Superman: The Modern Archetype of a Dragon Slayer

Superman is a fictional character that is widely considered to be an American symbol of justice. Superman was created by American Jerry Siegel and Candian artist Joe Shuster in 1932 for DC Comics, Inc. Superman was Kal-El on the far plant of Krypton. After his birth, he was sent to Earth on a rocket before Krypton’s destruction. Kal-El began his life on Earth as Clark Kent, after his discovery and adoption by a Kansas farmer and his wife. He was raised with strong moral values and maintained a decent life. He grew up in a normal family and tried to live life just like a normal child. However, as he matured, he realized that he was different. He displayed superhuman abilities, which he used to help solve problems within his community. He is often referred as “The Man of Tomorrow” that many people turn to for help. Like Beowulf, Superman gave his life for the greater good, but eventually comes back to life unlike Beowulf.

Superman is the modern archetype of a dragon slayer, the hero who faces death in order to save a threatened community. Superman is a super hero with extraordinary powers that makes him the quintessential of a hero. Superman is able to fly, has super strength, super speed, super vision, and super hearing that enables him to protect his city from villains and evil. He uses his power only for good by preventing evil from rampage in his city and to stop villains from doing bad deeds like Beowulf. Superman lives under a strict moral code that we all dream of living. He helps the poor and defends the weak regardless of their backgrounds similar to Beowulf’s efforts in helping people of another nation against Grendel. Superman commits to the law to become an example to others around him by stepping in to attack and intimidate wife beaters, profiteers, and gangsters, and those with rough edges and loose moral code that we may see in our society today. Superman is the modern day Beowulf who often puts himself at risk for the greater good. He patrols the city each day and is always present to protect citizens in the time of need. No matter how dangerous a situation may become, Superman is always willing to aid, similar to how Beowulf battles against the dangerous Grendel even though Grendel was not threatening his homeland. Superman is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound all in an effort to help the community and acts as its protector, the modern day Beowulf.