Example Of Heroism In Beowulf

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.

Most of us have heard of modern day heroes such as Spiderman, Superman, and the Hulk. Each is a hero to many children. Heroes are introduced to people early on in life usually as fictional characters, but as children grow older their perceptions of heroes alter. The characteristics of a hero are usually based around the ideas of a society or culture. In the epic Beowulf, the main character is thought of as a hero. Beowulf, a pagan warrior and the main character of the epic, shows certain characteristics such as bravery, loyalty, and generosity, which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how modern day heroes show the much of the same qualities as Beowulf.

As Thomas Paine once said, “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection”. Through most recent generations, the word “heroic” is thrown around to a certain extent. At one time, heroes were naturally born into key figures, glorified through fame. Beowulf's’ nobility provides his key success towards being born into a hero. As for Oedipus, he had also been born into aristocracy by his father's legacy. Today’s concept of heroism is a concern for people in need—an involvement to defend a moral cause, the possibility of personal risk, done without the expectation of a reward. [In the fictional myths of both Oedipus the King and Beowulf, eccentric heroes prove their personal necessities in characterizing the importance of a culture; However, the current society’s tragic hero is one that often combats through the fear of bravery and the greater good of others.]

What makes you who you are? Is it the clothes you wear or simply what you say. People can be identified in many ways but what makes anyone a hero? A hero is someone who does something out of selfness of themselves rather than for themselves. Simply by saving an old womens cat in the tree can signify you as a hero to her. But, how do you become a hero to the world? How about saving people from burning buildings or saving someone from a bad guy. Anyone can be classified as a hero but it is hard to be seen by the world as a hero. Look at the story of Beowulf. He was well known by everyone and very strong. He was shortly defeated by a dragon but, that doesn't mean he's doings die with him. He will be forever known for what he accomplished. All Beowulf wanted was to be seen by the world as a hero.

The epic poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, provides examples of bravery which were valued during the Anglo-Saxon period. Beowulf is at that time known for his superhuman abilities. From defeating monsters such as those who are descended from Cain, first biblical murderer, and a revenge seeking dragon, Beowulf proves that he exhibits great bravery in everything he does. In this work, Beowulf’s battle against Grendel and the dragon portrays that an effective and noble leader expresses immense bravery by protecting their people while keeping thoughts of fame and glory in mind.

Heroes, from Beowulf to Superman our cultures have always created heroes. We may always have political, social, economic and religious differences, but at the end of the day we all have one thing in common, heroes. They help define who we are and what we want to be. They give us hope and inspire us to head in the right direction. They show us that good will always triumph over evil and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Heroes give us the inspiration we need to overcome problems in our own lives and that is why we create them. Beowulf perfectly embodies the idea of a hero. He defeats the evil Grendel and his mother, slays the dragon and saves his people. He is

A man by the name of Joseph Campbell once said, “A hero is someone who has given his/her life to something bigger than himself”. No matter who you are and what you do there are opportunities to be a hero all around you. You just have to know how to think and act like a hero. Beowulf is a story of a seasoned warrior who faces many trials during his life and becomes a leader among his people. By exhibiting certain traits he is able to find success and make a name for himself. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the author employs foil characters such as Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon to establish Beowulf as a true hero.

In modern society, the people we look at as heroes are simply people we idolize and respect. These “heroes” distinguishing feature from regular society is often values we wish to posses. Similar to the heroes we create today, people of the Anglo-Saxon period characterize heroes as people with bravery, courage, honor, intelligence, boasting, loyalty, strength, and a sense of duty and justice. Beowulf, a well-known Geat in the Anglo-Saxon period, displays bravery and courage, a sense of duty, and consistently boasts about his accomplishments.

Some people may believe that a person that defeats monsters and heads out on brave quests to save princesses are heroes. But, that is not the only way someone can be classified as a hero. There are heroes in comic books, in movies, but also in life. There are heroes all throughout time that show their heroism. Warriors of the past were seen as heroes because they saved the civilians from danger. In the world today, people see heroes as the people who inspire and pave the way for the next generation. In 2016 this type of hero is Michelle Obama. Both Beowulf and The First Lady are heroes of their time. Though both Mrs. Obama and Beowulf are both heroes, they show their heroism in there own unique ways.

Beowulf’s bravery is strongly supported by his actions. The great warrior goes into every battle with the knowledge that death could be a possible outcome, but rather than seeing it as an obstacle, he is always accepting of his wyrd. His motivation is the well-being of his people, as well as a sense of achievement. Beowulf is truly a hero because of his admirable courage and selflessness. Beowulf’s bravery allowed him to face the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.

The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sent down to Earth in its time of need by God’s hand. Beowulf, the main character in the epic poem Beowulf, is blessed with superhuman strength, a magical weapon only he can yield, as well as a fierce sense of loyalty to his people and an obligation

Heroism is common in modern America and is a concept whose history can be traced from as early as the epic time. Although the definitions and characteristics may be altered depending on the situation or time, the foundations of what is deemed by the society to be an act of heroism have remained predominantly the same over time. The epic poem brings the story of the monster-slaying awesome hero to the minds of the audience. According to Michael Livingstone and John Willian Sutton, Beowulf occupies a prominent place in the consciousness of the popular culture, making it seem like he never actually left (1). In other words, Beowulf has remained since the epic times to the modern American times. The scholars further argue that in the 20th and 21st century the impact of Beowulfiana has been widely and continuously left (Livingstone and Sutton 1).

In society, dwelling upon material goods usually connotes shallowness, and the pursuit of riches is often prefigured as an inclination towards greediness. However, in Beowulf, the collective reverence for wealth plays a defining role in the acts of heroism and manifestation of power. In fact, the poem oftentimes professes the idea of wealth and glory, most cherished, as an embodiment of strength and obedience among cultural values.

Beowulf, the main character of this short story, is considered a hero during this time period. He was the only man who was strong enough to kill all the bad monsters, stopping them from murdering the people, and driving them out of their town for good. The unstoppable monsters that have been killing for years, Beowulf stopped, which was no small deal. For that, everyone respected and admired him because of his strength and hero-like actions. Beowulf is a hero and everything he does in the story supports it.

There is no one quite as honorable as heros,especially epic heros. In the epic poem of Beowulf the