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Superman And Achilles Comparison

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From the beginning of human existence people have told stories that involve a hero saving the day. There are many archetypes that can be used to compare the heroes from then to now, but there are certain qualities in a hero that one should compare first. Starting with the classics from the past with Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and The Iliad, to more modern day heroes that include: Superman, Flash and Deadpool, there are numerous quantities of heroes that people have heard stories about and compared with. In the time-honored epic poem, The Iliad, Achilles is the hero that is able to win every battle he forges into. This story is about many extravagant obstacles that Achilles is able to surge over with ease while keeping his identity known. Compare …show more content…

Achilles and Superman are alike in a few aspects that include their genetics and powers. Achilles is born of a goddess and Superman is created on an entirely different planet. Both have a parent or parents that are not human. They also have powers that will separate them from the rest. Superman and Achilles both have great strength that helps them protect what they believe in. While Superman has many other superpowers, Achilles has the gods on his side thanks to his mother. However, while there are a few similarities between the two heroes, there are innumerable differences. The major difference between the two heroes is what they fight for. Achilles fights for glory and the spoils that come of the war, while Superman fights for the people. Superman conceals his identity to protect his friends and family. Achilles fights wearing armor and helmets that are recognizable to everyone inviting anyone to challenge him. He cares about his army and doesn’t know how to control his rage when the enemy kills a dear friend of his, Patroclos. When he seeks revenge on Hector, he has no problem gloating about it later. At the end of The Iliad after Achilles kills Hector, he drags the body of Hector around in a circle to brag of his accomplishment. Superman on the other hand is the opposite of all of this. He doesn’t believe in killing, but rather in justice. These archetypes have

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