Beowulf And Achilles Essay

Beowulf is the clear protagonist of the novel and an example of a “perfect” warrior from the middle ages. He has all the ideal traits that make him so distinguished and respected. An example of his loyalty was going to meat Hrothgar to fight the Grendel. He was not forced to do this but his father had an obligation to the king so Beowulf carried that forward.

Courage allowed Beowulf to face Grendel’s mom. Not only did he have courage, but Beowulf gained fame from facing the monster. Everyone looked at him now as hero for having courage and the strength to defeat the monster. “Beowulf shows that his courage and strength should be an inspiration to all heroes”(Garcia). Beowulf desire was to defeat Grendel’s mom after he has already defeated Grendel.

“Beowulf” is an epic poem that happened to be set in Scandinavia even though it was written in England. This medieval poem consists of 3,182 lines, it is even said from archaeological discoveries that this story, is oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon manuscript (also considered one of the most important) may be true. Beowulf, the protagonist in the story is known as the bravest and the strongest warrior. In his time, only to later be named as a kind, gentle and generous king. For instance: “Crying that no better king had ever / Lived, no prince so mild, no man / So open to his people, so deserving of praise” (lines 895-897). Though seen as a great warrior, and perhaps even a great king(which he may be) does it actually make Beowulf a hero?

Beowulf defines the trait generosity. This shows you're not being selfish and you care for other people more so than yourself. A good example in the story Beowulf is, “ The people suffered ,everyone/Lived in terror, but when Beowulf had learned/ Of their trouble

Beowulf was very greedy for glory but when it came to the safety of others, he was selfless. Raffle says, “…He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s/ Answer; the heaving water covered him” (Raffel ln. 570-571). Beowulf thinks about his solders, he does not want them to get hurt. I think Beowulf shows kindness and selflessness which can really be used in today’s society.

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

To be selfless is to make sure the needs of others is put before your needs. Beowulf the Angelo-Saxon hero, made sure the safety of the Danes came before his. He put his life on the line just to fight off the monsters or dragons that made the lives of others miserable. In part two, Beowulf fights off the dragon but he dies after killing the dragon, his last words were to Wiglaf, he told him to take care of his people. The soldiers leave their home and families to fight for our country and our freedom.

From the battles and fame to their leadership and loyalty both epic heroes gilgamesh and beowulf display the common characteristics of an epic hero. All throughout their journeys both heros come across situations that make them show who they really are and what they believe in. Although certain aspects of their leadership, journeys and personal beliefs are similar the way they display themselves in their personal and public lives make many of their characteristics differ from one another. The leadership styles and qualities of each character helps to define who they are as a person and what they believe in.

¨True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat¨- Napoleon. Clearly, Napoleon is explaining that a hero will conquer any negative things in life that challenge them. For example, modern day superheroes always overcome their problems in life. Modern day superheroes such as Batman, Superman, and Spiderman fight the villains and grow superior to the negative aspects in their lives. Similarly, heroes in poems and books gain their heroic name by defeating the ills of life. For instance, in the Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf, the hero defeats evil creatures and saves his people. In his battles, Beowulf displays the heroic characteristics such as bravery, confidence, and selflessness.

Beowulf vs Achilles A soldier goes into battle and gets blown into a million pieces by a grenade. How will that soldier be remembered by his comrades and family? Will he be remember by how he died, his accomplishments throughout his life, or the courage that soldier had to charge into a battle knowing any breath might be his last one.

Introduction In this paper, I will involve in exploring one trait of a hero in a nuanced and complex way. I will build this complexity by discussing two heroes who posses this trait, and one who does not. To illustrate, an epic hero is a character in the epic story or poem who is brave and noble. I will involve in exploring three heroes (Beowulf, Odysseus and Merry).

He heard the sounds of those attacks and rushed over to Herot. Beowulf obviously cares for people and wants to keep them safe. One would realize his courage after hearing him say, “I am Hygelac’s kinsman and warrior. I have undertaken many glorious deeds.” One could possibly think no because he becomes king afterwards.

“A Hero is an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”, quoted by Christopher Reeve. Beowulf however, tends to be an epic hero based on the definition of one. Beowulf was definitely a hero, not because of his super strength, smartness, or even his sword. But because when everyone backed down he was the one to step up & sacrifice his life to save others. “

The epic poem, Beowulf is about a hero who comes to the aid of King Hrothgar. Hrothgar’s Mead Hall was being destroyed by a demon that lurked the boundaries of the small town. Beowulf hears the news and comes to try to defeat the demon. He performs this admirable deed because he wanted to achieve immortality by being a hero. He fought the monsters with his bare hands. He had the true characteristics of a hero, strength, bravery, and courage. Nobody would dare do the things Beowulf attempted in his lifetime. I envisage during all his battles he possesses all the traits of an epic hero. So, Beowulf, travels from Geatland to save Herot from the demons that lurk about.

Beowulf is only thinking about himself. Performing these acts alone just to get the fame forms the quality of selfishness in Beowulf. Beowulf is putting all of his strength to be credited as a hero, but he displays acts of selfishness which marks him as an insignificant