Free hero figures and civilization essay sample

The involvement of hero figure in the society reflects social, political and cultural aspects of that time period. In the social context, heroes depict the prevailing aspiration of the society of that period. The figure constitutes the important values essential for development. The hero encapsulates the values required to succeed in life and its positive reformation of the individual. The hero figure also reflects the political issue at that time. They are seen as leaders and motivators. Thus, heroes not only must constitute society’s positive desire, but he must also possess certain qualities of being a leader. Political issues is also reflected on the hero’s journey and upheavals. It narrates conflicts and battles with a particular cause or enemy. Though not necessarily the same with each other, a hero’s journey is often tattered with struggle and eventual victory. Cultural reflection is evident through the descriptive narration of the hero’s journey as it is woven seamlessly through historical anecdotes or through literary masterpiece.
Hero figures may also cause changes on the social, political and cultural aspects. Heroes may drive people to positive change in terms of respecting one another and minimizing lewd and offensive actions. This negative action can be identified easily since it is often the center of the hero’s battle and it may appear as his nemesis in his story. Political change is also encouraged with the hero’s story. The hero may be a precursor to political development. Oftentimes, heroes represent the idea of liberty from slavery or any form of hardship. It could also induce more motives for war and battles against the enemy of the hero, which could also be the same in reality.
Beowulf like other heroes such as Achilles, Aeneas and Roland reflect the society in which they live. Achilles appears as the best example of a Greek soldier because of his experience in combats and warfare. Achilles is also described as god-like due to his physical strength and advantages. In Aeneas case, the Roman way of life at that time is defined with practicality, strength and toughness, which is required due to the agricultural and military nature at that time. These qualities are exhibited by Aeneas, who is considered as the founder of the Roman race. And after the succession of Germanic tribes, Beowulf exhibits the qualities most important to them. Without a centralized society, Germanic tribes are seen as uncanny warriors who are bonded with loyalty and lord-rulers. Strength in warfare and loyalty to the lord/ruler is the highly valued traits of a hero for the Germanic tribes. As society becomes more complex and organize, so it the required values of a hero figure. In the Song of Roland, the warrior Roland is admired for his attributes important in medieval times. It includes valor, loyalty and fighting for Christianity.
The Greek hero, Achilles and the Germanic, Beowulf, hold the most similarities. They both exhibit the well-defined concept of hero in which warriors like them, must excel in battlefield and physical strength is a foremost necessity to be a hero. Roman hero, Aeneas and the medieval warrior Roland, show a more vulnerable hero qualities. Aeneas is reclusive to the thought of fate; and the idea of sacrificing one’s life could be an ultimate fulfillment of his existence. Roland exposes himself to different vulnerabilities, especially in the context of faith and his religious pursuits. He had his shortcomings in several of his decision, but these shows the extent and the changing view of hero qualities at that time.
Beowulf like other hero figures represents the core of the mental and social state of the society that created them. There could be a propaganda involve in contextualizing them in literary work, but it could also aid in motivating the society to improve their lives and aspire to be like their heroes. It creates a motivating factor for individuals to recognize one main goal for the betterment of their society and to continue for the purpose of their heroes.