The Modern Epic of Batman Essay - 731 Words

An epic is a long narrative poem that tells the exploits of an epic hero. Epics are comprised of an epic hero and an epic battle between good and evil. The earliest known epic today is The Epic of Gilgamesh. This tale is about Gilgamesh’s search for eternal life. Although epics have been around for thousands of years, the epic tradition still has an enormous impact on modern writing and film. In fact, Batman, a story about Bruce Wayne trying to conquer all criminals in Gotham, can be seen as modern epic. An epic must have a vast setting, start â€Å"in medias res† and consist epithets. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, he travels to an island that no human has ever been before and farther into the unknown world similar to how Bruce Wayne is released†¦show more content†¦Heroic heroes, Batman and Gilgamesh, perform numerous brave deeds. Before Bruce becomes Batman, he receives expert training from the League of Shadows high in the mountains where he learns how to disapp ear, face his fears, and become more than a man. In the Iliad, Achilles has the same concept of a special weapon, his armor. In both of Batman and Gilgamesh’s’ lives, they experience a tremendously traumatic event that changes their outlook on the world and life. Batman, Bruce Wayne, watches his parents be murdered in front of his own eyes as a young child and then blames himself for their death for his entire life, until he is taught to forget the past and make the future. Gilgamesh also had someone close to him die, his best friend. An epic battle is a fight between good and evil. In the battle, the epic hero and his enemy fight for their countries or their damsel in distress. Battles are in an enormous scale, involve supernatural weapons, and the universe is involved. Ferries and the entire city of Gotham are the victims of the fights among Batman and the Joker. When the Joker and Batman engage in hand to hand combat, Batman must go through various stories of the building and get past all of the Jokers men without being killed. Throughout the entire film, Batman and the cops try and take down the Mafia and cut off their money supply and the drugShow MoreRelatedEssay Beowulf and Batman622 Words   |  3 PagesThere are many similarities between Batman- a modern day hero making use of his intellect, modern technology, and detective skills on crime and warfare and the classic hero, Beowulf- who travels great distances to prove his strength against his enemies, even at impossible odds. For example, the simplest be ing that they are both heroes working towards the common good, saving others without twice thinking of their own safety. However there are also many differences: obvious ones such as the fact theyRead MoreBeowulf Character Analysis999 Words   |  4 Pageschronicles most of his life. Even when comparing him with another run-of-the-mill hero like Batman, his shortcomings are still obvious. Beowulf and Batman are both archetypal characters that embody aspects of the epic hero. Thus, they re both incredibly strong. Beowulf swims for seven days while simultaneously fighting sea monsters. He also displays robustness fighting Grendel when he rips off Grendel’s arm. Batman regularly fights entire gangs, showing not only strength but endurance. They also liveRead MoreBatman And Byronic Hero709 Words   |  3 Pageshero is immortalized as the bridge between epic hero and an anti-hero, in-between with the romantic and tragic hero as well. The main key elements that are present in many Byronic heroes is their sense of darkness and social exile, the struggle for acceptance not only from themselves but also from society, and finally internal traumas that were caused from past events. One of the modern characters that immortalizes the Byronic hero is DC Comics, Batman. From the original comic books, to televisionRead MoreThe Modern Medieval Hero1679 Words   |  7 Pages The Modern Medieval Hero The Modern Medieval Hero Bruce Wayne was only but a child when he watched helplessly as his parents were gunned down in front of him during a mugging in Gotham City. This crime would come to define his life. To the public, he would excel and succeed his father and become the heir and millionaire of the Wayne corporation. In secret, he would dedicate himself to becoming one of the world’s greatest weapons against crime—the Batman. Batman perfectly embodiesRead MoreMlan Vs Mulan790 Words   |  4 PagesUsually, an epic hero consists of being a male (female) of noble birth, courageous, actions determine the fate of a group, and some tend to have â€Å"supernatural† powers. There’s an article called â€Å"Beowulf versus Batman† that describes the type of modern culture where an Epic hero is described to be a leader whom has the authority and passion that is more substantial than ours. However, nowadays the modern-day heroes contribute to more than few of these preferences. In addition, we all have witnessedRead MoreOdysseus Character as Genuine Hero Essay examples871 Words   |  4 Pagesadversary through out this epic poem. The retaliation from Poseidon in all cost could have been avoided if and only if Odysseus had not entered the Cyclops’ den. When comparing Odysseus to any modern day hero, the best choice hands down is Gotham City’s finest, Batman. Both are men are mortal and both conquer obstacles that are humanly impossible yet always seem to succeed. Despite their common capabilities, there are a few differences between Batman and Odysseus. For example, Batman never killed anyoneRead MoreBatman And Gilgamesh Essay1733 Words   |  7 PagesCLT3378-01 gg13e@my.fsu.edu Word Count: 1,725 Batman Begins and the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh both feature the story of a culture hero. In both of these works, the heroic quest of the culture hero is significant. Apart from having similar narratives, these two stories also have significant differences in themes. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh becomes a hero for fame and immortality, while in Batman Begins; Bruce Wayne becomes a hero to avenge the deaths of his parentsRead MoreAnalysis Of Tim Burton s The Brilliant Joker Essay1588 Words   |  7 PagesNicholson’s brilliant Joker as he laments in Tim Burton’s classic 1989 film, Batman, â€Å"Where does he get those wonderful toys?† The average person may not be villainously inclined, but one can certainly relate to having their best laid plans constantly being thwarted. Though, to be fair, probably very few people would take issue with someone as awesome as the Batman getting in their way. Despite being a mere mortal, Batman and his fellow graphic novel heroes serve as present day gods akin to the ancientRead MoreLook, Up On The Screen!: The Popularity Of Superhero Films875 Words   |  4 PagesLook, Up On The Screen!: The Popularity Of Superhero Films A common trend in modern day film is the recent popularity of movies based on comic-book superheroes. This trend has the potential to become very commonplace or eventually fizzle out in the near future. The superhero film genre has existed for over 20 years, but didn’t grow to epic proportions until the 2000 release â€Å"X-Men†. The popular characters of the Marvel magazine had been confined to comics or television because the effects requiredRead MoreCritique Analysis Of Beowulf753 Words   |  4 PagesCritique Paper – Beowulf In the epic Beowulf, the main character Beowulf possesses all the qualities of a hero during the Anglo Saxon Era. He demonstrates his courage, loyalty, wisdom, and strength but are these qualities enough to consider him a hero by the standards of today? Beowulf has qualities that strong heroes have but didnt struggle to get them because he was born with it. He has many adventures, like fighting Grendel and other monstrous creatures but was very sure of himself. He was