A Comparison of Hero Ethics: Ancient to Modern For as long as there has been storytelling in this world, people have looked to heroes for guidance and motivation, the only thing that separates ancient heroes from modern heroes, is their code of ethics. I will be comparing two heroes of their respective eras, Beowulf and Batman. The differences between the two jump right off the page, so I will start with that. Batman has guided and motivated two generations now. From comic books, to television and to the silver screen, Batman has rescued innocent victims and saved the world countless times.