There is not one definition of an epic hero; the word itself is malleable in usage, and its meaning morphs and evolves with time and changing culture. Notwithstanding, the one entity of an epic hero that remains constant is the cultural diffusion that is manifested by a hero. One can see the chronological-based shifts in societal values by looking at the heroes that different societies create. Indeed, these subtleties of change and differences are evident as one moves from the Anglo-Saxon hero to the Anglo-American hero; thus, Beowulf and Batman represent epic heroes of their respective times; although they are separated by centuries, the basic structures of both heroes are relatively the same. In fact, Beowulf is simply a blend of Batman and Bruce Wayne (Batman’s true identity) with his materialism, physical prowess, and pride. Because epic heroes—“embodiments of societal values”—have basically remained the same through the years, perhaps the root values of modern Anglo-American society are merely distilled Anglo-Saxon version of what was coveted centuries ago.
The first evidence of continuation between the two heroes is in the manner in which they regard wealth and materialism, and there is a close association between greatness and wealth in both societies. For example, Beowulf chooses to introduce himself by presenting the history of his title as an introduction “In his day, my father was a famous man a noble warrior-lord named Ecgtheow. He outlasted many a long winter and went on his way. All over the world men wise in counsel continue to remember him” (Beowulf 36). In Beowulf’s time, there exists a strong stress that wealth and title exist as indicators of a man’s value. Similarly, Bruce Wayne expresses his “value” with his wealth by living lavishly, donating money to his own charitable foundations, and by flaunting his worth to the citizens of Gotham with his lavish parties. With Beowulf and Bruce Wayne, there are obviously acknowledgements of the close relation of amassed capital to a hero’s manhood. Furthermore, both Beowulf and Batman are more materialistic in their hero ship. For example, on his deathbed, Beowulf pleads to his assistant “Away you go: I want to examine that ancient gold, gaze my fill on those garnered jewels; my going will be easier for having seen the treasure, a less troubled letting-go of the life and lordship that I have maintained” (Beowulf 88). Similarly with Wayne, there exists a strong stress on material value as he actively partakes in various operations in Wayne industries. As part of their hero role, both men define themselves partly through their material holdings. In both societies, power is something that is determined by materialistic holdings more than anything else. Thus, these two works show that the association with wealth and heroics are true values shared by their respective societies.
TBC…
