Heroism In Beowulf Research Paper

Superman, Spiderman, and Batman are heroes! They possess the two traits that are needed in western civilization to be considered a hero: wisdom and fortitude. These modern heroes have wisdom and fortitude. Did Beowulf possess these traits? Beowulf shows he is a hero through both his wisdom and fortitude throughout his adventures. Beowulf is a great hero because he possesses both wisdom and fortitude.

Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Hero’s are around us in our everyday lives such as firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect people and their property. Other hero’s can be found in literature. These hero’s, also know as an epic hero, exhibit superhuman qualities to help fight and protect others while on their quest. Being a hero means taking on enormous responsibilities. With these responsibilities comes great praise from others which both Beowulf and everyday firefighter receive for their extraordinary work.

Long-form poems Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight stem from two distinct time periods containing distinguished cultures, values, and ideologies. The Anglo-Saxon age, where Beowulf takes place, was a melting pot of Christian and pagan values. Epic battles, gruesome challenges, ideas of fate and destiny, and personal pride defined their heroism. Centuries later, in the Age of Chivalry, heroes possessed humility, respect, honesty, and integrity. Beowulf and Sir Gawain represent their cultures’ ideals respectively. Beowulf’s masculine demeanour and physical prowess, contrasted with Sir Gawain’s nuanced mental self consciousness, demonstrate an incoherent, often polarizing depiction of Old English heroism, in which neither protagonist fully possesses the values of an ideal hero.

Definition of a hero summed into my own words “a person who does selfless acts without thought of reward.” In the Story Of Beowulf all Beowulf wanted was accolades, because of that Beowulf died selfishly instead of dying as a true hero.

Beowulf himself is a prime example of a hero. He Stands up for what he believes in. His his personal beliefs characterize what a hero stands for in todays society. Some valuable traits Beowulf carries are manhood, and bravery. Some ways that Beowulf shows us how his bravery stands as a big part in his life is by killing Grendel. Killing Grendel caused a lot of problems including when Beowulf took Grendel's talon and Grendel's mother comes back to retrieve it. Bravery showed when Beowulf stood up to Grendel's mother, and when he saved the Danes from the monster.

Epic poems, are about epic and big journeys. The story i will be talking about is ‘Beowulf’ Throughout his journeys, he has shown to great lengths to show his heroism, with or without his weapons. The kingdom of Wulfgar is in great danger, and word spreads quickly that they need a hero. Beowulf's heroicness and strengths clearly proves that the theme of the this story is heroism.

A hero is a man of courage and ability who is admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. A hero is a person who does not come along very often in any time period. He is a special person, who is a step above the average person in the way that he handles any situation that may arise.

Many conflicts are presented to the characters which they need to resolve and overcome. Fate brings many of these works together and is one of the main forces behind the plot. Many characters cannot control their fate, as it was determined by their ancestors long before them. Beowulf was obligated to help the Danes with their battle with Grendel, and their was nothing that could have prevented him from doing so. Some are able to escape the clutches of fate for awhile, but eventually they are consumed and destroyed by its will not to be denied.

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.

Looking back at early forms of literature we notice the classic idea of heroism in Beowulf. As time passes by the notion of a hero changes. Consciousness in early literature such as, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, does not enter the innermost thoughts. The notion of a hero and the notion of consciousness changes within literature through time. In the novel, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen the hero is portrayed differently compared to earlier texts as well as the characters being aware of one’s environment. The author Jane Austen, carefully shapes her characters’ actions, feelings and affiliations in a specific way. In Sense and Sensibility we have a clearer picture of the consciousness of characters than what we see in Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Beowulf does not fail his people, even at the last, when as an old man

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.

Being a hero can be defined many different ways. Several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. A hero is noted for his or her actions for being brave, powerful, and acting with honor. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows all of these characteristics by defending the Danish king, Hrothgar, and his people. He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.

Today we mourn the loss of our greatest king who lost his life to protect ours. He was the bravest warrior in the land and his accomplishments will never be forgotten. Beowulf always cared for others over himself. He fought not just for glory, but to protect those in need. Our homes were kept safe at the hands of this man for 50 years. Just as us Geats, the Danes will never forget Beowulf’s heroism. The terrible monster, Grendel, attacked Hrothgar and his people for twelve years. Grendel’s life was taken by Beowulf’s bare hands and his blood on Beowulf sword . The Danes finally believed they were free. That is until Grendel’s mother invaded their land to avenge the death of her son. Beowulf being the warrior he is could not resist this battle.

A hero is one who is not only strong, but one who uses his strength to uphold others. A hero is humble, philanthropic, magnanimous and selfless, a humanitarian at best. In the unprecedented epic Beowulf, the tale’s namesake exemplifies every characteristic befitting an Anglo-Saxon hero. He is honest, loyal, and courageous. He portrays these characteristics in the battle against Grendel, the affray with Grendel’s mother, and the fight against the dragon that inevitably ended his life.