Beowulf: The Admired Hero I. Introduction- Beowulf introduces himself to Hrothgar The story of Beowulf is told with a narrative tone that reveres the Danish-medieval culture which values strong family lineage, honor, and bravery. All of those traits will play a significant role in Beowulf’s favor with King Hrothgar as he introduces himself to the king as a fearless man of stature who vows to slay the demonic oppression caused by Grendel, and live up to the heroic standards of his ancestors. II. Beowulf gains favor with the king by establishing his lineage Beowulf comes before the Danish King Hrothgar to state his purpose for arriving to the kingdom unannounced. As Beowulf is petitioning before the king his ability to defend the kingdom from the monstrous attacks, the king interrupts with a reminiscent tone. Hrothgar recounts a hostile incident during which Beowulf’s father killed …show more content…
Beowulf Models Bravery After the feast, Beowulf and his men gather at the hall and prepare to take watch as the night falls. Disparate to his men, Beowulf unarms himself and expresses that his intention is to fight Grendel unarmed. Beowulf lies down while boasting that he is just as dangerous as Grendel and his fearful men lie awake, fearful that any of them will live to see morning. This act of bravery is one of the beginning scenes in the poem that set the tone for Beowulf’s chivalric nature, while also setting the tone for the leadership qualities he naturally poses to be king. V. Conclusion Throughout the story of Beowulf, the narrator takes a formal approach in communicating to the reader. In some aspects of the poem, the narrator recounts events that took place at different points in the timeline to create a cohesive backdrop for the reader. Although the narrator doesn’t communicate in a loud voice, there is a common theme that is present throughout the poem, the characteristics that are most valued by Beowulf: his family lineage, his honor, and the bravery he
Beowulf exhibits bravery when he travels to a distant land after hearing tales of how the monster Grendel has been terrorizing and killing a group of people called the Danes. When Grendel attempts to attack the Danes in the middle of the night, Beowulf fearlessly engages in a ferocious, weaponless battle with Grendel, emerging victorious. “The son of Ecgtheow became more silent, no longer boasting of his deeds in battle, while nobles looked on the sign of his strength: Grendel's hand high up by the roof, the foe's fingers—and each one tipped with a thick, sharp nail, as strong as steel, the heathen's claws suited for slashing in horrible slaughter” (Beowulf lines
Everyone need someone to look up to. Someone who motivates them and makes them feel safe and be their hero. The same was true for 6th Century Scandinavians. They were bellicose people because they were in constant fear of the unknown dangers that approach them, and they needed a epic hero to save them.
In his first battle, Beowulf faces the monster Grendel, demonstrating his bravery by fighting without weapons. This bravery highlights his unwavering commitment to the safety of others and sets the stage for his future battles. His physical strength is also showcased, as he is able to defeat Grendel, who had previously been unstoppable. He is seeking glory as reward. As the poem states, "His heart was filled with pride and ambition, as he sought glory in battle" (lines 718-719).
Beowulf is the longest surviving epic poem, which got translated to different languages hundreds of times. This masterpiece was originally written in Anglo-Saxon language, by an unknown author, somewhere between 8th and 11th centuries, in heroic style. It was written in England, even though the story takes place in Scandinavia. Beowulf is a story of friendship, heroism, support, and allegiance. This book is a faultless example of the hero’s journey, where the main character, an epic hero, Beowulf, meets misfortunes and successes on his way to éclat.
Beowulf was a hero that was called to action by the King of Danes, Hrothgar. Beowulf came to Hrothgar’s kingdom with one goal in mind and that was to slay Grendel. He finally got his chance to fight Grendel when they were in the mead hall, Grendel broke through the door, and Beowulf cut off his arm with the door. He was then crowned the King of the Danes. In his final battle Beowulf had to fight a dragon that was terrorizing his kingdom and when he was killed one of his men stepped up to slay the dragon in honor of Beowulf.
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.”
They had confidence and courage to win the battle in the name of Beowulf. The author’s perception of courage displays that good will always outperform evil. In conclusion, “Beowulf” illuminates characters and their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage.
Beowulf is well-known throughout all the lands and many people recognize him for his dangerous feats. When Unferth, one of Ecglaf’s sons, meets Beowulf, he immediately becomes envious of Beowulf’s adventurous feats; specifically, when he says “‘The ocean swayed,/ winter went wild in the waves, but you [Beowulf] vied/ for seven nights’” (ll. 515-517). Although the ocean did not actually “sway” (l. 515) and the winter did not go “wild,” (l.516) these uses of personification help to build up Beowulf as a character. His acts of heroism and adventurism show him in high regard by others while also describing his competence as a warrior.
Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless).
Throughout the poem, Beowulf fights three different monsters and in each of these situations he chooses to begin the fight without their help. He enters into combat with his men by his side, but when the actual fighting begins he defeats the monsters with very little help from them. Beowulf’s strength and physical prowess was unlike any other man in comparison to his height and incredible grip. Furthermore, Beowulf can be categorized as an outcast based on his personality traits. The main character is set apart from the other warriors because of his courage and humility.
From all this, we know that the perception of a hero from Beowulf’s time differs from our perception today. As we feel that the intentions define a hero while in Beowulf’s time the reputation and accomplishments are what makes a
Beowulf had done the unthinkable—he had killed a demon that no warrior of Denmark could have done. This opened several new doors for Beowulf, including one that promised of honor, glory, and riches. Beowulf had achieved his goal of fame, a goal which had created a poem of a hero that birthed and shaped a story to be told even years later. Furthermore, Beowulf’s fame was set in stone by Hrothgar, the king who owed Beowulf his everything, including his thanks. After giving Beowulf the speech to further glorify his prominence, Hrothgar declares, “Glory is now yours/
Near the end of his life as a king, Beowulf found that his citizens were being terrorized by a dragon. Although he was old and grizzled, the king took it on in battle. He showed tremendous courage even when knowing the odds were not in his favor. Previously, during his time in Denmark, Beowulf killed Grendel’s mother with the sword made for a giant. This showed his superhuman strength because as an ordinary human being Beowulf was able to handle and control the giant’s sword.
Thesis: The role of the Anglo-Saxon Hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness, and courage. Beowulf himself models the culture of the Anglo-Saxon hero, as he is willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people I. Strength and physical appearance A. Strength is clearly an important characteristic of heroes in Anglo-Saxon culture and heroic code. 1. The beginning of the story Beowulf is described as having the strength of "thirty men" in just one of his arms. 2.
The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.