In the anonymous Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, the characters exemplify values of the culture at the time it was conceived. The character of Beowulf illustrates some of these qualities better than other characters. On one side, these qualities proved helpful in Beowulf's conquests. But on the other hand, they worked against him sometimes. In the end, some even proved to be mortal for him. Beowulf shows three traits particularly well. These are the qualities of physical strength, courage, and being very materialistic.
First of all, Beowulf is a very physically strong person. He uses his strength in very positive ways, much of which include defending and saving others. The first battle Beowulf must endure is against Grendel, the horrible monster attacking Hrothgar's soldiers. While fighting, the monstrous Grendel is surprised and: "Knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip."(line 433) Considering how this is thought of by a monster that can devour men, Beowulf must be exceptionally strong. Soon after Beowulf arrives at Herot, he is in a small argument with a slightly drunken Unferth. While conversing, a swimming match Beowulf and Brecca, one of Beowulf's old friends, had comes up. In this swimming match, Beowulf and Brecca were competing to find out who could swim further, and for a longer time. "No man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine,"(line 266) is how Beowulf describes his actual abilities. This is an example of how not only is Beowulf incredibly strong, but he knows it.
In relation to Beowulf's match with Brecca, another quality of Beowulf surfaces. This is his quality of courage, one of the most highly valued qualities of the Anglo-Saxon times. During the swimming match between Beowulf and Brecca, Beowulf never left Brecca's side. This was not because he could not, but because he did not want Brecca to get hurt.
Beowolf Essay Grendels mother was sitting on Beowolf. ... Beowolf was ready to give up. ... Beowolf is with out a doubt a hero. Beowolf is a great example of a hero because he is brave. ... Beowolf was truly heroic and he showed it in many ways. ...
Beowolf is a headstrong character in which he rushes in with his mighty strength and kills everything, sometimes even when he killed it already in the case of Grendal. ... I like the way Sir Gawain acted in this poem because he showed more thought than Beowolf before rushing into a situation....
Do you ever feel like you are being shut out from a group? Or like your opinion is ignored and considered insignificant? In present society the exclusion of people or groups of people often occurs, which makes these (groups of) people outcasts. Most of the time this means that they are being totally...
Beowulf and You A hero is a person of distinguished courage who has outstanding qualities and abilities, who is admired for these having these aspects of their character and also admired for brave and noble acts. Heroes today have changed from those of Beowulf's day. Back in the time of Beowulf heroes were mainly the protectors of the country such as warriors and kings. No one could posses all of the heroic qualities but each of us could posses a few. First of these characteristics is honor. ...
A character is an elaborate blend of emotions and characteristics. Even though the character's emotions are significant because they make an individual feel for the character may it be sympathy or anger. The characteristics are very also important because they make the character. They describe the character's nature even if they are good hearted or if they are evil incarnate. Many times there is one word that can single-handedly describe the character's reaction or behavior toward some other anomaly. ...
Beowulf The story of Beowulf is one of courage, nobility, and heroism. Beowulf possesses each of these attributes both as a young prince and an elder king. These qualities allow him to become the honored king that he was, yet they also lead to his death. His actions are to be viewed as a precedent for young princes and future kings. Clearly every young prince inspires to earn enough respect to become king in his latter years. ...
