In the online dictionary of Merriam-Webster, the definition of a hero reads as follows: “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; an illustrious warrior; a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one that shows great courage.” Beowulf is a hero who embodies the ideal characteristics of Anglo-Saxon culture, and, according to the dictionary, of today’s society as well. Although we may not necessarily approve of a man dragging the head of a monster across the floor, he does possess the virtues, traits, and beliefs that were respected in his time. Perhaps the greatest of all his qualities as a hero, his great strength, shone through during the most challenging and captivating moments of the epic. Beowulf was considered “the strongest of the Geats” and also “greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world.” These statements alone can describe his incredible physical strength which was very much envied by the Anglo-Saxon culture. He defeated the dreaded monster Grendel with his bare hands, “Hygelac’s kinsman kept him helplessly locked in a handgrip… The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder.
Sinews split and the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted the glory of winning; Grendel was driven under the fen-banks, fatally hurt, to his desolate lair.” (812-820) He later defeats Grendel’s mother in a daring fight that takes place under the water in the monster’s lair. Beowulf manages to kill her by using a sword “from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon… but so huge and heavy of itself only Beowulf could wield it in a battle.” (1559-1562) Beowulf’s strength takes on almost a super-human quality when he fights Grendel’s mother. His last great battle is against the dragon, which he overcomes, but with that defeat, loses his own life. “Once again the king gathered his strength and drew a stabbing knife he carried on his belt, sharpened for battle.
The Essay on Beowulf Mythical Monsters Anglo Saxon
... shows Grendel's great power. Also, there is a great amount of strength during the battle with Beowulf and Grendel's mother. Another ideal portrayed in Beowulf is ... there was Grendel's mother, who comes to avenge of ... in the sea.' (279). There is also Grendel, the main monster in Beowulf, with claws and a bloodthirsty appetite. Last ...
He stuck it deep into the dragon’s flank. Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound.” (2702-2706) Beowulf’s immense physical strength allows him to defeat the terrors of the Danes and the Geats. He is able to conquer these demons using his bodily power, and he is forever remembered as a true hero.
