The Negative Characteristics Of A True Hero 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.

Countless people have tried to say that Beowulf represents the qualities required of an epic hero, but many people also suggest that Beowulf does not show any of these qualities. While Beowulf shows heroic characteristics in all of his acts, both pride and greed motivate his actions. The story of Beowulf contains all of the information needed to show this, but people do not notice that which they do not want to see.

Throughout the story, Beowulf displays many attributes of a hero. In the story Beowulf shows many characteristics of hero such as strength, courage, and intelligence. In the story, Beowulf displays these qualities of a hero in battles that he is involved in during the story. The battles Beowulf is involved in is how Beowulf earns his fame and gains these characteristics. In the story, Beowulf fights and defeats monsters around the different kingdoms in the story protecting the other humans in the story which leads to him being king.

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.

In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf holds many traits of being an epic hero. A epic hero is a brave and noble character, admired for great achievements. Beowulf takes charge and kills Grendel and his Mother, rules Geatland for the best, and finally gets defeated by the dragons. Beowulf holds a strong standing as an epic hero in this poem. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf shows the real meaning of being strong, on a quest, and ethical.

One quality that a hero must possess is that they need to be selfless. They need to be selfless because they need to put other people before themselves. Beowulf was a hero and this quote shows how he is selfless when he volunteered to go help out Hrothgar and protect everyone; Raffell writes, “In his far off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world- heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was needed” (23). The main thing that makes a hero is that they will go out of their way to help other people. Heroes need to present themselves in times of need and that is not something selfish people would usually do. They present themselves in times of need and sometimes even risk their lives to save other people. Someone cannot be selfish and be a hero because sure they could help people and do

When I think of a hero I picture the impossible. For most people a hero may be someone they admirer, but it is much more than that. A hero is someone who is willing to take a step outside of the box and do the unexpected, someone who is willing to take the extra steps. Beowulf is a hero because he did everything voluntarily and kept good morals and ethics while doing it.

One characteristic of a hero is bravery. Bravery is a trait every hero should have. If a hero is not brave then they probably won’t want to fight a big monster. Bravery helps to make a hero batter at his job, Beowulf was an extremely brave man. He was brave enough to fight two monsters and even a dragon. (page. 52

Beowulf is an epic poem of a man’s adventures, wherein he defeats monsters. Beowulf is introduced when he is called to defeat the evil monster Grendel. Soon Beowulf defeats the monster, the monster’s mother, and later in the story he defeats a dragon. Upon defeating the dragon, Beowulf dies, thus ending his story. Just because his life ended, the memories of his incredible strength, boastful stories, and his courage were all recorded into his epic poem. I believe Beowulf is an epic hero according to definition and here’s why.

The traits of an epic hero are superhuman abilities, embarking on a journey that changes him forever, and displays/embodies values of society. The epic, Beowulf, begins centuries ago where a young Geat comes to the land of the Danes to kill the monster who terrorizes the Danish, Grendel. In the process of completing his task, Beowulf reveals that he is an epic hero with the traits to show for it.

“A hero had to be strong, intelligent, and courageous” ( Garcia ). This quote tells what an epic hero is to another author besides Raffel who translated Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic hero for his bravery to fight three battles for another group other than his own, he has the traits of an epic hero, and he followed the hero cycle. Beowulf fought three battles; the battle of Grendel, the battle of Grendel’s mother, and the battle against the dragon.

There are many qualities that heroes can possess. One quality that all heroes need to possess is bravery. Being brave is a major component of life and everyone can acquire this quality. A hero must possess this quality because it shows us that they are willing to sacrifice themselfs for obstacles that people would not typically do. In the epic poem of Beowulf, Beowulf fought Grendel without any weapons and used only his fist and he needs no weapons. “... Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none Nor will My Lord Higlac Might think less of me if I let my sword… My hands Alone shall fight for me” (168-173). Beowulf shows great amount of bravery throughout the epic poem. His actions make him an epic hero because he posses the quality of being brave and his courage gains fame from the people of Herot. Bravery shows that the hero has the qualities to face fears, danger, and difficulties. People look up to that as well and they praise the people who show bravery. The quality of being brave is an essential for being a hero. In order to be called a “hero”, they must possess this quality.

The word “hero” has had many different definitions throughout history, but all of them seem to include something about being courageous and having a desire to help other people. In the epic poem Beowulf, the main character (Beowulf) has many heroic qualities. Beowulf was a hero born in Geatland who sailed out to Denmark to protect the people. This piece of literature displays to the reader what Beowulf is like in his youth and in his old age. Over the course of his life, he shows many heroic qualities, making him a hero.

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.

Every culture has a different idea of a hero. Maybe someone you idolize, a role model. Some might be someone who teaches life lessons. Others might be the brave soldier who saves the day. Either way, we all have thoughts of what our hero would be. Anglo-Saxon cultures heroes and modern heroes have many similarities and differences. The three values of a hero is Bravery, Violence, Honor and Loyalty.