In a world that is constantly evolving, the traits and actions of a hero adapt over time. What constitutes as heroism in one culture could be cowardice in another. In terms of literature, Beowulf has stood the test of time and has consistently been regarded as the epitome of heroes. While the character for whom the epic is named after performs a few daring deeds, what sets Beowulf apart from others is the exploration of his heroism in two distinct phases. The beginning of the tale starts with Beowulf in his youth; he is strong, brave, quick to volunteer to do what needs to be done.…
The main representation of this honour-bound society is embodied in the character of Beowulf. The warrior is introduced as “the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful.” (197-198) This description gives the reader the first idea that this man possesses many admirable traits which contribute to shape his role as a surpassing leader. Besides, Beowulf mere presence is enough evidence of his bravery and nobility.…
The epic poem Beowulf tells a story of a hero coming from a different land to lift the shroud of evil off Herot. Hero’s in an epic poem must exemplify traits of bravery, strength, courage, and the want to achieve immortality through heroic actions and deeds. In the poem Beowulf the main character Beowulf exemplifies all of these traits. Bravery, all epic heroes possess this trait especially Beowulf. The beginning of the story, Grendel travels into Herot and kills thirty people.…
In Beowulf, I found myself idolizing over the strong and fearless hero. He was what I would call “the perfect hero”, because not only did he get the job done, but he did it so with honor and modesty. In some cases it reminded me of the movie Hercules, where Hercules tried to show off as much as possible and show that he was better than everyone else to gain fame. While Beowulf used his famous strength to help those in need not to just gain fame, but because he knew he was undoubtedly the only one who could help.…
Hero’s that exhibit bravery are often one’s who are remembered throughout history. Especially during the Anglo-Saxon time period, it was crucial that heroes were brave so their story could be passed down through the generations by word of mouth. Without a brave component in the tale, the oral tradition of Beowulf would have been…
In one of the first documented creations that resulted directly of the oral tradition, storytelling is obviously important. Accordingly, to really grasp the truth in Beowulf one must examine the storytelling of the book. Beowulf, the storyteller’s storyteller, is born of Edgetho, already royalty. Yet, as a child and young man, he is criticized as being lazy, incapable, spoiled. It is my opinion that this criticism, the doubt that he was held in by his peers, is the driving force of Beowulf’s success.…
It is said that what we value can be determined by what we sacrifice. In the epic poem, Beowulf is this shown by many characters, but none stand out as much as the title character himself. In this essay, the topics being addressed are the sacrifices Beowulf made to help Denmark and Geatland, how the sacrifices he made illuminate his values, and how they give a deeper understanding of the epic poem as a whole. In Beowulf, Beowulf sacrifices his life multiple times to help Denmark and Geatland to achieve glory.…
Have you ever had an opinion that is different than everyone else's? Some people think Beowulf is qualified as a mythic hero, but others think he isn’t. This essay holds reasoning, facts, and evidence of why Beowulf does not qualify as a mythic hero. After reading Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, you will understand how his writing is filled with mythic and supernatural scenes, and how Beowulf is not. If you take a story from Campbell’s…
The Evolution of Beowulf Throughout the story of Beowulf the great hero accomplishes three great feats against three terrible monsters. On the surface of each battle readers can see that Beowulf portrays wlenco, however, if we look a little deeper into each conflict we can see positive character development within Beowulf himself. In this poem Beowulf clashes with Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon that ravages his community; within each battle Beowulf has a subtle change in character that eventually leads him to become a great king. Before the author reaches Beowulf’s first conflict he writes Beowulf off as arrogant and bold.…
Deep in a dilapidated cave, on top of a towering cliff, above sea, was a massive dragon fiercely guarding its vault of embellished treasures. A bewildered runaway slave found a golden goblet deep in the dark cave. A vicious dragon flew to villages destroying them by spewing fire out of its nostrils. King Beowulf knew he must bravely stop the harmful dragon from desecrating the villages. He called over the gigantic dragon; it threateningly roared out fire.…
What Makes an Epic Hero? The story Beowulf is England’s earliest masterpiece originated from the Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is considered as the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. Through Beowulf we can understand what the Anglo-Saxons valued.…
In Beowulf, Beowulf, the main character, is regarded as a hero. He is known throughout the Land of the Danes and the Land of the Geats as fearless and courageous when he comes to their aid to help slay Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and a Dragon. Beowulf’s heroism is exemplified in two phases: the first is youthful heroism and the second is mature heroism, once he is crowned King. Throughout his life, Beowulf helped not only his own people, but also those in other lands. People look up to him for his great strength and the ability to never back down from a challenge, even when he knows fate might bring him to his death.…
Beowulf, an epic poem composed around 750 AD (Greenblatt 26), is a story of a Dane named Beowulf and his astonishing feats of bravery and sacrifice. Beowulf’s actions showcase his strength, sacrifice, honor, faultlessness, courage, compassion, and seemingly inborn, infallible behavior. Even onlookers termed him “stout of heart” (Beowulf 338), “noble” (314), and “formidable” (370). Beowulf is a quintessential hero who lived a for the good of others and died for the good of others. The moral throughout the story of Beowulf is that self-sacrifice is an overt trait of the classic hero figure.…
The epic of Beowulf is widely considered to be one of the most important surviving examples of Old English literature. The poem was recorded by an unknown Anglo-Saxon author at some point between the eighth and eleventh century. It is the longest and most famous Germanic epic poem and offers a valid account of how early medieval society would have functioned. The society portrayed in Beowulf is one of warriors and kings; it is honour-based and places significant importance on societal roles, expectations, and reputation. The purpose of this essay is to analyze how this society is illustrated through the characters and events of the poem.…
Beowulf, the protagonist of the epic poem, is portrayed as the strongest fighter in the world, considering his supernatural power. Although of Beowulf’s unimaginable strength, he still appears as a human being, not as a foreign form of life. Through countless years, this epic poems continues to…