Beowulf is defined as a hero by his bravery to set out and defeat a monster that has been invincible to Hrothgar’s men. He was well respected because his confidence was evident as he trusted his destiny to fate. Fate is a reoccurring theme in heroism; it is a supernatural aspect that allows a hero to conquer a quest fearlessly. Beowulf fought Grendel without weapons and was sure his strength, experience, and belief in fate would allow him to triumph over the antagonist that terrorized Herot Hall. His dependence on fate benefitted him as he defeated both Grendel and Grendel’s mother.
Beowulf: The Most Heroic Man of the Anglo-Saxon Times “Warriors had to be willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people” (1) Christopher Garcia emphasized on the importance of having a warrior like Beowulf who fought for what he believed in. The epic hero Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxons times; he possesses superhuman strength and is larger than life while clearly performing the values of an epic hero with his intelligence intertwining with his courage and fate to his people. Beowulf illustrates all the main characteristics of an epic hero while uniquely demonstrating super powers unlike many other heroes during this time. From the beginning to the end of the battle with Grendel's mother
He is an excellent example of Anglo-Saxon hero because he posses the strength, courage and loyalty like a true Anglo-Saxon warrior. He shows the all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses and still noted as a natural being and not a supernatural being. An epic poem, Beowulf presents the situation of good and evil and life and death. The poem shows Beowulf's
Take what I leave, Wiglaf, lead my people, help them” (lines 802-809). Beowulf embodies the values of a particular society and proves his tremendous power throughout the poem. He is brave, honest, inhumanly strong, and holds other’s lives in higher regards than his own. He is an archetypal hero for showing no fear in facing creatures that seemed to be from hell, to bring peace and safety to others. He believed this life of war and glory to be his calling.
Beowulf and Arthur were both brave, had strength, helped the underprivileged, and had great leadership. They were both kings. They both risk themselves in battle for the greater good. They both strive for the respect from the people they protect and for love. They both show the characteristic of being fearless when faced with death.
For instance, after the battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf acknowledged his surroundings where he explained, “the monsters’ hall was full of rich treasures,” (lines 568-569). Seeking fame and treasure was motive for the hero, especially Beowulf, who “longed only for fame,” (lines 485-486). Throughout the epic there was also many references to the elaborate detailed armor, such as a “mail shirt.” Hrothgar rewarded Beowulf with as the title of being a hero after his courageous efforts of defeating Grendel and then Grendel’s mother and “gold and heaped up ancient treasure” (lines 447-449), as well. This shows Hrothgar’s gratitude towards Beowulf. The king, who is highly respected by his people, has a great impact in developing Beowulf’s
He has fought dragons, monsters, and demons to protect a kingdom that didn't even belong to him. Beowulf possess all of these qualities and much more. He is the ultimate hero with the ultimate sacrifice. Beowulf is a brave man with a desire to look for a quest. He is not scared to fight anyone nor anything.
Originating in the Anglo-Saxon period, Burton Raffel’s translation of the epic poem “Beowulf” portrays a well-known hero who aspires to take on many great challenges. Honored and admired by many people, Beowulf possesses many of the virtues in which the Anglo-Saxons hold as the greatest attributes of their epic heroes. He exhibits these virtues through his loyalty to his king and followers, his eagerness to seek fame through his heroic deeds and family lineage, and his beliefs of faith and fate. Referred to as “The strongest of the Geats - Greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world”, Beowulf exemplifies heroism through his great strength and courage (110-111). Lead by fate, Beowulf sails across the sea to the Danish shore in anticipation to defeat the demon which feeds upon king Hrothgar and his people.
Beowulf Analysis The epic poem of Beowulf was written in a time period where the people believed in heroic warriors, and beastly creatures. It was written in an era of English literature when it was noted as being honorable and heroic to die fighting for one’s name or country. Literature during this era usually contained the protagonist as heroically larger than life, often the source and subject of legend or a national hero. For example in Beowulf, he is stated as being the greatest king to ever rule for his heroic triumphs. It’s as if it were written in order to gain pride in their country and its warriors amongst the rest.
During their time period, the Anglo-Saxons deemed many important values when classifying what they considered an epic hero. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf is the main character who helps save the Danes from terrible evils. Some notable characters from this literature include Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, Grendel, Beowulf’s first enemy, and Grendel’s mother, who is trying to get revenge on Beowulf for the death of her son. Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic hero that displays these Anglo-Saxon values. Through Beowulf’s characteristics, actions, and reputation, Beowulf displays many generic values of a hero.