In the Anglo-Saxon period, you must have had many qualities and strengths to become a hero. Principally the following were fighting in defence of king, truthfulness, faithfulness, strength, courage, and keeping promises and oaths.
Beowulf therefore qualified as a hero.
In the beginning of the epic, we are presented with monster Grendel's attack on Htothgar and his people. When Beowulf hears what has happened, he crosses the ocean to go help the king that he's never met. This already shows great courage and care from Beowulf's part.
" I shall give treasures to that brave man for his impetuous courage ". .
Later on we learn how respectful Beowulf is to his friends, and enemies.
He does not believe in being superior or anyone having the upper hand; so he announces that he shall not fight the monster with his sword, but with his bare hands. He knew that to decently win a battle, no sword or other arm would do it, he knew, that to succeed he only had to rely on his strength and courage.
"I, therefore, to amuse Hygelac my lord, scorn to carry sword or shield, but I shall seize my enemy in my hand grip and fight, enemy against enemy".
Also, Beowulf is selfless and very caring towards other people's being.
After being told of how strong and dangerous Grendel is, you might think that he would back off for his own safety, but he doesn't.
Beowulf is aware of the fact that he might lose his own life fighting Grendel, but for him his life has no value next to all the people's. He would rather die trying to save his people than standing on the side and watching the monster destroy everything. "Nor will you need, if death takes me, worry about a burial".
As he says, Beowulf fights Grendel with bare hands and his own faith and wins the battle. Yet, in his next battles, Beowulf starts relying more and more on material things. When he has to fight Grendel's mother he uses a sword, and when that fails him, uses a giant's sword to slash her.
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. ...
