Beowulf As A 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.

Beowulf; a man whose greatness begun when he saved an entire kingdom from the clutches of the vile monster Grendel. Beowulf was known for countlessly putting his body and his life on the line to save his people. His courage and determination is what kept his legacy alive for all of these years. Not only that, but the respect he had for the people around him made him a remembered warrior as well. That’s what I think makes a hero. Being determined to get a job done, having the courage to step in and complete that job, and having enough respect for your people to still obey their wishes despite your apparent fame. The hero I will be writing about is the fictional Marvel Comics character known as the Black Panther (real name T’Challa). He and Beowulf

A hero must do many things to be allowed the title of hero. However, there are some aspects a hero should not show. If these characteristics are shown, they should not be considered a hero. One attribute a hero should not display is selfishness. In the Knight’s Tale, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, Arcite and Palamon acted selfishly. They perceived a beautiful lady. They fought for the beautiful lady. They died for the beautiful lady. Nevertheless, they acted selfishly during this gripping story. For example, they fought for Emily, the beautiful lady, because neither could live without her. Nonetheless, neither ambitious young man could bother themselves to question her on whether she wished to marry either of these headstrong knights. She may not have desired to marry either of them. Therefore, they acted selfish and do not live up to one requirement of a hero. On the contrary, Beowulf, the main protagonist in the epic poem Beowulf written by an unknown source, did not act selfishly. Throughout the poem, he risked his life to fight horrendous monsters to save the good people living in the area. These actions define Beowulf as a hero. Contrarily, Sir Gawain, who starred in the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, embarked on a dangerous journey. The Green Knight had tasked him to find the Green Chapel. Before finding the chapel, the tired knight came across a castle tucked away in the peaceful forest. When he asked to stay for a night, his host proposed a trade. The host would

Archetypal heroes are found in many literary works, and in varied forms. In literary terms, a hero (male) or heroine (female) is defined as a character that goes against adversity, has great strength, courage, bravery, and who makes unselfish sacrifices, usually for the greater good. The Collins English Dictionary defines “archetypal” as a perfect example of something. Archetypes in literature was first applied by Carl Jung (1875-1961), a Swiss psychiatrist. Jung recognized patterns in mythologies and stories regardless of the time period that was covered by the literary work. Archetypal heroes present in various forms including warriors,

“… A fiend out of hell”(Heaney 100). These words describe the monster Grendel, who is truly an evil entity. Only an epic hero with strength, courage and confidence is able to defeat this mighty foe. This hero’s name is Beowulf. He displays all of these throughout the epic.

Hero is a term that is very over used in modern-day society. People often use the word to describe someone who has simply helped another person out without risking anything himself. However, though these people do deserve to be praised, they are not real heroes. Beowulf, on the other hand, frequently displays all the qualities that a hero should have and is absolutely deserving of that title. Beowulf is an exemplary archetypal epic hero because he is very ethical, is a strong and responsible leader, and demonstrates superior strength, intelligence, and courage.

"History teaches the essential qualities of a typical hero: bravery, courage, wit, though an epic hero utilizes a trait unorthodox to most of humanity -- a fatal flaw. " Beowulf, an epic poem composed by an unknown Anglo-Saxon, is the first piece of work written in Old English. It tells the story of a warrior, (of the same name), and his quests to defeat all evil that terrorizes the Scandinavian regions. The epic poem was told in order to encourage men to help defend their lands. The Anglo-Saxon men were ones who believed in being heroes for their people.

As I sit at home waiting for my son to arrive home, I think about how much he has grown up these past ten years. When Grendel was a young boy he would never go out of our lare. Anything and everything would scare him even a small snake slithering on top of the green muckey water. Seeing him overcome his fear of things makes me an extremely proud mother. Being a single mother has been difficult. I have stayed up a million nights making sure he is sleeping and is save. Also, I know my son needs guidance as he starts his journey in the world. It is my job to give him that guidance and help him when he needs some.

Beowulf is an epic poem that was written in the 6th century. It is a story of the supernatural as well as a record of Anglo-Saxon history. He saved the kingdom from being attacked by Grendel and his mother. In Beowulf's last battle with the Dragon he sensed his death and knew that was the only way he could protect his people. Beowulf was king of the Geats and was in charge of guiding his kingdom.

An epic hero is someone who performs a heroic deed, and is brave. Beowulf is an epic hero. From the beginning of reading Beowulf you can tell that he shows the characteristics of a epic hero. It all starts off when people in the mead hall keep getting attacked by this monster named Grendel. Beowulf shows courage and he goes and ends up killing Grendel. After killing Grendel he becomes wanted by Grendel’s mother, so he kills her too. In the end of it all beowulf kills the dragon. Beowulf’s courage and strength is what is shown while he is killing all of these evil monsters. All of these killings is what gave him fan in the lands. After reading Beowulf you will realize why he is now classified as a epic hero.

"He laid up against me and had the other side of my body against the concrete seating, and I was pretty much boxed in. He is a hero. And he was a hero before this, and before I met him. All he wanted to do was serve his country and help people in need." Survivor of Aurora theater shooting Jenn Young talking about her boyfriend, Jon Blunk. Modern day heroes do exist, and they exhibit the same characteristics discussed in the epic, Beowulf. Heros must possess loyalty, courage, and faith in all situations; and be willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to save others from evil. The epic Beowulf parallels this story as well as the story of Christ in several ways, each hero had to leave their home, stay strong through ongoing battles,

“Beowulf” is a classic poem because it demonstrates the classic yet memorable characteristics of a certain type of character called a hero. Heroes have always been around in the era this poem took place, The Dark Ages. It seemed to be almost a way of life and not just a bunch of campfire stories. But, in order to become a hero, people had to attain the necessary characteristics. Those characteristics include strength, selflessness, and bravery.

Beowulf is the embodiment of the typical hero. Strong, well-spoken, confident and successful. Beowulf enjoys success in all of his life, and should be seen as a willing hero. When examining Beowulf against Vogler’s types of heroes it’s obvious that he would be classified as a willing hero. Beowulf shows commitment, braveness and motivation throughout his encounters with Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the Dragon.

“Whether ancient or modern, the distinctive characteristic of the heroic figure… ‘Is willing to risk death.’” (acculturated.com) Heroes are willing to face the fear of constant violent death and embrace fate to have inner peace or exceptional value within themselves. The model hero in ancient times was the type to kill and conquer just to be remembered whereas today, things have shimmered down. Beowulf’s effectiveness as a modern-day hero has taught us something that will stick forever, loyalty, courage, and bravery.

The Old English epic, Beowulf, by Anonymous is an excellent story because the author focuses on the central theme of what it takes to be known as a great hero. For decades, authors have written about characters who gain the title of a hero by proving themselves worthy by doing tasks that no normal human could ever do. Beowulf is a hero that never backs down and displays his bravery when faced upon fierce challenges. In addition to his bravery, he also takes pride in his achievements that have earned him the rightful fame and title of a hero. Throughout the poem, Beowulf shows a great amount of generosity by rewarding his warriors when they fight alongside him. He protects his people when they are in danger and in return gains the trust and respect of the people he protected. Beowulf embraces the idea of gaining the title of hero and takes on every challenge even if it means going to extremes and shows an impressive amount of courage and generosity to those he protects. It is Beowulf’s generosity, pride, bravery, as well as the will to take any dangerous challenge to protect his people and others that gain him the title of a great hero.