swore to
deface all forms of evil once he had experienced his parents die in front of
him at the hands of a mugger. Since that fateful day, Bruce managed to keep
his composure and by time, became a rich and intimidating stoic man that
also became a sign of hope to the people of Gotham City. These heroes do
not have much of complexity to them since they are adults (except in
Superman’s case as he grew up, homeschooled). But when underaged
people take the role of a hero, that’s when things take a toll on their personal
life. For example, Peter Parker, also known as Spiderman, was 17 (Tobey
Maguire movie adaptation) when he was bitten by a radioactive spider that
gave him his powers. Overcome with stress as time progressed due to the
bite, Peter finally snapped when he found out about Uncle Ben’s death,
chasing the killer into an abandoned building and fatally injuring him. But as
the movie progressed through seconds and sequels, Peter learned his uncle’s
last words and went through his ups and downs (losing friends, taking care of
Aunt May, fighting his fellow colleagues that have become villains as
Spiderman, etc.) throughout his life hiding his private identity, Peter Parker,
as Spiderman, who is known to the world as a crime fighting superhero.

Modern heroes have split into two categories: Hero protagonist and antihero.
Hero protagonists are pretty much self explanatory. Heroes that have every
aspect of a good person. Their morality, attire, personality, and sense of
judgement are what make them total heroes. Antiheroes, on the other hand,
are heroes that lack any sense of these mentioned above, often acting by
their own tendencies. Wolverine is an example of an antihero, acting by his
mutation instincts and his desire to help people due to his tragic past
[Fictionary].

Although modern heroes are quite like epic heroes, they have a much
different backstory, sense of morality, personality, and respect. These
aspects are what make modern heroes and epic heroes so different yet so
similar at the same time. But a key difference is what these two heroes fight.
Modern heroes like superheroes fight tragic mutants or villains, while epic
heroes fight bloodthirsty beings from the pits of hell itself, powerful and
mythical creatures, or plain old enemy soldiers. Another difference is is their
personal life. Epic heroes’ personal lives don’t matter much because they are
praised and respected without question. Modern heroes must face multiple
challenges as they play two personas in one life, which sounds and is more
than extremely exhausting.

These heroes are shaped by contemporary values, resilience, the urge to

Bibliography:

https://fictionary.co/journal/anti-hero-examples/

https://papersowl.com/examples/many-epic-heroes-throughout-the-
course-of-history/#:~:text=Another%20characteristic%20that
%20defines%20an,that%20Beowulf%20uses%20supernatural
%20strength

https://www.thegamer.com/deadpools-superpowers-explained/
#:~:text=and%20other%20areas.-,How%20Did%20Deadpool%20Get
%20His%20Powers%3F,that%20he%20is%20basically%20immortal

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/aug/05/somehow-i-failed-
to-clock-her-magnificence-was-the-worlds-first-literary-hero-a-
woman#:~:text=Gilgamesh%2C%20legendary%20warrior%20of,the
%20world's%20first%20literary%20hero

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero