It's been said that within each of us, dwells good and evil. These two opposing forces battle one another for dominance in the minds and hearts of every human being on earth. In a way, they're much like inseparable yet quarreling siblings. When a person does something truly good, or undeniably heroic, it's evident that he or she has overcome whatever evil force they battle and have allowed the good within to dominate. This is one reason so many people like superheroes. Batman, Superman and even the Hulk allow their "good" inner man to overcome the "evil" forces they could easily give into. The decision to do what is morally right (or unselfishly brave) is a key component to being a hero. .
Hercules and Beowulf, both fictional characters, can both be appropriately categorized as heroes. Although they encounter different problems and their stories are entirely different, they both possess the same morals and qualities that are found in the heart of a hero. Both Hercules and Beowulf find ways to come against evil and bring those opponents to defeat. "It is not important how long one lives, but how well one lives"," said Hercules. And that statement rings true: as long as we're being good, doing good, and allowing the good within ourselves to dominate, we'll be cherished, respected and seen by some as heroic. .
After the fight between Beowulf and Grendel, Beowulf mentions "He has done his worst but the wound will end him." This means that the wound he has is so awful that he cannot live much longer. After the defeat of Grendel, even more evil lies in Beowulf's path: Grendel's mother and a dragon that becomes the death of Beowulf. This symbolizes that even the greatest of heroes, no matter how good or strong they may be, will face obstacles and evil. And that evil, from within or without, will be a force to be reckoned with for as long as we're walking the earth. .
"I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea, as I sat in the boat with my band of men.
