The epic Beowulf shows us how a mans’ character is tested as he encounters difficult situations. The unknown author of Beowulf, leaves behind a mystique, an intriguing quality with which the character which hold our interest. The modern-day hero, Superman, also possesses these same qualities. Their modest actions are what helped these hero’s to become their peoples’ “ideal man.” The first quality that earns a person’s respect between Beowulf and Superman is wealth. Neither of these men had a considerable amount of money. This helps the every day man relate to them more easily. In the epic, Beowulf’s home is far away from his lord’s castle. We get the sense that Beowulf is an outcast be