A hero is one who is not only strong, but one who uses his strength to defend others. A hero is humble, charitable, noble and selfless, a humanitarian at best. In the unparalleled epic Beowulf, the tale's namesake represents every characteristic applying to a hero. He is honest, loyal, and courageous. He portrays these characteristics in the battle against Grendel, the scuffle with Grendel's mother, and the fight against the dragon that inevitably ended his life. .
Beowulf was a man of admirable feats. He had the strength of thirty men in his arms, and would use this strength to help anyone in need. Upon hearing of the dilemma of Grendel and the ill happenings in Hrothgar's kingdom, Beowulf immediately gathered his followers to help the king and defend Heorot. When Beowulf encountered the beast that had terrorized for 12 years, he single-handedly ripped off Grendel's arm, an act ultimately killing the creature. To further define his heroism, Beowulf kept the arm as a trophy of his victory. .
Upon learning of her son's death, Grendel's mother was irate. She made a personal vow to avenge Grendel's life. By killing one of Hrothgar's most trusted advisors, she presented Beowulf with an "invitation" to her underwater lair in order to avenge her son. Beowulf, being a man of distinguished valor, accepted the challenge enthusiastically and made his way through the gloomy, dreary swamp waters and into the underwater cave. Though the trip was difficult, Beowulf was persistent in his quest. When he reached Grendel's mother, the battle was long and hard, but the hero refused to surrender. He fought until the flustered mother gave up and died. As a token of his deed, Beowulf took a jewel-studded sword from the cave. To further celebrate his heroic feat, he decapitated Grendel and kept his head as a souvenir of his victory. .
The last battle that Beowulf participated in was perhaps the most heroic of all. Although the battle ended his life, it proved that of all the men in the story, Beowulf was the only true hero.
In "Beowulf, heroism and fame are two of the most important thing to the people all through the poem. ... Heroism is also a big difference in the works. ... There is also similarities in heroism in Grendel and in "Beowulf" as it is contrasts. Heroism plays a big part in the works. ... In "Beowulf", Beowulf showed tremendous heroism by going to fight Grendel. ...
Beowulf has the traits of a perfect hero. The poem explores his heroism in two separate phases: youth and age. There is, however, a clear division between his youthful heroism and his mature heroism as an aged king. ... He is just as solidly rooted in the heroic code as Beowulf is, but his experiences with both good and bad fortune have caused him to develop a more reflective attitude toward his past heroism, which is simply just a part of the process of aging as well. Hrothgar's reflections on heroism and leadership, which take into account a hero's entire life span rather than just...
In Beowulf, the author surveys the heroism of Beowulf throughout his valiant exploits. Beowulf is the archetype of an epic hero; distinguished with extraordinary strength and skills, Beowulf proves to be powerful, loyal, and courageous. ... Beowulf exemplifies his heroism through his devout loyalty to his lord Higlac. ... Beowulf's most distinguishing character is his courage. In Beowulf's fight with Grendel, Beowulf expresses effusive courage and heroism that Grendel, the monster, becomes fearful for his life. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... Fighting fierce battles against monsters is more proof of his epic heroism. ...
Ultimately Beowulf is defeated. ... Beowulf uses no weapons. ... Because Beowulf has boasted of his great heroism and strength and he was so successful in defeating Grendel, he must continue to protect the Danes against evil. ... Old English heroism has been a popular subject for centuries. The epic of Beowulf is a fine example of the story of a man who exemplified great heroism. ...
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... Beowulf's strength is a key trait of his heroism. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
It puts Beowulf against Grendel and Grendel's mother and in the end Beowulf comes out on top. ... While both The Odyssey and Beowulf examples of heroism, Beowulf's acts of being a hero actually fit the description of a hero more than Odysseus. ... The main theme that was in both The Odyssey and Beowulf is heroism. ... One other theme in Beowulf is Christianity and fate. ... Beowulf also puts his trust in God also. ...
