The definition of a hero is someone who is recognized for his endless acts of courage, selflessness, bravery, and strength of character. Ask a young child who they recognize as heroes in their life and common answers are usually mothers, policemen, firefighters, etc. In this essay the reader will see a comparison and contrast between Beowulf and Lyndon B. Johnson. One hero did it because he loved people, and the other did it for fame and glory. Many people seem to believe that a hero is someone who appears in the news every day or someone who is recognized around the world. Lyndon B. Johnson was not that kind of hero. He was a man who made the right decisions throughout his life and presidency. Johnson was a man who gave others, especially African Americans and those suffering from poverty, a second chance at life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Johnson was a strong supporter of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Civil Rights Act gave African American men the right to vote. He helped end discrimination against African American men when voting. He helped pave the way for future generations of minorities and gave them a voice. Johnson along with many other activists fought for and passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Johnson not only passed the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but he also helped many Americans find a way to address poverty. Johnson developed two important programs that are still widely used in the United States today. He developed both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid: This is a program that helps people without much money pay for health care. Medicare: is a system that offers health insurance to people over the age of 65 and to some young people with disabilities. With these two programs, Johnson gave a sense of hope to less fortunate Americans. Collectively, all of these acts were key components of the “Great Society.” LBJ was so dedicated to the great society and passing laws through legislation that he even ignored his own health and even his family. Beowulf, the hero of the story travels from his kingdom to the kingdom of Denmark. He comes to save them from the local monster, Grendel, who has been terrorizing them for twelve years now. “Twelve winters of woe for Hrothgar, king/ of the Danes, woe heaped at his door/ by hands forged from hell, his misery leaped/ into the seas, was told and sung in the ears of all/ men” (147-151 ). Beowulf felt the need to give the man, Hrothgar, to whom he owed a family debt, a peaceful life. He wanted to bring peace to Denmark. Furthermore, Beowulf's goal was to "go big or go home", meaning he was more than willing to risk his life (courage and courage) to restore the peace that was taken away from us by Grendel When we crossed the sea, my companions/ And I, I already knew that all/ My purpose was this: to win the good will/ Of your people or die in battle, clutched/ In Grendel's fierce grip. Let me live in greatness/ And courage, or here in this hall welcome/ My death!" (632-638). Beowulf is not portrayed as a man who flees from death and every battle. He takes them both by the horn and he always manages to succeed. He is very brave. Although Beowulf is idolized as a heroic figure, he shows his cocky nature by seeking glory only for himself and not giving credit to those who helped him in battle I intend to do, here, no man but me could.