Heroism Through Time

A hero in today's society compared to one of the hero's of the Anglo-Saxons culture does not differ in many respects. The Anglo-Saxon concept of a hero could be defined by someone who contains such attributes as bravery, the will to do what is right. This said hero does this act in complete honesty and has no attachments to endless reward and or any gains pertaining to this said act; of kindness. Heroes in our culture today are given many definitions; the one that fits best for a hero would be someone that does a righteous act. A person that will be walking on the street and save someone's life, or just helping someone in need and thinking nothing of it would also be characterized as being a hero. It is true that the standards for a hero are significantly lower than those that were in place during the Anglo-Saxons era of heroes but in retrospect they fulfill the same duties.

The Anglo-Saxon and the hero of today are both viewed by society as tier one citizens. It depends on the type of heroic behavior one illustrates but in most cases they are viewed as the most respected individuals of that particular time. The Anglo-Saxon hero would be hailed by a larger community because the times were different and to be named a hero was more difficult but when one became a "hero" he was stuck with this classification for most if not his entire life unlike a hero in today's culture when a hero is born everyday.

The only real difference between heroes of today and of the past would have to be the conditions of the time. Heroes of today do not have to deal with swords and shields. They use their brains and not their brawn. In hostile situations one cannot act rashly and hope that the consequences aren't life-threatening or terrible; but one must logically deduce what the right action to be taken must be and hope for the best. The hero of the past relied on brute strength and courage to succeed and defeat any foe that came his