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Beowulf, More than a hero

            The Epic Poem Beowulf, by an unknown Anglo-Saxon author is about the courageous warrior named Beowulf. The poem describes events throughout Beowulf's life including many battles he fights with several monsters that threaten the lands that he was chosen to defend. The poem also contains several diversions, these diversions are short tales not directly related to Beowulf's tale but stories that provide insight on different aspects of Anglo-Saxon life. Beowulf was more than just a hero who defeated the monster and saved the people. He was humble, self- sacraficing, and noble. .
             Grendle was a monster that was attacking the land of the Geats and killing the people. Many warriors had tried to defeat and kill this monster but all of them had ultimately failed and lost their lives. Beowulf, who at that time was a very acclaimed warrior throughout the land. Volunteered to come defend the land and kill the monster Grendle. Hrothgar, the king of the land, provided Beowulf with his sword that he loved deeply. Beowulf took this sword into battle with Grendle, but the weapon proved useless against the monster. Still Beowulf managed to defeat the monster. Hrothgar offered his sword to Beowulf permanently as a show of gratitude and appreciation. Beowulf still accepted the sword even though it was useless in battle.
             Beowulf was more than just an accomplished warrior was. Years after defeating the monster Grendle he became king of the land of the Geats. Before Beowulf's reign the land was often disturbed by war and invading countries looking for power. When Beowulf took control of the throne the land experienced 50 years of peace and tranquility. At a time when war and death was common a period of peace this long was something unheard of. Beowulf was loved by all of his people and respected by all other rulers of the time. Beowulf's greatness from the battlefield carried on unto his ruling capabilities/.


Essays Related to Beowulf, More than a hero

1. An Analysis of Beowulf as an Epic Hero

... losing life, to carry out the objective. Though Beowulf risks losing life, Beowulf is armed with a huge quantity of strength. Beowulf exceeds in strength required because Beowulf is "the strongest of the Geats "greater/ And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world- (110-111). The first indication of Beowulf's strength is the battle with Grendel: "Beowulf fastens Grendel's claws, with bare hands, until ... strong enough to last during the battles and all the tribulations. The light that burns around Beowulf, serves as a symbol that Beowulf is not just an ordinary person, but possesses ...

  • Word Count: 918
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

2. The Romantic Hero vs. The Epic Hero (Sir Gawain vs. Beowulf)

... of life. In old English poetry, the hero is usually more of a fictional character with strengths unknown to man. We see this in both "Beowulf" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". Beowulf is an ideal hero of the eighteenth century. In this time and culture, a hero would be defined as a person who is ... heroes fight in order to maintain normalcy within their societies, the political and social aspects that lie behind their motivation to fight are quite different. In Beowulf's Germanic culture, all lands are continuously feuding. There is always a threat of attack on any tribe's soil, ...

  • Word Count: 1559
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Beowulf

... Dragon. Throughout the epic, many themes are used to construct a certain profundity to the characters and the story. Some of these themes seen in Beowulf include Wealth , Honor, Christian vs Paganistic ideas , etc. However, the epic's most important theme, is the conflict between virtue and evil. ... lives. Beowulf kills this evil creature, and brings peace to Hrothgar's kingdom, cleansing them of this evil. . Another selfless act is Beowulf' slay of Grendel's mother, who seeks revenge for Grendels death. After Beowulf becomes king in Geatland, he again shows his great ability once more...

  • Word Count: 711
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Beowulf

... fighting and had great strength not only as a fighter but as a leader. Many of the people looked up to Beowulf. Beowulf starts as a young fearless warrior and grows to be an aged king. All of these qualities help him to become highly respected. Beowulf is a hero of the Anglo-Saxons and is admired as one of the best and bravest kings to ever live ... . Beowulf was very brave throughout his journey to bring peace. He had great dignity and prowess in battle. A powerful monster name ... for. He is known as the strongest of the Geats, greater and stronger than anyone in the world. Beowulf pr...

  • Word Count: 1023
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

5. The Battles of Beowulf

... of the much sought after titles in today's society, and throughout the years, "heroes " have been the object of many children's idols. As far back as history goes, there is a hero associated with it, whether it be Abraham Lincoln for freeing the slaves, Albert Einstein for being a genius, or someone as simple as a mother or father. Through his battles with Grendel ... . He quickly realizes his sword is useless, and is left weaponless against a more than experienced opponent. Upon realizing his bare hands are no match against Grendel's mother, he discovers something, "He saw, hanging on t...

  • Word Count: 1010
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Beowulf

... by depicting how bad Grendel actually was. Being accurse of God is the complete opposite of good, showing the evil Beowulf faces inside of Grendel. Other than Grendel, Beowulf faces Grendel's mother. He faces her after she seeks her wergild on Hrothgar, by killing Esher. Wergild is the standard way of compensation for a crime committed against one's self. Grendel's ... men have a little trouble with it. The trouble is shown here, "The lake and cliff alongside it, brave men/Staggering under the weight of Grendel's skull, /Too heavy for fewer than four men to handle-/two on each side of ...

  • Word Count: 1099
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Beowulf: A hero

... time. It is easy to feel that these characteristics separate from the realistic nature of the story, and give the impression that Beowulf is more like a myth than a man. In the epic Beowulf, he's portrayed as almost inhuman, but he clearly fulfilled his role as a true hero. The only question that exists was whether he was indeed a man or merely a myth? A prominent heroic trait of ... Beowulf is his ability to put his people's welfare before his own. This is because of his strong belief in fate. If he dies ... -2859 pp 91) is what everything always comes down to in the end. Beowulf knows...

  • Word Count: 1723
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Once Called a Hero - The Warrior Beowulf

... the Anglo-Saxon time period heroes were more than just characters in stories, but, in a way, reflected the Anglo-Saxon culture. Anglo-Saxon heroes are bold, strong, fearless warriors, that reflect the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf characterizes the Anglo-Saxon's idea of a hero. Whenever his people call upon him, Beowulf always shows confidence and bravery. A dragon reins in Beowulf's kingdom, and even though he is an ... is celebrated shows that he was loyal to his people, they thought that his life was something to be praised. His traits and actions made Beowulf an Anglo-Saxon hero. Beo...

  • Word Count: 893
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

9. Twenty Points on Beowulf

... to things that men would normally do. 13. The Dragon is a different kind of opponent then Grendel to Beowulf because the dragon is attacking Geatland, which is more personal to Beowulf. Beowulf wants to defend his land rather than make a name for him, as was the case in his battle against Grendel and Grendel's mother. When ... 17. Wiglaf is important to the poem because he marks the era of a new hero. Wiglaf shows sstregth, bravery, and wisdom is his first battle. All those qualities are ones of a hero. Beowulf also makes him in charge because Beowulf does not have a son to live through w...

  • Word Count: 2142
  • Approx Pages: 9
  • Grade Level: High School

10. Beowulf and Sir Gawain: Personalities of Heroes Reflecting C

... out: his incredible personal strength, courageousness bordering on arrogance, and belief in the supernatural. In Beowulf, Beowulf, hero of the Geats, exerts an incredible amount of physical strength. Beowulf doesn't use a sword while fighting Grendel; Beowulf uses his bare hands. During the fight, Grendel " twisted in pain,/ And the bleeding sinews ... to- (Applebee et al. 2002. pg. 38). This action seems almost foolish in its bravery, and yet proves to be successful. Beowulf also shows this intense courage in his many battles against other creatures, such as Grendel's mother and the dra...

  • Word Count: 1151
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

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