In a world that is constantly evolving, the traits and actions of a hero adapt over time. What constitutes as heroism in one culture could be cowardice in another. In terms of literature, Beowulf has stood the test of time and has consistently been regarded as the epitome of heroes. While the character for whom the epic is named after performs a few daring deeds, what sets Beowulf apart from others is the exploration of his heroism in two distinct phases. The beginning of the tale starts with Beowulf in his youth; he is strong, brave, quick to volunteer to do what needs to be done.…
In the poem Bewulf it shows there are all sorts of different people even monsters. There are also hero’s to slay and defeat those monsters. Heroes have faults and traits sort of like individual personalities just as monsters do. Here are three traits that Grendel the monster from Bewulf has. Grendel’s first trait is how he is sneaky and here are some examples form the story.…
He was marked by honesty, courage, and trust. “Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked” (Heaney 39). This quote from the poem definitely refers directly to Beowulf. Beowulf continues to surprise the readers with this “undaunted courage” described in the poem. His courage caused fate to spare him.…
The characteristic of courageous strength is universal to most people’s opinions of a hero. In the poem Beowulf, the protagonist, fights many audacious crusades against ferocious opponents, including Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. In each battle Beowulf defeated his adversary, and he progressively showed more and more physical and mental tenacity during each one. While brawling with Grendel the poem uses specific diction including “brave” to describe Beowulf: When Beowulf, brave in battle, placed hand, arm and shoulder-- Grendel’s entire grasp-- under Heorot’s spacious roof, that was evidence enough of victory, (742-745) by using this particular diction it is easy for the reader to assess that Beowulf is brave and…
Of the many heroes in the Anglo-Saxon and medieval literature, Beowulf is a prime example of a hero. In the Beowulf poem written by the Beowulf poet, and in Robert Zemeckis’ film, Beowulf. Beowulf selflessly sacrifices his own life in the hopes of saving the lives of the Danes, who belonged to a whole different clan than his own. Beowulf is willing to give his own life for the betterment of another society, and with this he chivalrously saves many people. Even though Beowulf is portrayed as an ideal hero in the poem, and in the movie the audience is introduced to his flaws, they are both similar in their theme of heroism.…
Epic poetry thrives as one of the oldest form of narrative and storytelling. Epic poetry has specific rules on convention’s, that is must adhere to. The poem follows all the three major rules, as the actions consist of deeds of great valor on superhuman courage, such as the Battle vs. Grendel. Writing style is lofty and elevated, and beginning in the middle of the story. Beowulf went to fight but didn’t use a weapon because Grendel didn’t have one.…
The warrior culture in Beowulf is quickly set up to make courage an admirable trait in people. The very first lines of the story state “So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns”(Heaney, lines 1-3). Courage is equivalent to greatness, and many will tell about “the greats” of their time.…
Beowulf also displays the trait of courage and physical strength. He displays these traits by using lines 745-752. With using lines 745-752 Beowulf shows much courage by standing up to Grendel and battling him while no one else would. He put Grendel…
The epic hero named Beowulf is a warrior, who can do what no man can as he defeats life and death challenges. In his youth, Beowulf was considered a great warrior due to his strength and courage. For example, his fable swimming match with Breca to get to grendel 's mom was showing how strong he was and the Germanic heroic code of Loyalty, courtesy and pride. His battle with Grendel and Grendel’s mother validates his bravery as he faces three tremendous battles that help shape him into the epic hero he is known as today. Beowulf young and courageous battles Grendel with ease, will never have any fearful vain and will never back down from any fight.…
The battle of good and evil can be interpreted in many ways throughout the entire story. The good represents Beowulf and Wiglaf, the evil represents the three monsters Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Each character can relate to the good and evil of modern day, which can be hatred or corruption in everyday life. Each Battle is between good and evil, there are three battles in the book the represents this.…
In Beowulf, Beowulf, the main character, is regarded as a hero. He is known throughout the Land of the Danes and the Land of the Geats as fearless and courageous when he comes to their aid to help slay Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and a Dragon. Beowulf’s heroism is exemplified in two phases: the first is youthful heroism and the second is mature heroism, once he is crowned King. Throughout his life, Beowulf helped not only his own people, but also those in other lands. People look up to him for his great strength and the ability to never back down from a challenge, even when he knows fate might bring him to his death.…
He was courageous because he knew that if he did not do this, people would see him as a coward. He would be viewed as a coward because what kind of hero could fight 2 menacing beasts and decide to back down to a dragon? This is a major consequence because Beowulf is known for courage and if he didn’t fight this battle, he would lose his…
Regardless of the thanes’ disloyalty to their king, Beowulf still feels the responsibility of a king to protect them. Beowulf shows great amounts of bravery when it comes to his many fights. This bravery shows that in order to be loyal, Beowulf had to put his tribes’ safety first. This “inborn bravery” (2696) shows the characteristics needed to be a good king. Without this bravery, his loyalty would not be noticed as much because he would just be another stereotyped king.…
An epic hero is often described as the big hero in a story or reading and is also the main character. They often illustrate great qualities including strength, determination, and bravery. Heroes are said to always have a quest, sometimes more than one, and they most likely have helpers or assistants helping them through these quests. During these quests, the evil characters always seem to be after the hero. They must show the qualities of a hero or they would not be able to accomplish their quests thoroughly.…
Seen as “the mightiest man on earth/ high-born and powerful”(ll. 197-198), Beowulf engaged in three major battles leading up to his death. Within each of the three battles, courage was always brought along as a source of strength. Before even engaging himself into the battle with Grendel, Beowulf sailed over to the Danish shore to help Hrothgar protect his people and to defeat this ruthless demon. When the battle approached he courageously stepped up to fight and this showed his devotion to the heroic code and to the Danish people.…