Beowulf As A Hero

Countless people have tried to say that Beowulf represents the qualities required of an epic hero, but many people also suggest that Beowulf does not show any of these qualities. While Beowulf shows heroic characteristics in all of his acts, both pride and greed motivate his actions. The story of Beowulf contains all of the information needed to show this, but people do not notice that which they do not want to see.

Beowulf proclaims “In the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they had earned. Now Grendel and I are called together” (liens 156-160). Beowulf claims that he must go to defeat Grendel, as it was his errand, or his duty, and his fate. This speech he makes to King Hrothgar reinforces his true reason to come to the King, not for any pride. Another vow Beowulf makes is when he says “That this is one favor you should not refuse me—That I, alone and with the help of my men, many purge all evil form this hall” (lines 163-166). In this line, Beowulf is pleading for the King to do one thing, which is to give him the permission for him and his men to go and fight Grendel, what Beowulf had arrived for. The fact that Beowulf asks the king for only one thing, which is to fight Grendel, shows Beowulf’s selflessness and concern for the safety of others. At no part does he ask for a reward, but even says that if fate is in favor of Grendel to give his armor back to his family. These words help paint the image of Beowulf being concerned for others, not for his

Beowulf is from a time where heros never die. They would live on through stories. There would be amazing tales, poems recited, and songs sung about what the hero had done. To be a hero you had to follow the Anglo-Saxon codes. Which meant showing respect to those who had raised you and in turn helping them when they are in need. It means proving yourself and doing what was expected of you, even when it is something like dieing for your people. To live on through stories, Beowulf fought because of his duty, for glory, and as a sacrifice.

unless the burning embrace of a fire engulf it in flame” (777-781). This shows his strength was outstanding when he fought with Grendel. Another example is when Beowulf’s duty is to fight in battles against people or creatures, he does not deny a challenge. In the poem, it states “Inspired again by the thought of glory, the war-king threw his whole strength behind a sword-stroke and connected with the skull” (2677-2680). This shows his strength and his values because Beowulf is keeping in mind that he has fame and glory to gain, so he fights every battle he is ordered.

The simple fact that Beowulf has journeyed so far from his homeland to fight the ferocious demon, Grendel, speaks volumes of his courage. Being brave enough to face a foe that has vanquished so many demonstrates that Beowulf fears nothing and that he welcomes the challenge to testy his skills. During the Middle ages the courageousness of a man is battle was an effective way of gauging his mettle. Men who could cope with such difficulties were highly regarded amongst their peers and made ruler. Secondly the theme is also represented when Beowulf’s recounts of his conquests. When he is first introduced to the King of the Danes he conveys how his elders regarded him as having awesome strength. Beowulf further explains how his elders had seen him smothered in blood after defeating five beasts, raiding a troll-nest, and killing sea beasts, Beowulf’s magnificent exploits depict his courageousness because it takes a brave and strong man to complete such feats. Other men may have faltered when faced with beasts of the land or sea that were presumably larger than them but not Beowulf. He chooses to face his conflicts head on fully aware that he may die in each of his battles. Beowulf is so courageous that he volunteers to fight Grendel with his bare hands. He is courageous in this because Grendel’s last foes were armed, but they still fell to the demon. The author has crafted Beowulf so that he fears nothing

He exemplifies this is various different ways. He shows his heroic character in three different instances. The three of the different conflicts are with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. When Beowulf reaches Heorot he is challenged by the guard who states that a mans measure is known by his words and actions; this is the Anglo Saxon cultural value of honor, on makes a bast or promise and then must live up to it. At the end of the poem Beowulf is a king and as a king is the protector of his people, he knows that the dragon will kill him but it is his duty and his duty alone to protect his people so he tries to kill the dragon single handedly.

The tale of Beowulf is a compelling story about a man that travels overseas to help a king Hrothgar and his kingdom under the tyranny of a demon from the seed of Cain in the bible. Beowulf then slays the demon, keeping his arm as a reward. His mother, sneaks in and steals that arm in revenge, beowulf and his warriors find her in a swamp and they fight. He then kills her and returns back to the land as a hero. He becomes king and rules for 50 years, after this he last battle is with the dragon. He kills the dragon but then is wounded and dies. Whether or not Beowulf is considered a hero will be answered through the analyzation of how he was viewed by others, what Beowulf’s intentions were, and how he saw himself. View by others According

A hero is defined as a person who is admired for courage, exceptional achievements, or honorable qualities. In the epic poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, warriors are highly praised for their courageous and noble acts during battle. Beowulf, a Scandinavian hero, asserts his worth through boasting about himself and his loyalty to the heroic code. Through his acts in battle with two monsters, Beowulf is praised and his oncoming power is recognized with caution. Moreover, as a ruler, he allows his heroic qualities to cloud his judgment. Beowulf’s courageous character and honorable deeds embody the persona of an Anglo-Saxon warrior. The weaknesses of the primitive society in which the epic takes place is shown through his pre-eminent heroic qualities and desire for glory that lead to great demise in the end.

Beowulf speaks to the king of Herot, Hrothgar, boasting about his past achievements in other battles to convince the king he is noble of the task, “They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping with my enemies’ blood” (27). He also gloats about his abilities to defend, “No one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defend this monster” (28). Before his final battle with the dragon menacing their village, Beowulf has one final boast, “I’ve never known fear” (40) exemplifying that after all his battles fought, he still is qualified to be the hero of the Anglo-Saxon time period.

Sometimes he allows the mind of a man of distinguished birth to follow its bent, grants him fulfillment and felicity on earth and forts to command in his own country” (1724-1731). Spoken like the true hero that he is, Beowulf is humble enough to recognize God as the maker of men’s destinies and that all the he is - his whole identity - is because God has favored

Beowulf acknowledges that he needs help and protection from his weapon and shield and realizes that he is no longer at the height of his ability. Beowulf fought the dragon as a hero who was fighting for protection of his people, the people he cared

While gearing up for the fight, Beowulf “cares not for his life” (ll. 1441-2). Beowulf is not arrogant but realizes that he will “win honor and fame, or death will take him” (ll. 1491). Soon after Beowulf emerges victoriously from the battle, Beowulf announces “indeed, the battle would have been over

Beowulf showed his honor as he traveled from his homeland to battle the vicious monster Grendel, who was terrorizing the Danes. Grendel "Raided and ravaged" the mead hall, showing no honor by killing intoxicated men in their sleep. Beowulf knows that there is a chance that he may die in his great battle against Grendel when he says, "If death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Higlac…", yet he is still willing to attempt to defeat Grendel. A hero in the Anglo-Saxon time is always very confident, as well he should be. It would serve no purpose to face battle with doubt of ones ability to do so, and with fear of all that awaits him. Beowulf's morality came also in the form of loyalty to people and his word. Promises by Beowulf were kept . Acceptance of death, and care for the welfare of his people were Beowulf's greatest virtues. His people prepared a funeral to show love for their late king. This honorable funeral justifies the way Beowulf lived his life.

“Whether ancient or modern, the distinctive characteristic of the heroic figure… ‘Is willing to risk death.’” (acculturated.com) Heroes are willing to face the fear of constant violent death and embrace fate to have inner peace or exceptional value within themselves. The model hero in ancient times was the type to kill and conquer just to be remembered whereas today, things have shimmered down. Beowulf’s effectiveness as a modern-day hero has taught us something that will stick forever, loyalty, courage, and bravery.

Throughout the whole epic poem, Beowulf gives three main speeches, one before each of his battles. Beowulf’s transformation can be seen throughout each of his speeches. In his first speech, which was to King Hrothgar, Beowulf describes himself as having “awesome strength” (a work from an anthology 1244) and he also says, “When I was younger, I had great triumphs” (1244). Additionally, Beowulf humiliates Unferth, a Dane who is jealous of Beowulf, in front of a congregation of people by saying, “You killed your own kith and kin” (1248; Shmoop). These quotes show that Beowulf’s intentions are only concerned about increasing his own fame by boasting and degrading people in public.