Beowulf as an Epic Hero An epic hero is an individual who performs heroic deeds and possesses supernatural character traits. Beowulf is considered an epic hero because he killed Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. He is a loyal, head-strong, and a brave character. At the end of the epic Beowulf also exemplifies these traits, when he rules over the Geats. Beowulf is admired for his heroic deeds and has become immortal. Although he is dead, his legacy will live on forever. Beowulf is significant and glorified by many individuals. “ There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful (Line 196-197).” Beowulf was a noble man who created an exceptional reputation for himself; he was …show more content…
“ And so, my request, O king of Bright-Danes…(Line 427), Beowulf goes to King Hrothgar to request his permission to purify Heorot. In doing so, he was able to show readers the moral principles he holds true. An epic hero who is ethical, is someone who is able to differentiate the difference between right and wrong. Another example of Beowulf’s ethical values was when he was competing against Brecca in the swimming match. Instead of trying to win the match, he fights the sea monsters instead to unblemish the sea. As Unferth hassles Beowulf about his competition in the sea with Brecca, Beowulf takes pity on him. Beowulf was able to fathom from Unferth’s actions that Unferth was drunk. He knew the alcohol was talking consuming the thoughts of Unferth. An epic hero is able to portray themselves as respectable, even when they are being inconvenienced by the thoughts of mindless humans("What Are Three Ways to Make Ethical Decisions") When Beowulf fights Grendel, the integrity within him notifies Beowulf he must fight Grendel without the use of weapons. Grendel does not attack Herot with weapons, so Beowulf will not fight with weapons. Beowulf was portrayed as an honest man with very substantial moral …show more content…
Beowulf was not afraid of death. He fought for the people and land he found most respectable. “I marched ahead of him, always there at the front of the line...as long as I live.(Lines 2497-2499.)” Beowulf made alliances with the Danes, defended his people, and he was an extraordinary king. When Beowulf decided to attack the dragon he told the people, “I risked my life often when I was young… and face me in the open.(Lines 2510- 2515)” A strong leader puts his people before his own needs. The kingdom knew Beowulf was far to old to be enduring such combat, but he knew his time was up. Beowulf knew the time had come that he was no longer physically able to rule over his people; he would defend them one last time. A leader was often looked up to be someone who had the traits to influence a particular group. The epic hero knew his time had come to pass his thrown down. He was demonstrating the values of a true commander("What Are Some Examples of Beowulf Having Leadership? | Beowulf Questions | Q & A |
Beowulf greatly cared about his warriors, and the warriors greatly respected their beloved leader and hero. Beowulf was also humble and not arrogant at all. After each time Beowulf would complete a grand feat, he would tell his end of the story with humility and humility. The respectable leader would then give the rightful credit to his warriors, who would help him accomplish great feats. Beowulf was also extremely famous for his great accomplishments.
Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities, such as his strength and confidence in battle. These along with more subtle diplomatic actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader.
Starting as a warrior and later becoming the king, Beowulf left behind a legacy. Beowulf portrays many traits of a hero. According to the Beowulf History Channel documentary, implies that he was a “superhuman” (History Doc.). Beowulf was known as “the strongest of the Geats” (Beowulf 195). According to the epic Beowulf, Beowulf was “stronger than anyone anywhere”(194). He was like no other anywhere else. Beowulf was not scared of battle, and felt like the best way to die was in battle.Beowulf was fearless. He voluntarily put himself in danger in order to protect his people and friends. Beowulf sailed across the sea to Denmark “in friendship” to
Beowulf gains the respect and admiration of everybody around him because of this trait, which sets him apart as a real hero.
Beowulf is considered to be an epic hero. An epic hero is a character in an epic poem who is noble, brave, and is affected by great events or admired for his achievements. Beowulf was a dedicated person and devoted to his kingdom. Throughout the story, Beowulf achieved many accomplishments and goals. While overcoming achievements such as killing monsters and saving Heorot, Beowulf was beyond brave, strong, and heroic.
Beowulf ‘s confidence in his abilities and courage to carry out his mission exhibits how he could be considered an epic hero. When he first hears of the Danes’ plight with the monster Grendel, Beowulf wastes no time in “his plan to sail the swan’s road and seek out that king” who desperately needs assistance in his troubles (Heaney 201-202). He eagerly accepts his call to action, wasting no time in ensuring King Hrothgar of his “awesome strength” and exhibiting an unwavering self-assurance as he recalls how he “battled and bound five beasts” (Heaney 418-420). In these first encounters with the hero, it is evident that Beowulf’s defining characteristics include his courage and pride. There is no fear or reluctance in his attempt for glory,
Beowulf, a Geat warrior, vanquished various monsters. He receives fame and fortune and bags about it. By the definition of an epic hero, it being someone of: noble birth, above average skill, and being a legend who faces off against ordeals. Accordingly, Beowulf fits. However, when comparing that to a Western hero: selfless bravery in hardship who helps others; he is lacking.
Hero is a term that is very over used in modern-day society. People often use the word to describe someone who has simply helped another person out without risking anything himself. However, though these people do deserve to be praised, they are not real heroes. Beowulf, on the other hand, frequently displays all the qualities that a hero should have and is absolutely deserving of that title. Beowulf is an exemplary archetypal epic hero because he is very ethical, is a strong and responsible leader, and demonstrates superior strength, intelligence, and courage.
Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious
In the book Beowulf, Beowulf, the main character, is a man of great strength and ability. He is depicted as a man of wisdom, and that he is a prince that comes from a kingdom that is well respected. He fights many battles, and is seen as a hero with glory to his name, but this does not mean that he is as flawless as he seems to be. Beowulf is a man who desires to help those in need, however, he is greedy for the glory and treasure that he will receive in thanks of his success. He is truly confident, but because of this he is impulsive, never questioning his ability to take on a task. He is also brave, he has almost no fear, but this tends to make him reckless. He is a hero to many, but he believes in himself in such a way that he acts foolishly, and it will eventually be the death of him.
Epic heroes are often those of a noble birth who sacrifice their self to fight so something mortals cannot defeat. Beowulf did selfless acts three times throughout The Epic of Beowulf through his encounters with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Each fight is unique in their own ways due to the outcome and the important circumstances surrounding the combat. Beowulf’s first major battle was the fight with Grendel.
Beowulf, originally written by an unknown author and then translated by Seamus Heaney, is believed to include the epic hero of Beowulf himself. An epic hero is one who has achieved greatness and is appreciated by others. They acquire characteristics that makes them noble and worthy of acknowledgement. Beowulf shows numerous characteristics throughout the poem, including bravery, honor, strength, and loyalty. Beowulf does things such as giving up his weapon and keeping his devotion to the Danes.
Beowulf is a true epic hero because he is fearless, very strong, and well honored. Beowulf portrays all of the traits of a hero throughout the epic. He never hesitated to kill a monster, or even to give a helping hand at any time. He could always back up his boast with perfection. Beowulf is not a god, or a supernatural man, but he was the closest man to
Not only is Beowulf honorable and well respected, he is brave as well. His courage is shown by not hesitating to risk his own life to pursue the Dane’s enemies. By being self-assured, Beowulf is able to successfully defeat the fiends, Grendel and his infamous mother. At the time Beowulf is planning to pursue the vindictive dragon, the epic poem states, “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.”(ll. 2511-2515). He feels no fear, is confident in fighting the dragon alone, and has no qualms in risking his life to save others. He declares his bravery by saying, “When he comes to me I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which of us wins... No one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster.”(ll. 2525-2534). In his actions, Beowulf’s bravery is clearly shown throughout the poem.
Beowulf was also a loyal and noble warrior. Even though he kills Grendel and is ready to go back to his kingdom, he stays when Grendel’s mom attacks. He gave his word to Hrothgar and followed what he said plus more. Beowulf also leads the Geat kingdom for fifty years in peace and prosperity. The book states Beowulf is a “noble protector of all seamen” since he would do whatever he could to get rid of the bad to insure good.