Grendel attacking Herot, and Hrothgar wanting revenge against him, is the perfect opportunity for Beowulf to display his strength. In the text, it states, “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.” ( Lines 112-116) Beowulf wants to prove to people that he is brave and strong enough to go out and fight Grendel. No one else coming to help Herot and help protect it from Grendel, except Beowulf which demonstrates how brave he is up for the challenge. Also, right before Beowulf goes to fight Grendel, he gives a boast and says that he won’t fight with weapons. The text states, “That I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that the monster's scorn of men is that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I.” (Lines 165-169). Beowulf is telling everyone that since Grendel doesn’t fight with weapons he can also fight without weapons. Him stating that he’s fighting without weapons is proving how strong he is and trying to prove how confident he is in himself. Beowulf eventually tears up Grendel and defeats him proving that Beowulf fought Grendel to prove his …show more content…
Beowulf takes place during the Anglo Saxon time period. The characteristics of an Anglo Saxon epic hero is that they’re important in their people’s history, has physical strength and has supreme self- confidence. Others believe Beowulf is an example of the time period because he fits the characteristics of an epic hero from then. Beowulf was a key part of the history for the Geats as he fought many battles and even protected their kingdom. At Beowulf’s funeral, “Beowulf’s followers rode, mourning their beloved leader, crying that not better king had ever lived, no prince, so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise.” (Lines 893- 899). Beowulf was important in the Geats’ history, so they admired him and praised him. Beowulf has the strength to be a reflection of a Anglo Saxon epic hero because he fought his battles single handedly and without weapons. Also, he had the courage and confidence because before every battle he would give a boast on how he was going to win. However, Beowulf is not a reflection of his time period and is a prideful hero. Beowulf may of had the same characteristics of an hero from his time period but he had the characteristics of a prideful hero. He was conceited and full of himself. He fought his battles to prove that he is strong and still is strong. Beowulf wanted and received recognition from the Geats. Others may