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Is Beowulf A Hero Essay

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“People who claim they’re evil are usually no worse than the rest of us. Its people who claim they’re good, or any way better than the rest of us, that you have to be wary of.” This quote from Wicked can be applied to Beowulf in the sense that a hero is not truly a hero if he brags about his accomplishments. The ‘hero” in the story is named Beowulf and he takes upon himself the duty to rid Denmark of the evil sources threatening it. His bravery is outstanding as he marches into a battle knowing he may die but, leaving the outcome up to fate. He never shies away from the monster he has committed to destroying and because of his persistence, he wins the battles; therefore, the bad in Denmark is exterminated because of Beowulf and his…show more content…
The people spoke of his bravery and swore, “That nowhere on earth or under the spreading sky Or between the seas, neither south nor north, was there a warrior worthier to rule over men.” (Beowulf 417- 420). If he truly is a hero, he should demand no recognition nor display his bravery in the form of Grendel’s arm for all to see and respect, but should be satisfied by the knowledge that he removed an evil source from Denmark and ensured safety for the Danes.
Beowulf had major successes prior to the battle with the Dragon. This battle entails a fire breathing dragon, protecting precious jewels for hundreds of years before a runaway slave disturbs the harmony by stealing precious jewels to give to his master in exchange for freedom. This angered the Dragon and it fled to seek revenge. The Dragon uses his destructive fire breath to melt all the houses, including Beowulf’s. However, before day break, the dragon had retreated back into it’s cellar. They still sought revenge; however Beowulf refuses to take his men along with him due to the high risk. Before he bid them farewell, he delivers his last boast, “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.” (Beowulf 735-738). Beowulf describes his own bravery but also proved that he is not heroic in this quote. He is not afraid but only looking for fame,
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