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Beowulf Characteristics

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Beowulf could, more than easily, be described as a typical Anglo-Saxon hero. More likely he would be the model of one. The story of his life was a staple in the Anglo-Saxon society. There are three distinct traits that make up the Anglo-Saxon hero. Those three traits would be Larger Than Life Strength, Loyalty to lord/Lord and Bravery. There has only been one hero in Anglo-Saxon history, only one man can meet every requirement one needs to be classified as a hero. Only one man’s strength, selflessness and bravery, fits the true definition of a hero. That man is Beowulf. With these leading traits, Beowulf's rise to heroism was not just by chance. He filled each of the three characteristics I’ve given perfectly as if it was his destiny to be …show more content…

He has to emphasize that, in doing so, he really is meeting the creature on a level playing field, demonstrating his own strength and prowess, not just using better weapons.
The word loyalty has many definitions however; my definition of loyalty is to be faithful, reliable, and being there for someone when they need you. Loyalty can be found and described in many ways other ways in each person. For example there’s loyalty between mother and her child, loyalty in friendships and relationships, and then there is Beowulf and his loyalty to the lord/Lord. “Won’t go to fight Grendel without Lord’s consent…” (116-119) Beowulf will not go ahead and fight Grendel without Lord’s consent because he feels as if he should obey his “leader” and do what he thinks he should do. “Won’t fight with weapons My lord Higlac would not be proud…” (264-266) Beowulf will not fight with weapons because he is so strong enough that he doesn’t need them, and he is able to use his bare hands to hurt someone and weapons cannot hurt him.
As the story develops. Beowulf’s attitude towards these battles changes. His first battle, with the fiend Grendel, was done entirely unarmed. Beowulf believed using a weapon would be unfair of him. He used his strength alone able to overwhelm and defeat the creature. Many years later, when he is fighting the dragon, he has come to grips with the fact that he is older and far less strong but still fights, even when others cower away. The fight leads to his

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