The Importance Of Heroism In Beowulf

He did not have this strength on his own accord, but was assisted with some divine intervention. When people talked of Beowulf they would say, Young prince show them a might battle grip, hands that moved with thirty men’s strength. (Beowulf, Lines 379-380). He was known throughout the lands for his strength. He would obtain such strength that would allow him to kill sea monster, Grendel (with his bare hands), and Grendel’s mother with assistance from God.

So now, Beowulf, I adopt you in my heart as a dear son.” (63, 930-950). Once Grendel has been erased, Grendel's mother comes in and tries to avenge his death. In spite of this Beowulf goes through an awesome journey of all these creatures and a great fight to eliminate the problem of Grendel and his mother. This caused Beowulf to make the Geats and the Danes allies which is great as a leader. He also brought riches to his people through the help of the generous Hrothgar.

He is a father figure to Beowulf and a role model for the kind of king that Beowulf becomes. Beowulf, a mighty warrior from Sweden, comes to help the king destroy a monster. The second part, set in Sweden, provides Beowulf as an old man who must get rid of a dragon. When a mighty Geatish warrior named Beowulf, a man who has killed giants and sea monsters and is known for his strength, courage, and skill in battle hears of Grendel 's actions, he decides to sail to Denmark and help Hrothgar kill the

Page 2 of 3 ZOOM Anderson 1Nathan AndersonMrs. OrfanedesEnglish 4 Honors NCVPS8 February 2018Is Beowulf a Hero?Beowulf is the main character and epic hero of one of the oldest pieces of literature recorded in the English language. In order to be held at such high esteem his traits as a hero are strong and represent what the poets of the time idealized in a hero. Beowulf’s qualities, those being his brawn, faith, and courageousness, exemplify why Beowulf is considered to be one of the best heroes to date.To start, any good hero has to have certain physical capabilities that set them apart, Beowulf is no exception. If this weren’t the case, who would be able to defeat monsters that seem larger than life?

Second, the hero is brave, warrior, ready to give his life in order to gain immortal glory and continues to live in the memory of his descents (Stevanovic 7). Classical literature is widely acknowledged as having prominent heroes who appear in ancient epic poetries. Achilles in Homer’s The Iliad is one of the best example of warrior hero “seeking the status of a hero embraced a life that was ongoing contest

Beowulf, born in the land of the Geats, makes the voyage over to the Danes upon hearing the problems troubling the Danes. Even though Hygelac told Beowulf not to, Beowulf went on ahead and he proves his worth, both to his king and the Danes’ king. In the time of crossing the waters, Beowulf kills Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and then a dragon and he inspires one young man named Wiglaf. Wiglaf makes a valiant speech to get Beowulf’s men hustling in the line of defense, but ends up fighting alone. “He picked us out from the army deliberately, honoured us and judged us fit for this action, made me these lavish gifts- and all because he considered us the best of his arms-bearing thanes” (Beowulf 179).

Epic heroes have been written about in literature for as long as there was writing. An epic hero must have superhuman qualities to enhance their character. Epic heroes usually show some relations towards a god or gods in their story. Epic heroes comes across many temptations and embark on a trip into the underworld. Epic heroes follow a certain archetype in literature that follows their adventures and Beowulf is no exception.

The hero will endure three major parts of this quest which are the departure, initiation, and the return. Each of these major parts have smaller steps within them that are parts of a task the hero takes on. Now Beowulf is of course the hero of the story. He goes out and volunteers to fight Grendel for the Danes who had been dealing with him for twelve years nonstop. Beowulf also goes and defeats Grendel’s mother when she awakens from her den and tries to avenge her son.

In a present day, many people define the hero, as a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. The definition of hero can be changed depend on culture or people’s belief. Anglo-Saxon is one of tribe who has well developed warrior culture. Anglo-Saxon hero has several archetypes such as courage, responsibility, blood relationship. An epic poem Beowulf reveals Anglo-Saxon’s heroic archetype through the protagonist Beowulf .

Struggling he fights Grendel’s mother for killing Aeschere, “Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he 'd dropped it. If weapons were useless he 'd use his hands, the strength in his fingers. So fame comes to the men who mean to win it and care about nothing else!” (505-509). Lastly, Beowulf demonstrates braveness when he encounters with the dragon. He doesn’t give up just like the rest of the superheroes, ““Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong, and with his shield at his side, and a mail shirt on his breast, strode calmly, confidently, toward the tower, under the rocky cliffs: no coward could have walked there!”