Comparison Of Beowulf And The Rancher Dan Evans - 1462 Words

A vast variety of heroes have made their way through literature and modern culture, some following the model of the ideal, stereotypical hero, and others differing from the norm and achieving heroism through other means. This variation of heroism is represented through characterizing traits that, although similar for most, are unique for some non-conforming heroes. Throughout the poem Beowulf and the movie 3:10 to Yuma, the two protagonists both possess numerous qualities befitting of a hero. However, the difference between the heroism of the famous Anglo Saxon hero, Beowulf, in the poem Beowulf and the rancher Dan Evans from 3:10 to Yuma is thoroughly emphasized through three mutual traits: bravery, confidence and determination. The portrayal of bravery as a heroic quality in Beowulf differs from that of Dan Evans’ in numerous ways. Being the traditional, valiant hero, Beowulf’s bravery is unmatched among the thanes of Heorot and he leaps at the chance to slay the ter rible monster Grendel. Described as a â€Å"brave thane of the Geats† (Beowulf 2), Beowulf’s strength and daring spirit is demonstrated with his admirable feats of bravery, including â€Å"[destroying] five a family of giants† and â€Å"[slaying] monsters on the waves† (372). Beowulf’s daring exploits leads him to challenge Grendel in single combat in order to slay the terrorizing beast. He expresses his courage and confidence through his boast, stating that he considered himself â€Å"[†¦] no less brave than Grendel himself/