Throughout the poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, the main protagonist, Beowulf, embodies the heroism, courage, and cleverness of a great epic hero in his battling against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Similar to profound figures like Odysseus, Hercules, and Aeneas, Beowulf demonstrates characteristics of bravery and virtue during his adventures in liberating Heorot from Grendel and slaying the dragon to protect Geatland. By examining Beowulf’s valor, nobility, and ultimate sacrifice when facing his opponents, one can argue that Beowulf’s character is the quintessential epic hero, embarking on perilous quests for the betterment of mankind. After learning about the terror Heorot was facing from Grendel, Beowulf voyaged with his men to Hrothgar’s kingdom, vowing to face Grendel and allowing God to decide who will be victorious in battle. In talking to Hrothgar, Beowulf boasted of his “...awesome strength,” and time when he “...battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes” (418-422). Right away, Beowulf established himself as a hero with his confidence and pride, and later that evening he went on to defeat Grendel, boldly holding up Grendel’s amputated arm with dignity. Beowulf accepted Hrothgar’s …show more content…
Exemplifying his fearlessness, Beowulf was “...indifferent to death” (1442), determined to battle Grendel’s mother for Hrothgar. When Hrunting failed Beowulf in the midst of the fighting, he resorted to using his hands. “So must a man do who intends to gain enduring glory in combat ” (1534-1536). However, Beowulf spotted a blade in the monster’s armory, and swung at Grendel’s mother, decapitating the beast. The quick-witted and clever hero illustrated his commitment to victory, for Beowulf stopped at nothing to defeat Grendel’s mother and avenge the fallen
Beowulf was known as a hero of his people. And he was. When he was young, he defeated the demon Grendel with his bare hands, and slayed Grendel's mother with a sword. After these feats, Hrothgar, the king of the Spear-Danes, warned Beowulf about the risks of being too prideful. Even when Beowulf grew older, he still believed that he could achieve what he had accomplished in his prime.
The Concept of Duty and Sacrifice in Beowulf Everyone has read the poem “Beowulf” or has seen the computerized version on this poem. Beowulf is about a Viking who is in battle with Grendel, who supposedly a descendent of Cain, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. In this paper, we will talk about Beowulf’s duties and sacrifices and why they are important.
Beowulf is the perfect hero, both tragic and epic. He is larger than life with his impressive strength and drive that helps him defeat an assortment of monsters, such as Grendel and Grendel's mother. His overconfidence and pride makes him a tragic hero. In lines 678-684, Beowulf boldly states, "When it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous as Grendel. No weapons... unarmed he shall
Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/
Beowulf compares himself to Grendel as he declares, “He is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to if I hid behind some broad linden shield: My hand alone shall fight for me” (263-268). Beowulf is willing to do whatever it takes to have himself viewed as a heroic figure by those around him.
Additionally, Beowulf’s immense courage makes him fit for representing the ideal epic hero. Beowulf is brave and he does not avoid doing anything that might be dangerous or risky. Beowulf is even willing to give up his life, when he performs some of the courageous deeds. For example, when Beowulf plans to fight Grendel, he tells Hrothgar: “’the monster’s scorn of men / Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. / Nor will I’”
Beowulf is a well known, mighty warrior in his youthful days showing nothing but courage and strength. “The
Beowulf fought Grendel with his bare hands. He had such a tight grip on Grendel’s arm, he actually ripped it off. Grendel escaped and dragged himself back to his lake where he rested there and later died. Hrothgar’s people were so relieved and grateful for Beowulf’s bravery. As a trophy, Beowulf hung Grendel’s arm on the wall to rejoice in their victory.
Beowulf was invincible in his strength. He battles terrifying monster and risks his life. He showcases his heroic stoicism through his super-human physical strength. Grendel was a horrendous monster that was the incarnation of maleficence. Beowulf’s men had tried to use their weapons to fight, but Grendel “ blunted every mortal man 's blade” (Line 485).
The Heroic Deeds of Beowulf In the epic poem, Beowulf, the hero’s decision to travel across the ocean to defeat the nefarious Grendel can be attributed to his compassion, faith, and humility. Beowulf’s journey, along with his bravery and courage are indicative of the heroic attributes described in The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. Campbell defines a hero as going on a journey that consists of a departure, a fulfillment, and an end. This is an attribute Beowulf exemplifies in his departure to cross the dangerous ocean in order to defeat a monster terrorizing a foreign land.
To start off both Sir Gawain and Beowulf are loyal and show it throughout their poems. Beowulf shows he is loyalty toward his people the citizens of Geatland over which he rules. This is expressed in the quote “For this, this gold, these jewels, I thank Our father in Heaven,, Ruler of Earth or all of this, that His Grace has given me, Allowed me to bring to my people while I breath Still came to my lips. I sold my life for this treasure, and I sold it well.
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
Gold. These words describe Burton Raffel’s epic, Beowulf. King Hrothgar of Denmark builds a mead-hall and celebrates. This angers Grendel so he rampages in Herot Hall killing Danes. Later Beowulf comes to kill Grendel.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable