Beowulf: A True Hero

What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.

Beowulf faced an overwhelming obstacle when he faced Grendel. Beowulf faces Grendel in the hall Heorot. Grendel is a man eating monster that killed many people in the nights before. Grendel is an overwhelming obstacle because he wasn’t able to be defeated even by groups of elite soldiers and Hrothgar combined. Also, Grendel was capable of committing mass murders in minutes. He fought with Grendel one night without a sword. Grendel ate a guard during that

What do Achilles, King Arthur, Harry Potter, and Beowulf all have in common? They all demonstrate the qualities of epic heroes. Beowulf represents several characteristics of an epic hero and demonstrates the values of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the main character of his story, he has a main goal, he travels and fights with a group of people, and he accomplishes many valorous deeds; the values of the Anglo-Saxons are also shown through the actions of Beowulf, such as courage, loyalty, and fame. For example, when Beowulf heard a cry for help in a far off land, he answered. He fought larger than life monsters, and won. His exceptional strength proves his epic courage and heroism.

Beowulf’s larger-than-life-figure mostly came from his physical strength. He was able to battle his enemies with only his bare hands, at will. Even Grendel, who was a very powerful evil demon, and his mother also. No other man had stood a chance against Grendel in the Danes’ land, even with the finest weapons and the strongest of their men. When Beowulf announced he would kill Grendel with his bare hands, it was hard for the king, Hrothgar, to believe or understand. Nonetheless, he allowed Beowulf to aid him and his people. Beowulf then had the pressure of having to prove himself to the Danes.

The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Beowulf would have even been considered a model human to the Anglo-Saxons due to how he consistently demonstrated these qualities.

Beowulf is a fair fighter and helps the people of Herot by slaying Grendel without his weapons. “He needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I my lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to...my hands alone shall fight for me.”(168-173). This means he will fight without his weapon, and only with his hands, to show his bravery and valor. As a noble hero he is, Beowulf decides to not use his weapons nor his armor and only use his fists to battle Grendel. Beowulf is a hero, who against all odds fights in the face of death, and who fights for his people in honor.

A hero is not born; he is self-made with heroic qualities. What qualifies for making someone a hero? According to Merriam Webster, a hero is defined as: “ a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability”. Beowulf perfectly fits that definition of a hero. In Seamus Heaney Beowulf, Beowulf has everything it takes to be known as a hero. Some of Beowulf’s vital traits as warrior includes bravery, courage, honor, incredible physical strength, and the will to serve the people for the greater good. This poem is centered around him and that is all he needs to be portrayed as the hero he is.

A hero must do many things to be allowed the title of hero. However, there are some aspects a hero should not show. If these characteristics are shown, they should not be considered a hero. One attribute a hero should not display is selfishness. In the Knight’s Tale, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, Arcite and Palamon acted selfishly. They perceived a beautiful lady. They fought for the beautiful lady. They died for the beautiful lady. Nevertheless, they acted selfishly during this gripping story. For example, they fought for Emily, the beautiful lady, because neither could live without her. Nonetheless, neither ambitious young man could bother themselves to question her on whether she wished to marry either of these headstrong knights. She may not have desired to marry either of them. Therefore, they acted selfish and do not live up to one requirement of a hero. On the contrary, Beowulf, the main protagonist in the epic poem Beowulf written by an unknown source, did not act selfishly. Throughout the poem, he risked his life to fight horrendous monsters to save the good people living in the area. These actions define Beowulf as a hero. Contrarily, Sir Gawain, who starred in the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, embarked on a dangerous journey. The Green Knight had tasked him to find the Green Chapel. Before finding the chapel, the tired knight came across a castle tucked away in the peaceful forest. When he asked to stay for a night, his host proposed a trade. The host would

For Beowulf to retain its relevance after a journey from single surviving manuscript to famous epic poem, one can assume its star role is filled by a character extraordinary. The poem’s hero, Beowulf, strikingly resembles many renown principal characters. It would be an uphill battle arguing against him joining the likes of Hercules, Jesus Christ, and many more in their Übermensch status. Based on his words and actions, it is painstakingly clear that Beowulf is an archetypal hero; someone who shares the common characteristics of a hero, and follows what Joseph Campbell calls “the hero’s journey” (Campbell 45-221).

Beowulf is a humble man. He shows us how humble he is when he goes to fight Grendel. When Beowulf decides to go to battle with Grendel, he chooses to fight him alone. He wants to fight him man to man, with an even battle. He fights Grendel with nothing but himself. He doesn’t have his armor, a sword, or even anything at all to fight against him with. Beowulf was the type of man that was okay with dying knowing he would still be famous. He chose to put his life into the hands of God so if the God’s thought it was his time to pass, that was his time, and he was okay with that.

Beowulf is an almighty hero that protected those who needed it most down to his very last

Heroes. We all know them when we see them. So, the real question is what makes someone a hero? Characteristics of a hero are shown in the story, Beowulf. The story tells us how one man, Beowulf, comes to King Hrothgar and the people of Spear-Danes’ rescue in a successful attempt to save them from a terrible beast that is threatening them. Beowulf is the simplest kind of epic there is. It's about the conflict between a brave, loyal, and generous warrior and the beasts and dragon of Spear-Danes and Geatland. Beowulf most definitely shows characteristics of an epic hero through bravery, loyalty, and generosity and friendship.

What makes a hero, a hero? Is it the courage they show in the face of danger, the wit they have to defeat the enemy, or perhaps the weakness they have that makes them relatable? Beowulf is the first written literary hero for the English language and culture, so what aspects did he share with a real life 17th century hero? Are they still a hero in comparison to a 21st century hero? Margaret Lucas Cavendish, a writer and philosopher amongst other things, was born in 1623 and expressed aspects of heroism like that of the fictional character Beowulf. She as well as a 21st century counterpart known as Judith Butler, a philosopher and gender theorist, share hero traits but differently from the battle king Beowulf. Although these two women aren’t

Many things evolve throughout time, including literature. Literature shapes many things including who people view as heros and what troubles a hero might face. In the past and throughout literature, heros had supernatural powers that made them greater than their peers and made them fit to be the hero. Today, the literary hero is a normal person who is in an abnormal situation and can make it through that situation, healthy and happy. The struggles of the hero have become more and more of an everyday struggle rather than a big, life-or-death battle. The hero has also become more diverse rather than the straight white male it has consistently been in the past. It shows how literature can reflect society and shape society. As literature has changed,

Because Beowulf is strong like I am who like to take risks for people especially my family that I care about who do risk and do anything for they love one’s Beowulf was responsiblefor the things he did I’m responsible for everything I do I take actions for what Idid wrong, Beowulf put things before his own needs like me I rather make people happy and help them out before I help myself.I compare myselfto Beowulf because he always get things done and he really care about the people who care about him and will do anything to make sure they save and have everything that they needed.I can compare myself to Grendel’s mother because I always wanted revenge when somebody do me wrong I get mad easily and I’m a very strong person she willing to do anything for her son, just like I am with my siblings or anybody in my family she is determined like me who always want their way.