Characteristics Of Beowulf

He came to Hrothgar to offer his service because Hrothgar provided help to Beowulf's father. It is loyalty and appreciation that leads Beowulf to the Danish kingdom to help out. Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf, saying, "Beowulf, you've come to us in friendship, and because of the reception your father found at court" (Beowulf 39). Because of Hrothgar's intervention, there was peace between the Geats and the Danes, therefore ensuring the loyalty of Beowulf's family. Beowulf’s sense of loyalty is recognized when he speaks to Wealtheow, Hrothgar's queen, about his motives for coming to the court. “I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend's clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall” (Beowulf 632-638). Beowulf shows that his loyalty is with the king and the Danes, and he is willing to die in the process of trying to save them.

True heroes are brave and bold. They often sacrifice themselves in order to save many others. In a multitude of works of literature, heroes are common and often symbolize the good of humanity and the strength of self. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the character Beowulf, the defender of Geat and Herot, clearly exemplifies the traits that mark an ideal hero. Beowulf’s strength, quest for glory, and egocentric personality characterize him as a true hero.

A hero can be defined in several ways. Someone can be considered a hero by the qualities he or she displays. The epic poem Beowulf, written by an unknown author, describes the most heroic man and role model of the Anglo-Saxon times. This hero Beowulf has all the qualities and traits that a true hero expresses. Beowulf, as depicted in the epic Beowulf, is the prototype of the epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who embodies the virtues and ideals of his culture.

If you have ever found yourself captivated by a novel, or whisked away following a journey, you have most likely read an epic. An epic by definition is “a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation”. Every epic has a main character that undergoes the same archetypal journey as all other heroes, an epic hero. There are specific qualities one must have to be considered an epic hero. Each epic hero possesses superhuman strength, displays a strong sense of leadership, and reflects their culture in a positive, admirable manner.

Epic battles, terrifying monsters, extraordinary strength, and great leadership; these characteristics and encounters are what make up the epic hero that is Beowulf. The heroism exemplified by Beowulf is defined by many different qualities. Beowulf is truly a hero because he is willing to put himself at great risk for the greater good.

Another obvious heroic characteristic that Beowulf portrays is the defeat of monsters and other malevolence. He does this throughout the story, not only using brute force, but also cunning tactics, such as the time when he attacks Grendel’s extremely sensitive ears. Beowulf also disposes of Grendel’s Mother, using a gigantic sword in her lair to decapitate her, and ends the reign of terror on the Danes. Years later, after Beowulf is crowned King, his land is assailed by the Dragon. This epic battle proves just how valiant Beowulf actually is, going after the beast single-handedly, instead of endangering any of his men. It is a long, hard-fought battle, in which Beowulf contests with all his might. Beowulf ultimately kills the Dragon –rips out its heart-, but not without a price; the battle costs the King his life.

An epic hero displays bravery, courage, and strength. An epic hero also wants to achieve immortality through heroic actions. Beowulf can be categorized as a legendary epic hero. There are many things that prove Beowulf is an epic hero in the poem. He proves that he is an epic hero through his heroic actions that occur throughout the poem.

An Epic Hero is a brave, noble character in an epic poem, and they are admired for great achievements or affected by a grand event. In another point of view, A Epic Hero has to have strength, faith and Braveness in order to perform heroic deeds. In the story Beowulf , Beowulf is an epic hero because he kills Grendel the monster, Grendel’s Mother and a dragon that no one else could have defeated. All the things Beowulf did throughout this story showed evidence of an epic hero, also with his personality and dedication. Beowulf is an epic hero because of how he sacrificed his life to perform heroic deeds. Also for his extraordinary strength, Braveness, and Faith.

Beowulf is a fierce warrior who fights for good and helps his people, even if it means to sacrifice himself for the greater good.”His grace has given me allowed me to bring to my people while breath still moves to my lips...Take what I leave, Wiglaf, lead my people, help them; my time is gone.”(805-812). “Fought with fate against him, with glory denied him, he knew it, but he raised his sword struck at the dragon’s scaly hide.”(668-670). As Beowulf dies, he asks Wiglaf to lead his people with the jewels he won from his battle with the dragon. He discovers fear, yet battles it even if fate is against him. Beowulf fights until death beats him, he never gave up to any battle that came upon him. Though at times of his journeys, Beowulf receives praise and glory from all the victories which came upon him.

An epic hero is a protagonist whose life is a series of well-marked adventures which typically change the hero into a better, more refined person. These heroes are typically characterized by courage, strength, honor, and the hardships they endure and eventually overcome. An epic hero can even be known to risk his or her life for the good of others. Gilgamesh and Achilles are perfect examples of what an epic hero truly is. They are both able to become successful despite their flaws and go on to become powerful men.

An epic hero is someone who is of great importance, they have supernatural abilities, have some form of connection with the Gods, and accomplish great deeds. In Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is the epic hero in his tale and he is considered great by those who know of his life. There are two versions of his story which portrays him in a certain way. The video version does not do its best to portray him as an epic hero but instead show that he is a liar, a womanizer, and a coward. The written version does not portray him as such, it portrays him as someone who is strong, brave, and fearless. The written version best portrays Beowulf as an epic hero by showing his actions involving superhuman deeds in battle.

An epic hero can also be a warrior of some sort who performs extraordinary tasks that most find difficult. This hero is strong, smart, and brave.

Upon entering the Danes' hall, Herot, Grendel is confronted by Beowulf, who immediately seizes Grendel's arms and drives fear into the monster's heart, "... [Grendel] knew at once that nowhere on earth/ Had he met a man whose hands were harder..." (lines 751-752). Through his slaughter of Grendel, Grendel's mom, the dragon, and other monsters, Beowulf proves his amazing strength to the other characters and to the readers.

In Anglo Saxon times, Beowulf is considered a well known epic hero. “Epic heroes are literary characters from ancient mythology and other stories, which were written down in the form of long, narrative epic poems. The hero is the main character, or protagonist of the poem”("Epic Hero: Definition, Characteristics & Examples."). The epic hero usually battles for accomplishments to a set of tasks to complete important goals. Beowulf is described as an epic hero because of his honor, bravery, and intelligence.

The characteristics of an epic hero range from unfathomable strength and courage to simply being a good person. A typical epic hero has super strength, courage, devotion, loyalty, a strong sense of justice, a primary weakness, a love of glory, and they are usually champions of freedom. There have been innumerable changes in the characteristics of an epic hero over time; however, there are a few key traits that will forever stay the same. Beowulf is a prime example of an archetypal epic hero—past and present—because he exudes qualities such as loyalty and honor, courage, and adroitness to risk his life for others and the “greater good” of society.