Sir Lancelot Research Paper

Beowulf, the distinct hero in this epic poem, was adorned by many, was a strong and very loyal character, and could do what a normal man could not. “Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons but so massive no ordinary man could life its carved and decorated length…” “...And struck with all the strength he had left, caught her neck and cut it through, broke bones and all.” (Raffel, 37). Beowulf was almost conquered by Grendel’s mother, but his intuition, strength, and skill all played a role in his success over her. This belief that a man can do the extraordinary can relate to the Human Condition because without conflict, there would not be anything an epic hero could do that a regular man could not. Similarly, a person that lives their life must overcome many obstacles to become the person that they want to

The focus on him and belief that he was real makes him legendary and important to come cultures. Third, Beowulf has character traits that reflect the societal ideal. Many admired him for his outstanding courage in battle. Beowulf was fiercely loyal to his king. The main value that Beowulf represented was that he only ever battled for the fame it would bring him, never just to battle something or someone.

He was the leader of the army that won the Trojan war. He also helped his men get through the long journey home. Odysseus would be considered a modern hero because he was strong, brave, and selfless. Odysseus was a strong man, one example would be when Penelope finally loses hope that her husband Odysseus is coming home. She decides to hold a competition between the suitors to see who will take his spot in being hers.

The initiation is when a hero’s chance presents itself after gaining more perspective on the situation. Beowulf presents his grand speech to King Wrothgar, speaking of how he would defend the king’s people even if it’s the last thing he does. Wrothgar replies to Beowulf: “Beowulf my friend, you have travelled here to favour us with help and to fight for us...Time and again, when the goblets passed and seasoned fighters got flushed with beer they would pledge themselves to protect Heorot and wait for Grendel with whetter swords...the flood of the mead hall would be slick with slaughter. And so the died.” (lines 457-487) In this scene, Wrothgar emphasizes here the great task that Beowulf wishes to undertake by vividly describing the deaths of the past warriors. However, this tactic does not scare the warrior, Beowulf because one can see that the hero’s pride is too great to back down, especially if no one has been able to defeat Grendel.

The people of the land called upon Beowulf to help. He ventured to the land willingly but was very prideful at first. After slaying Grendel, Beowulf reigned as king and still showed great leadership even into his old age. He finally was killed on his final quest to slay a dragon. Duke Theseus demonstrated leadership in a much different way.

In addition, the author used a tragedy to promote the theme even more. To enumerate, in “Beowulf attacks the Dragon”, it states the following, “They had killed the enemy, courage quelled his life; / that pair of kinsmen, partners in nobility, / had destroyed the foe. So every man should act, / be at hand when needed; but now, for the king, / this would be the last of his many labours / and triumphs in the world.” (2707-2712). To clarify, Beowulf fought many with ease, but one after another he grew weaker and the enemy grew stronger and eventually fought to his tragic

In Wart’s heroic journey, Wart faces many challenges building his internal traits leading him up to become the sum of all his power and obtain the throne of England. In the fantasy novel “The Sword In The Stone” by T.H. White, Wart journeys to help himself unlock his potential with the wizard Merlyn jumping from a knight’s squire up through many ranks to the top of the feudal hierarchy within days. Although this unlikely fellow became king, there are still qualities not completely touched and the few that have excelled to higher levels that causes courage rise to be Wart’s most developed trait while leaving respect trailing behind. Wart in the book develops courage the most due to his drastic improvement due to the bravery he can muster to perform the tasks requiring the trait.

During the last battle, Beowulf takes the victory however he is wounded and dies. The following quote: “This monster himself, our mighty king, fight this battle alone and unaided.” shows how other men portray Beowulf. The result of heroism in both Beowulf and Antigone result in death. Each of these stories shows the reason for a God or multiple God’s. Although the readers primarily focus on the bravery portrayed in each of these texts the readers do not focus on the evil.

Gawain learns that honesty is rewarding and lying has consequences. He is changed by the experience and travels back to Camelot, “ ‘Gawain rode back swiftly through the forest of Wirral, and after many more adventures he came to Camelot’ “(116). The narrator says King Arthur, “ ‘set him at his place at the round table. And of all the knights who ever sat there, few indeed were so worthy as Gawain.’ “(116). His treasure is not physical but is well earned and still fits the hero’s journey.

Alexander the great is a hero because he was a strong military leader and he treated everybody with respect. Alexander the great was a hero because he was a strong military leader. If a military group/troop did not have a strong military leader then they wouldn't do as well as they possibly could. According to Alexander the not-so-great, “Once he made up his mind to conquer a territory, Alexander the Great was unstoppable. He was a brilliant general: courageous in battle, firm in command of his troops, and ingenious as a military tactician.