The way we treat ourselves is extraordinary compared to the utilization of figures past. We, humans, are a populous society of affable tributes that are of importance. That we look up to the people that give us safety, as well that show respect and pride. These people are the idols that portray heroism; the general populous agrees that a hero is selfless. One such example is in an epic poem Beowulf. The main character is the hero of this old tale: … He lived his life as a good king must: I lost nothing, none of the gifts My strength could have earned me. He opened his Store Of gems and armor, let me choose as I liked, So I could bring his riches to you, my ruler…(2145-2149)
This brilliant example shows that
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He was selfish to his people, but paid the price of being nice. This is the greatest heroic action that anyone can do. He is the dragon slayer.
Another heroic tale is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. In this film, a party of dwarves is on a quest to salvage the wealth of their kin. Bilbo is a hobbit that is joining them on their journey of riches. He is the hero of the pack. He initially helped the dwarves by using his mystical ring to help fight the giant spiders:
The dwarves went off the path they were supposed to be on. They found themselves fighting mammoth spiders in the forest. While the dwarves were losing the battle, Bilbo used his ring to become invisible and retrieve the bounded company (Jackson).
This is an important example of heroism because a timid hobbit became brave to help his comrades. He uses his power of invisibility for the benefit of the dwarves. The elves fight off the remaining spiders and detain the party. Another brave act is when Bilbo sets free the dwarves to escape. Bilbo was not captured and snuck into the castle and planned a escape using empty
Over time the hobbit gains his courage, becomes braver, and portrays acts of heroism. For example, when the giant spiders almost eat the dwarves, Bilbo distracts the spiders and cuts the dwarves out
Since he want’s to be a heroic figure he risked his life to uphold his reputation. Also when Hrothgar is making speeches, a quote comes up “Heroism is more than noble language, dignity. Inner heroism, that’s the trick! Glorious carbuncle of the soul! Except in the life of the hero the whole world’s meaningless”(164).
Bilbo is a hero in several ways. Bilbo is hero for going on the quest in the first place. Bilbo is also a hero because he saved the dwarves from giant spiders. Bilbo is also a hero because he saved the dwarves from the elves. Bilbo is a hero for going on the adventure in the first place.
The Hobbit’s Adventure Going on an adventure can be really hard, but only Bilbo Baggins knows how hard it really can be. In the story The Hobbit, by J.R.R Tolkien, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who goes on a great adventure. He fights in many battles, verbal and physical, to fight for the greater good. Bilbo learned how to support his friends and how to be self reliant. The character changes from beginning to end, evolving into a heroic leader.
The definition of heroism throughout history has changed based on the conditions and the aspects of society during that time period; however, for the most part it has remained unchanged. Thus it can be stated that heroism is a dynamic recurring idea in literature and society; yet, certain characteristics remain constant. Cultures form the way heroism is told and defined; yet, they still follow most of the templates that every culture tends to use. Most cultures values are reflected in the way they define heroism. In the Anglo-Saxon culture they value strength and courage over intellect which can clearly be seen in the story Beowulf.
Heroism is bravery, honor, courage, and daring. People who are believed to be a heroe usually serve as someone who defeated or made an impact on someone or something. Throughout the epic, Beowulf shows heroism by going to willingly defeat Grendel. This was Beowulf's choice to go, "there was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on eart, highborn and powerful" (196-198).
Beowulf’s Courage Makes an Epic Hero A good example of an epic hero is from the epic poem Beowulf, written by Seamus Heaney, focusing on the titular character Beowulf because he is known for his courage which is used to create more characteristics that an epic hero should have. The best place to start is with an example of Beowulf valuing his courage, where Jones reminds the reader “Beowulf himself speaks to this importance of courage when arguing with Unferth” (Jones 3). Another good example is in the packet The Middle Ages: The Epic Hero, where Jones states that an epic hero “has 12 main characteristics, including being strong, courageous, and self-sacrificing” (Jones 2).
“A hero is someone who given his life to something bigger than oneself.” (Campbell) Beowulf is the Anglo Saxons. Beowulf most courageous warrior ever. He goes on quest and journeys and chose his path of being a hero and to kill monsters who ever tries to hurt Beowulf people.
Individuality is somewhat lost in this concept of heroism through the practiced rituals of the soldiers that are shown in The Triumph of Will, where as with the knight he is more individualized with his act of good
In ancient times the idea of someone risking their life to save someone else’s is astonishing. From modern times to tales in ancient epics, the idea of a hero has been passed down through generations. Throughout the story, the characteristics of Beowulf make him a hero. A hero exhibits strength, bravery, honor, and is able to complete tasks with divine intervention; Beowulf embodies
Bilbo risks his own life to save the dwarves many times during the adventure, which in turn gains him the respect he deserves. This new respect that Bilbo has acquires gives him plenty of confidence in himself to get the job done, whatever it may be. This clearly shows that Bilbo's change from being ridiculed and doubted by the dwarves to being very highly respected is a dramatic one and deserves recognition. All Bilbo needed is a chance to prove the dwarves wrong, and that is what he gets when those same dwarves appear on his doorstep that sunny afternoon. Along with Bilbo Baggins becoming a braver and more respected hobbit, he also develops the most important change in the story; he changes from being incompetent to very resourceful.
Along the way, they overcome many obstacles that threaten their lives and put their trust for one another to the test. Bilbo learns that there is more to him than he realizes and through hard work and dedication, he can accomplish almost anything. Overcoming these problems and learning more about himself helped Bilbo change from an ordinary, self-doubting hobbit into a clever, courage-filled, loyal hero. In the beginning, Bilbo has no desire to go on an adventure of any kind, but he quickly learns about the cleverness he obtains when he is forced to make quick decisions.
Together they're going to an adventure to defeat the evil dragon Smaug who has stolen the dwarves treasure. On this adventure, they fight trolls and orcs and they solve a lot of puzzles. In the caves of the Misty Mountains, Bilbo meets Gollum and acquires a magic ring which allows him to be invisible. After defeating the dragon a big battle begins. In the battle, armies of humans, goblins, elves, and dwarves participate.
After the giant spider chaos, the hobbit once again shows leadership and courage when the Wood-elves capture the dwarves and take the company to the The Elvenking’s Palace. As always, Bilbo Baggins follows close behind as the Wood-elves lead them to their home. The group of dwarves were put into dungeons; Bilbo was not captured for he was wearing the invisibility ring he stole from the Gollum. The company of dwarves stay in their receptacle for one week. During that one week, Bilbo roams and searches the castle only to find an escape through a trapdoor which leads to the river.
Each hero, solidifying Campbell’s theory further, also meets a wise older warrior. Beowulf arrives in Denmark and meets Hrothgar. Hrothgar later gives advice to Beowulf “Push away your pride! Your strength, your power, are yours for how many more years?” (1761-62).