Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens. Beowulf is only thinking about himself. Performing these acts alone just to get the fame forms the quality of selfishness in Beowulf.
With this in mind, Beowulf has many outstanding achievements that certainly makes him qualify as a hero. Beowulf, seeking glory, heard of the horrible life the Danes, a neighboring nation, were living. The Danes were being tormented by a savage beast named Grendel, this is when Beowulf achieves
In terms of subjectivity, Beowulf has human flaws that can be said to have led to his downfall, but he is also the perfect hero who exhibits only the proper values of an Anglo-Saxon warrior. The scop who wrote this story depicted Beowulf in only a positive intended light, as this epic is meant to be the warrior?s story retold, highlighting their great feats and accomplishments. This being said, a hero to the Anglo-Saxons only had faults if they were unfaithful to their people or greedy, and Beowulf displays none of these qualities. Beowulf only acts in accordance to what he feels would be best for his people, his altruism exceeding those before him, and setting a precedent that no other could reach. While it is possible to interpret Beowulf as a hero with faults, he was not originally meant to be depicted that way.
The hero, Beowulf, was an amazing warrior with all the unusual values required by a hero. He was able to use his super-human physical strength and bravery to put his people before himself. He stumbled upon disturbing monsters and the wildest beasts, but he never feared death
Beowulf had accumulated so much fame that throughout the world people knew of him and his accomplishments. Fame was so very important to the Anglo-Saxon 's that they would give up their lives and the lives of others if only to receive it for a minute. Kingship was the bases of your community, if you had a terrible king you will have terrible living conditions. Fate played a role in everything the Anglo-Saxons ever did, be it a battle or what they were going to have for dinner. Even when Beowulf passed away in his last battle, it was told that fate determined to be that way, it was his time to go.
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.” (Heaney
Beowulf is extraordinary. The name sake and hero archetype of the epic poem Beowulf, transcends what it means to be a king reaching the title of hero and champion of the people. When he first is described in line 196 of the epic, the writer says,“There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful.” Beowulf will always be the time’s mightiest hero, whether he is king or not. However when pondering if Beowulf himself, would rather be a hero or a king, the answer would be the former.
However, he was a famous warrior-lord that was known all around the world. Beowulf 's uncle, Hygelac, had one son Heardred and a daughter. Beowulf became an exceptionally well known and respected hero which allowed him to make his way to become king. Beowulf 's journey to become a royal king took many years. As a hero, Beowulf
Beowulf demonstrated bravery in the face of opposition. He was also a selfless warrior, who fought for the greater good of his people. Achilles was also a brave warrior, but he fought for what he wanted. Making him more of a selfish person. Both of these heroes demonstrated cunning, and wisdom through battle.
The story of “Beowulf’’ is considered to be one of the oldest Epic Poems to survive and is often cited as one of the most important works of Old English Literature. The poem was written in the Anglo Saxon time period, and told of an epic hero who was strong and courageous, but also kind and humble; Beowulf almost perfectly exemplifies all of the traits that make up an Epic Hero and demonstrates the importance of moral values. Beowulf father, Ecgtheow, was a well known soldier and leader of men, the noble reputation he made for himself in his life helps Beowulf win over the respect and leadership of the men fighting, “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men. His name was Ecgtheow” (175-176). With this information about Beowulf’s father, it is assumed that beowulf was born of a noble birth and is respected all over.