The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the
Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person
with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. He is able to use his
super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before
himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of
beasts but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are
superb and he is even able to boast about all his
achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life
countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.
Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his
amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned
victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf
explains the reason he “lost” a simple swimming match with his youthful
opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven
nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the
ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who
has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by
ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, who is
The Essay on Beowulf Hero To His People
Beowulf: Hero of the Anglo-Saxons The epic poem Beowulf describes one of the most heroic men to the Anglo-Saxons, the hero Beowulf. The ... strength, compassion, and willingness to die for his cause. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of the Anglo-Saxons because of ... Anglo-Saxons admired many of the different traits that Beowulf demonstrates throughout the story. The ...
seeking revenge on her son’s death, he is able to slay
her by slashing the monster’s neck with a Giant’s sword that can only be
lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he
carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry
it back to Herot mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf’s
heroism.
Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples
welfare before his own. Beowulf’s uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent
as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his
own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes
the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had
served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle
one last time to fight a horrible dragon who is frightening all
of his people. Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order
to protect his people. Even in death he wished so secure safety for the
Geats so a tall lighthouse is built in order to help the people find there
way back from sea.
The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to
die. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and
requests to have any assets delivered to his people. He is aware of the
heroic scenario; he will be glorified in life or death for his actions. He
knows that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel’s mother he
will achieve immortality as the victor or the loser. Even with the enormous
amount of confidence Beowulf
possesses, he understands that Fate or Wyrd will work its magic no
matter what and he could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that
reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a
fatal outcome.
Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. His bravery and
strength surpass all mortal men; loyalty and the ability to think of himself
The Essay on Athlete Dying Young People Death Life
February 28, 1996 E 2-10 Vacation Project On His Having Arrived at the Age of Twenty-Three To Help You Understand 2. In the first eight lines the poet, John Milton, is talking about his character and how on the inside he still feels like a child. The character still wants to enjoy life as a kid and go around and have fun. He feels that he did not get enough time to enjoy his childhood and he ...
last makes him reveared by all. Beowulf came openly and wholeheartedly
to help the Danes which was an unusual occurrence in a time of war and
wide-spread fear. He set a noble example for all human
beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and friendship. Beowulf is
most definitely an epic hero of epic proportions.
