In today's society, people often idolize and make heroes of the macho, larger-than-life action figures that entertain us in motion pictures. Beowulf, although a character from well over a thousand years ago, is the epitome of heroism and would have the starring role in an action figure movie today. His extreme heroic actions stand the test of time. Beowulf possesses strength, courage, and saves lives by destroying evil therefore achieving the standard of the modern day hero.
Strength is one reason that Beowulf would be considered a great hero today. The epic poem clearly depicts Beowulf as a man of extraordinary physical strength. He displayed his might in the challenge against Breca in which his "sword had killed nine sea monsters. (172)" The strength of Beowulf is also shown when he slays Grendel. He is faced with a daunting challenge, but in true hero form he accomplishes the task quickly and efficiently. "When it comes to fighting I count myself as dangerous as any day as Grendel. So it won't be a cutting edge I"ll wield to mow him down, easily as I might. (677-680)" The stereotype hero of today has strength just as Beowulf displays in the poem.
Courage is another aspect of the modern day hero. Beowulf shows his bravery and courage throughout the entire poem. Facing Grendel alone shows his "undaunted courage. (572)" Beowulf is also referred to as "the man whose name was known for courage. (340)" His bravery shines through whenever there is a fearful moment. He faces his fear and accomplishes the task at hand with serenity and composure. This courageous characteristic that Beowulf possesses would uphold today's heroic standards.
Beowulf would be a successful hero in modern times because he saves lives by destroying evil. Any person who saves lives is usually considered a hero in our society. Beowulf destroys the evil Grendel and therefore saves the lives of many innocent people.
Up until the end of Beowulf's life he was constantly looking to be the hero. ... This is what makes Beowulf a true hero. ... Beowulf was one of the most noble and moral epic heroes. ... Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. ... Beowulf is most definitely an epic hero of epic proportions, and a hero of the ages. ...
Beowulf is a hero to the people in many different ways. ... I believe Beowulf was a great leader. ... I think a hero is someone who tries his or her best to help others. Even when things get ruff, in the end a hero is someone who stuck through it no matter what. In this story, Beowulf was certainly a hero. ...
Beowulf, the hero in this literary piece, did as such, and he ultimately surpassed the qualities of being an epic hero. Accordingly, heroes and epic heroes alike gained the praise and respect of their subjects as well as their enemies. ... Any hero needs strength in order to be of value. ... Beowulf had uncertainty in what he was capable of doing like any hero, for he was a mortal and could be killed. ... All of these seemed unlikely to be accomplished, but as all epic heroes Beowulf completed each task. ...
To most Beowulf would be considered to be a hero. ... Beowulf characterizes the Anglo-Saxon's idea of a hero. ... His traits and actions made Beowulf an Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In Beowulf, Beowulf is the hero and is a well known warrior. ... Beowulf's "noble birth" separates him from modern day heroes. ...
A hero had to be self-reliant, courageous and honorable. ... In the book Beowulf, the hero, Beowulf shows a lack of courage he has under any problem or circumstances. ... In conclusion, the only way a hero can be a true anglo-saxon hero is if he or she follows the nine noble virtues. Many people might still have different thoughts and opinions of Beowulf being a Anglo-saxon hero. However, we should all know that Beowulf is and will always be a hero. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... Wow he accomplished all that with out being called an epic hero yet. " Beowulf carries Grendel's head to the king Hrothgar...." ... Showing that Beowulf has now another reason for the role of an epic hero. ... Ok now the thesis was proven that Beowulf could be an epic hero. ...
The title character of Beowulf is on of the earliest examples of an Anglo-Saxon literary hero. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... To the 10th century European reader of Beowulf, the title character is a might hero indeed. ... It can therefore be reasonable to say that Beowulf is one of the earliest examples of an Anglo-Saxon literary hero. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Being a great warrior and a devoted king makes Beowulf the ideal hero for the Anglo-Saxon period. ... Beowulf had fate on his side to make him the most courageous hero of his time. ... Beowulf had fate on his side leading others to believe that he was a great hero. ... Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
