To know whether someone is a hero or not the first thing you need to know is; what is a hero? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a hero as someone who is a mythological or legendary figure often divine in descent endowed with great strength. Beowulf is embodied as a hero who fought for his people and defeated evil with his immortal powers that he used to bring peace and justice. He constantly showed virtues admirable of any man especially during the Anglo-Saxon time period; he was wise, noble, and brave and was a true hero. Following the ways of comitataus, Beowulf often has to suppress his internal natural human fears and live up to what was expected of an Anglo-Saxon warrior. Beowulf is constantly dealing with a dual ordeal from external battles with supernatural demons and pressure from those around him to internal battles caused by natural human tendencies of pride, greed, cowardice, betrayal, and self-concern, throughout his life. Beowulf was a very important hero of the time who accomplished many impressive feats and was revered. Beowulf was never afraid to die: "Life doesn't cost him a thought!" Bravery was a greater aspect of Beowulf's heroic traits. He faced many external battles with vicious opponents and was very brave to fight Grendel. He could have stayed in his country but instead he decided to help King Hrothgar and his people by fighting a monster he knew nothing about, Grendel and his mother. Grendel was a tremendously feared monster by
Beowulf even risks his life for a multitude of people! This sort of mental fortitude is common in epic poems and works of fiction, such as The Odyssey, where the hero has to save humanity as the world knows it. Additionally, Beowulf is physically powerful. During the massive fight with Grendel, Beowulf aggressively rips Grendel’s arm off of his body so that “the bleeding sinews deep in [Grendel’s] shoulder/ snapped” (lines 390-391). Grendel is a brutish, gory, and hellish monster.
Throughout the story, Beowulf maintained this aura of confidence and clarity in times of trouble. This hero’s journey begins when he willing leaves his homeland to help a friend of his father by dueling a treacherous monster. Before his first encounter with the deadly creature, he boasted he could “destroy Grendel with his bare hands” (Post). When the beast entered the hall where he and his men were sleeping, he waited patiently and struck at just the right moment. He was able to overpower the monster and save the kingdom. Similarly, after Grendel’s mother sought revenge for her son’s death, Beowulf traveled to the marsh where she thrived and fearlessly swam into the creature’s dwelling. Upon entering the underwater cave, he single handedly killed the monster. At last, Hrothgar and his people could live in peace, free of tormentors. Even in his final battle with a gruesome dragon, Beowulf fought valiantly. He was “mortally wounded”, but still able
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.
Hero, is a word that can be distinguished so in many ways. When people think of a “hero” they imagine the military, comic book characters, or someone who has greatly affected their life. While reading Beowulf people can realize why he was a hero to the Geats and Danes. From the beginning of the epic Beowulf shows the characteristics of generosity, loyalty, and bravery representing all the qualifications of a hero during the 6th century. “Although originally untitled, it was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character offer its connecting theme”, (Beowulf Encyclopedia Britannica) 1,500 years later anyone who has heard this epic still views Beowulf as a hero. This created courage over the people knowing someone
It is hard to be a hero, just have to be selfless and put the needs or well being of others ahead of yourself own. Heroes also usually present themselves in times of need when nobody else does, which makes them stand out, because they are selfless and put other people ahead of themselves. Beowulf showed many signs of being a hero and also showed that he was selfless. A modern day hero that could be related to Beowulf who showed the same heroic traits is Martin Luther King JR.
In the epic poem of Beowulf, the main hero, Beowulf, proves himself as the hero everyone thinks he is over and over again. Whenever the revered hero and his men face adversity, they simply do not shy away. They will stand against it and fight to the end to protect the goodwill of others. Although there are different definitions of what a hero is, there is only one that really sticks out to me. Beowulf represents this definition of a hero because of his courageousness and selflessness. He simply doesn’t care if he dies, but he will do whatever it takes to protect others.
He risk his life for people whom he did not now. A true hero who risked his life for no reason but to stop this evil from killing Hrothgars people shows his compassion for human beings. First, Beowulf demonstrates that he is fearless and a courageous man. Beowulf says, “When it comes to fighting. I count myself as dangerous any day as Grendal” (55).
A long long time ago there was a young man named Beowulf who was a monster's worst nightmare. He would destroy all monsters and stop at nothing. One day he and his men were called about to come to defeat a monster that Hrothgar(the king of the danes) and his people were having problems with. Through this brilliant story Beowulf shows many attributes to being a real hero. He’s extremely courageous and fearless. He seems to show very little fear and worry when he fights these monsters.
In "Beowulf", the main character Beowulf, throughout the epic poem is shown as a true hero who has all the qualities and what it takes to protect the land. Even though there are some moments in "Beowulf" that try to make it seem like he is not a true hero, he proves himself with three major battles. Beowulf illustrates his heroic qualities through three major battles: his battle with Grendel, his battle with Grendel's mother, and his battle with the dragon.
Is Beowulf A Hero? " Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armour." Beowulf is the definition of a hero. Beowulf showed these heroic characteristics with his loyalty, bravery and strength.
“Hero”, What do you think of when someone say’s these words? Well for me I think of four very specific characteristics: Bravery,reputation,strength,intelligence. Most likely these are characteristics that you would say a Hero also has. To me, these are the most important four qualities a Hero should have. To easily explain why…. It’s because without these qualities they could not be such a legendary Hero in the first place.
Arthur Ashe said, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” People say to be a hero, a person has to have these five qualities: courage, selflessness, humility, patience, and be caring. While a hero needs to meet some of these requirements, they do not have to do something extravagant. They could be a normal person, such as a firefighter or policeman, saving a person's life. In the Anglo-Saxon era, people were illiterate. There would be bards that came around to entertain the people. They would recite these poems or songs about a hero, such as Beowulf, doing incredible things. The Anglo-Saxons thought that a hero was warrior,
Countless instances in the book, Beowulf shows many characteristics of being a hero of his time. His bravery, goodwill, strength and intelligence perfectly fit the model of a strong hero. The first instance is his battle with Grendel. Beowulf ends up winning the battle, but it is how he does it that makes all the difference. Before the battle, he strips himself of his armor. This shows his faith that God will keep him safe, but also shows his immense bravery and pride in himself. He kills Grendel by ripping off his arm, later killing him. Beowulf is celebrated and rewarded by the people for what he has done, just as any hero would be. When Grendel’s mother finds this out, she comes after the mead hall to avenge the death of her son. She flees,
What makes epic hero stories so compelling? Is it the continuous freedom, courage, and value in society or is it the significance implemented in who the characters are? Stories have been passed down for generations. Some of the most famous examples is Beowulf, ¨Gilgamesh¨ , Iliad, and ¨Julius Caesar.¨ Epic stories portray the development of an epic heroes characterization through courage, strength, and love of glory throughout the plot of a story.
A hero is someone who demonstrates acts of courage which is accompanied by a high moral character. A Christian hero not only demonstrates these qualities, but they also stay true to the will of God and demonstrate a sense of faith. This requires being selfless, obedient in faith, and most importantly having tremendous courage. The character Beowulf, in the epic poem by the same name, presents all these characteristics. Throughout the poem his character matures and ultimately becomes a better leader, which makes these traits all the more present. Beowulf’s quality of leadership and passion for the well-being of others truly defines a Christian hero.