Throughout history, people of all cultures and beliefs have created stories of great and mighty heroes containing the virtues admired in that age. In times long ago, when the Anglo-Saxons were at their height, one of these stories was the tale of the mighty hero Beowulf, depicting the very image of the age's virtues and ideas. Now, in this booming age of technology, we've turned to heroes such as Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione.
Not only strong, courageous, and honorable, but also being the very mightiest of all warriors on the earth, Beowulf truly displays the ideas and virtues of his age. The Anglo-Saxons were a society of warriors and, consequently, held the warrior's code in high regard- idealizing virtues such
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The trio shows the same courage found in Beowulf, but other than that, they also display an array of other characteristics- some similar to those found in the epic's mighty hero, and others not so much. The trio, as a whole, display such characteristics as loyalty, a close bond to friends, self-sacrifice, and a willingness to protect their family. The main protagonist, Harry Potter, actually seems rather similar to Beowulf, displaying a uncanny bravery, a knack for seeking out battles to fight, and a need for vengeance- in this case for the death of his …show more content…
Courage in the face of danger, loyalty to those they hold dear, respect for their ancestors, and a willingness to do right have stood as virtues idolized in societies of old, all the way until now. The technological age of today might not rely on warriors and battles as did the Anglo-Saxons so very long ago, but no matter how much time passes, and how our societies grow and change, it is rather easy to say that the same few characteristics we look for in our heroes remain the
Throughout history, every work of fiction that has been constructed has contained a hero that reflected the cultural values of the time. Whether it be Shakespeare or J. R. R. Tolkien, the hero of the tale has not only epitomized these values, but served as a paradigm for heroes in other works of fiction. Beowulf and Sir Gawain exemplify the cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons and the Middle English. Some of these values, such as honor and valor, are reflected throughout the evolution of the Early to Late Middle Ages, although some are replaced, and there is a slight paradigm shift with regard to the nature of the two heroes; this can be clearly viewed when one analyzes the archetypes in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in terms
While the Anglo-Saxon culture in “Beowulf” include display of strength, valor, honor and boastfulness of the early era is seen in today’s modern society. Since it originated in oral tradition, the epic Beowulf has no known author. It does, however, serve as a representation of the Anglo-Saxon culture it originates from. As a work of art, it also serves its purpose of moral instruction, today serving as a demonstration of what values were important to the Anglo-Saxon people. Especially seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time:
In terms of values, their point of view can be a bad view for us. Beowulf provided us information about the expected values before. A person can be heroic if he shows bravery. A brave man that can conquer and defeat the enemies without feeling scared. Bravery is still evident now but only with some people and the definition of bravery changed from the man who will conquer all to the man that will do the right things.
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.”
His courage and strength exceed all human men. Beowulf came willingly to help the Danes which was highly unusual in a time of war (Fisher). He set a moral example for human beings spreading the need of friendship. Beowulf was most definitely the ideal Anglo-Saxon warrior as an epic hero of epic proportions (GÓMEZ-CALDERÓN). Gilgamesh was destined to greatness from birth.
In Beowulf, an English epic poem that tells of the tell of the incredible warrior Beowulf, Anglo-Saxons values of the time period are displayed. Loyalty, bravery, and honesty are three of the most important values
Characters such as Thor, Harry Potter, and Katniss Everdeen are considered as prime examples of heroism. As for the story of Beowulf,
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
In Anglo-Saxon culture to be a hero was to be a warrior and a noble leader for his people. Warriors had to be willing to face any odds put against him any willing to die. He was born of a noble birth by being born the prince of the Geats. Beowulf character traits by carrying out brave deeds, being a kind and generous leader, and his willingness to put his life on the line for the greater good of his people. Beowulf’s courageous acts include not making his men do anything he wouldn’t do himself.
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
The Anglo-Saxon society and our modern society, although thousands of years apart these two periods have characteristics in areas that are alike and different in more ways than one. Let us talk about the values and the code of conduct of these two societies. First of all, during the Anglo-Saxon period, fighting is the main solution for them to solve problems and with fighting comes power. Power, power over people, power over land, power over resource and treasures. To them, power is everything and for one person to attain so much power, one must become a hero and perform heroic deeds.
Though it is fiction, readers can comprehend Anglo-Saxon thoughts and their concepts of heroism, life and death. Anglo-Saxon culture valued strength, honor, courage, loyalty, and fearlessness. Beowulf was a hero because he was strong, loyal, brave, honorable, and fearless. He wanted to be remembered beyond the years of his life. These values in heroes has not disappeared like its culture.
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.
Every culture, every time period, will find a flaw in every hero: Beowulf is no exception. To an Anglo-Saxon of the time period, Beowulf is the perfect hero, without a doubt. He is a shining example for his people to live by. A life lead by ambition and driven by the desire to protect, Beowulf?s story is one to be acknowledged.
Beowulf shows his bravery when he kills Grendel and Grendel’s mother for Hrothgar and his towns people. Harry Potter shows that he’s very brave when he stands up to Lord Voldemort. The second thing the both of them share is being caring towards others. Beowulf shows his caringness when he goes to