As the narrator of Beowulf describes the hero, he sets up a scene for whirlwind adventure of superhuman abilities. “In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats, greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (Line 90-93). An epic hero is someone who is a larger-than-life figure who often embodies the ideals of a nation or race. Epic heroes take part in dangerous adventures and accomplish great deeds, many undertake long difficult journeys and display great courage and superhuman strength. In the poem Beowulf, the author describes Beowulf as an epic hero through his actions and adventures that are similar and different to those of a modern day superhero such as Iron Man. Beowulf possess superhuman abilities when he describes his ability to drive five giants into chains and defeats Grendel with his bare hands. “Heard in his home: of heroes then living/ he was the stoutest and strongest/sturdy and noble”(line 8-12). Through these experiences that the author tells about in the epic, it is obvious that Beowulf is more than an ordinary man. His strength is tested by mythical beings that Beowulf has easily defeated. He also has some of the mental characteristics that are common to an epic hero including, his lack of self-righteousness and his perseverance while in battle. In the story Beowulf, Beowulf takes on a responsibility of fighting a dragon, this responsibility resulted in him dying at the end of the story. In Iron Man, Tony Stark builds Iron Man to save himself and help his country win a war and save his country and the person he loves. Both characters put their lives on the line and saved their own country and people. Beowulf and Iron Man are both symbols of hope in their stories. When reading about Beowulf going off to defeat the dragon, all of his companions abandon him except one and realizing that Beowulf is their only hope to survive. The author forces the readers to put their trust in Beowulf and hope that he comes out with a victory every time. Iron Man is the same way, when the town is perilous and he is the only one capable of saving it. The people believe in him and know that where Iron Man is, there is hope for a safe life. Beowulf possesses super-human strength that allows him to protect his people form harm. Whereas Iron Man has a special suit that Tony Stark made that allows him to protect himself and his people. Tony Stark's suit is what makes him Iron Man also physically strong. These two characters both have different features but they all make them physically strong. Beowulf, unlike Ironman, went towards the danger at first. Beowulf fights his way to victory without thinking too much and just using instinct. Ironman, on the other hand, was captured and he used his knowledge and critical thinking to fight his way out. The author of Beowulf describes Beowulf as a savior to all the people, “the Almighty makes miracles when he pleases, wonder after wonder, and this world rests in his hands.” (Lines 930-932). In all, you find that Iron Man is the modern day Beowulf, the people that the heroes are protecting feel safe while they are around. They put their lives on the line in order to create a common good for their people and even though the way they acquire their superhuman strength isn’t the same, they are identical individuals.