When the speaker discusses how Beowulf “was the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful,” and that “there was no one like him,” further proves that his identity as the strongest man on earth, traces back to the ruggedness and power-driven his society seems to be. In addition, Beowulf’s value of ambition can be seen when the speaker says, “He announced his plan: to sail the swan’s road and search out that king…” This line adds teh effect that he knows what he wants to do and how he plans to accomplish it. While other heroes in stories begin a quest with no real plan, this only creates more chaos for those type of characters. Therefore, Beowulf’s preparedness clearly reflects his value of ambition. One could also argue that saving “famous prince who needed defenders” further emphasizes Beowulf’s heroic character and pride.
He embodies all of the characteristics of an epic hero because of his bravery, honor, self-assurance and his acceptance of knowing that he could be killed at any point. He thrives as a hero by taking down a dragon, a vicious monster named Grendel and also Grendel’s mother. His masculinity and loyalty further develops the theme of Beowulf being an epic hero. He showed his honor and helped the Danes when no one else could by traveling from his homeland to battle the vicious monster Grendel, who terrorized the Danes. Grendel is one of the most important enemy he faces and the battle is significant because it
The prince proved himself again with the defeat of Grendel’s mom, asked once more to achieve what no other man could. In his final battle, the now king defeated a dragon that every other soldier was too scared to fight; he won a battle no one wanted to assist in except for one other man who was as courageous and heroic as Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic hero because he achieved what no one dared to for the sake of
Beowulf’s pride is so high he doesn’t realize that chasing a whole race from earth might be impressive, but not a thing to boast about. This is building towards Beowulf's spiral downwards if he cannot distinguish right from wrong in that situation then how will he distinguish it in an even more serious one? However, this isn’t the only instance Beowulf has done this. Beowulf does not only battle Grendel, but also his mother. Any person willing to fight two dangerous creatures must really want to protect their people, correct?
Furthermore, Beowulf rejoiced the people typically what a hero can be seen doing. Beowulf had more than one character archetype, the second one being a mentor. His ability to be valued, and showing his men what to accomplish to become somewhat like him is shown throughout the whole poem, as written “ The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, imagining they saw their lord but not believing they would ever see him again” ( L. 559-561). His men have been mentored by Beowulf for a long time, typically they’ve grown to think like him. Knowing how their leader is, they don’t give up on him nor put themselves into the situation of believing that Beowulf could have perished.
Grendel’s arm was hanging there to help the people remember to be thankful for Beowulf’s bravery. It was Beowulf’s fate to fight Grendel and win this battle. This battle will prepare him for the upcoming battles in his life. The next battle, Beowulf will face will be against Grendel’s mother.
For instance, Beowulf had the courage to fight off monsters at the expense of his own life in order to protect Hrothgar men. A scene which illustrates Beowulf's courage in fighting off monsters is in “Battle With Grendel”. In summary of the scene, Beowulf knows this may be his last battle with Grendel; however, Beowulf is still willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of the community (420- 425 Beowulf) The significance of Beowulf willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, helps to have a better understanding of Beowulf as courses. One of the reasons
After Beowulf got back from the Danes from killing Grendel’s mom, he became the king of the Geats. “Defending the folk against many a tribe with a spear point and word in the surges of battle till not one was hostile “neath heaven’s expanse.” Beowulf put ever dedication into his people and put them first before anything else. Many years passed and Beowulf began to grow old yet his fighting spirit never aged. He was easily one of the most kindest and generous kings the land of the Geats had ever seen. One day a man came to Beowulf’s throne to show him that he had found a golden goblet from a hidden hoard guarded by a dragon.
Beowulf’s Motivations (An Understanding of the motivations of Beowulf to Fight the Three Monsters) Every human being has a certain code with which they follow, most are outlined by the Anglo-Saxon, better known as Viking, code. This code itself was depicted through the epic poem known as, “Beowulf,” and more importantly, Beowulf’s motivations. His first motivation for fighting Grendel, is because he believes it is his duty to fight the monster. Secondly, Beowulf believes that fighting Grendel’s mother would help him in receive glory. Lastly, he wanted to teach his people that to keep the tribe safe, there must be sacrifices.
God allowed Beowulf to defeat the dragon by ripping its heart out, but Beowulf came back with a mortal wound. This shows that God was willing to protect Beowulf to win battles, but he could also choose when his time to go was. Beowulf truly believed this because before his final battle he said he would let God choose if he should live or die. Not only did God protect Beowulf, he also protected Herot from Grendel. Grendel was not able to terrorize Herot because Hrothgar was protected by God.