Why Beowulf Is A Hero

The poem Beowulf, believed to be written between 650 and 800 by a group of monks, contains several complex characters that have sparked discussions throughout the years. Scholars still continue to ponder over the unanswered questions about characters, such as whether Grendel is monster or human, whether Grendel is evil or not, and what the monsters in Beowulf signify. Other important, though less accepted questions include whether Beowulf is really a hero, or is in actuality a monster, and what allows the characters to be classified as either evil, or not evil. Because both sides of these arguments can be sufficiently supported with textual evidence, it is the reader’s responsibility to defend an appropriate answer. There are no

I already watched the movie countless times so I`m practically bored during the movie viewing, it is because I already know what will happen next, it is also the reason why I don`t watch/read a movie/book twice because it spoils the fun of anticipating what will happen next.

Beowulf is a classical epic poem which describes Beowulf’s heroic deeds and his acts towards bringing justice and peace to the Scandinavian society by eradicating Grendel. The original manuscript (700-1000A.D.) and the modern film (2005) reveals significant differences between the characters’ traits and descriptions, an important quotation, descriptions of places, motives, a character’s presence and events that have taken place. Thus, this modern adaptation, Beowulf and Grendel, of an ancient text, Beowulf, is significantly flawed as any modern adaptation of an ancient text will be.

In the epic poem of Beowulf, the journey of good and evil is a description of how good can take over the evil and what it takes to be a hero and a great savior. Beowulf’s bare hands is a proof of his legacy and greatness which would last for long time in the history of its own. The poem reflects the time when Christianity were taking over the Pagan world witnessing a cultural and moral change which altered the lives of millions and witness an urging Christianity. As like any other warrior story, Beowulf is not an exception and it comes with different conflicts that the hero must face in making of his legacy. From killing a man-eating monster with

Beowulf, known as the oldest poem in the written English language, written with no known author, tells a fascinating story involving an epic hero of his time and a not so understood “monster.” The hero’s name is Beowulf, purposefully being the same title as the poem itself, he sets out on a journey from his home to the Danes from a terrible creature that’s harming innocent people. As any “hero” would. Beowulf wants to prove to himself and the people that he is, in fact, the strongest man on earth. Although Beowulf is a fine piece of writing on its own, it fails to tell all of the story, just like any other one-sided story does. But, thanks to the novel, Grendel, written by John Gardner, we get to peek inside the villain’s life for a change, which ultimately very well may change the reader’s view of the story completely.

Joseph Campbell once said that “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” This quote makes you think about those who are considered a hero. Beowulf is a man who is the exact meaning of this quote and after reading Beowulf I can see that Beowulf’s soul lives within my mom.

More qualities than physical strength and willingness to do good in the world are needed to earn the title of being called a hero. Beowulf is a hero that put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. He must prove his worthiness of a superior warrior. He is recognized for his strengths and power of protecting his people. There are many qualities a hero must possess such as bravery and courage.

In this poem is a story of a magnificent hero who happens to appear at the place, at the right time. He will grow through many foes that include Grendel, his mom, the people who doubt his ability, and a mighty dragon who will in turn defeat them all. Beowulf would later become king, but died of dragon poison. So the crown was handed down to his most trusted man,Wiglaf. He was sawt out as the mightiest man in this realm. But the real question is, what made him a hero?

Was Beowulf really a hero? Indeed he was, showing off his heroic characteristic of bravery, intelligence, wisdom, and strength throughout his journey to defeat Grendel and save the Danes. Even after anointed as King of Sweden, he still demonstrated his act as a heroic figure to his people.

If you don´t stand for something, how can anyone respect what you do? Most people would rather be recognized by winning that for taking a stand for something they truly believe in. As we saw in the movie, Beowulf lied just to be considered a hero, he only cared about winning, and he didn´t have any ideals or values to stand up for.

What it takes to be a hero and who you are to be a hero.

In the Anglo-Saxon time period there are certains values you should have to be considered a hero. Although this is defined as “a person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities”, in this epic poem Beowulf held these qualities in the great life he lived. Beowulf was the first epic poem written in the English language. For example, Beowulf demonstrates that he is on “a quest” by when Beowulf heard about the terror that Grendel was causing to Hrothgar and sailed the sea to come to the rescue.

Beowulf should be considered a hero because he killed 2 monster and later on as king of the Danes he killed a dragon.

During 750 CE the word “monster” had a very small definition spectrum, Anglo-Saxons, like most people used it in their storytelling to describe a phenomenon that lacked explanation. In the 21st century, the spectrum for the word “monster” has gotten very large. Unlike the Anglo-Saxons we humanize monsters, and we try to gain insight into why they did what they did. Although the word monster has a more broad description in modern day 2016, the basis for what a monster is and what acts they commit tend to stay the same, someone or something who is malicious or does malicious acts.

“Beowulf” is the oldest surviving poem in Old English Literature. It is an epic poem, which is a narrative poem typically revolving around heroism. The poem emphasizes repetitively on how Beowulf is a hero. He saves countless people from countless monsters, three of which are the main antagonists in the poem – a demon, the demon’s mother, and a dragon. But is saving innocent lives the only factor to justify and determine a person’s heroism? Throughout the story of "Beowulf", the author makes appeals to emphasize – through the poem’s plot, the captivating use of imagery, and the overall themes of the story – and shed some light on what truly defines a hero.