How Does Beowulf Present The Qualities Of A Hero

Joshua Cline
Jeana Link
World Literature 4th Period
3 February 2023

Beowulf, the Tale of an Imperfect Hero
“Experience is the teacher of all things,” -Julius Caesar. The protagonist in this Anglo-Saxon heroic poem, Beowulf, lives this quote. King Hrothgar contracts Beowulf to fight different monsters such as: Grendel, Grendel’s Mom, and a Dragon across his lifetime. Every battle that he wins, he learns to be a better fighter. Although, in doing so, he fuels his ego and confidence in only needing himself.. Throughout his long life of war and peace, Beowulf exemplifies different attributes of a hero. Three that he shows most are being charged with a quest, being tested to prove himself, and resurrection after reaching a low point.
In the beginning

He is the ruler of his own kingdom now. One day a thief tries to steal gold from within a cave. Little does he know that a fierce dragon guards this gold filled treasure trove. Once again, and for the last time, Beowulf is charged with a quest. Beowulf shows no fear in saying “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles” (607-608) as well as stating, “I will fight again, and seek fame still” (609-610). These quotes show something that has grown within Beowulf over the many years he has lived.. His ego has grown exponentially. We see that even before he fights the dragon, he tells his men to stay back. Basically saying “I can handle this”, even at his woefully old age. We see even more of his confidence as well as ego when the author writes, “I’d use no sword, no weapons, if this beast could be killed” (613-614). Of all three battles, this one proves to top the others in difficulty. The dragon knocks Beowulf around, almost to the point of death. Death being a feeling he had never imagined himself experiencing. Seeing how poorly the battle is going, the men who are waiting for their fearless leader, all scatter every which way. All, but one. Wiglaf is the only soldier who showed true bravery and ran towards the danger to help his dying king. The poet writes, “Wiglaf joins Beowulf…” Page 56. Accepting his help, Beowulf breaks his curse of egotism. They together defeat the dragon. But, sadly, the damage had already been done. Beowulf was dying and it was too late to do anything for him. Beowulf sends Wiglaf to retrieve precious jewels so that he can see that the kingdom that he has long protected will be well after his passing. When he returns, Beowulf leaves him with an enormous responsibility, “Take what I leave Wiglaf, lead my people, help them, my time is gone” (810-812). Proving to the audience that Beowulf’s curse has finally been