Beowulf as an epic hero
In the Anglo-Saxon era certain traits were important in to be hero in this era. The epic Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel shows how the character Beowulf demonstrates the characteristics that were valuable during his time. Beowulf demonstrates the ideals of an epic hero in the eyes of the Geats and Danes because shows the trait of generosity, he portrays bravery, and demonstrates loyalty.
Beowulf displays generosity throughout the poem. Beowulf generously agrees to “purge all evil” (Raffel 166) that the Danes have in their hall. He does not have to help the Danes but does and vows to do it with only his hands. Beowulf always goes into to battle before his men and telling them to “wait close by” (679) only to help if in dire need. They could all go into to battle together but Beowulf does what very few leaders do, which is go into battle first. With his last breath Beowulf tells Wiglaf “to lead his people” (888) meaning he wants him to be the next king. Beowulf could appoint anyone who would have already known how to run the Geats but is generous and rewards Wiglaf for his loyalty. Throughout the poem the main character Beowulf …show more content…
Beowulf feels that his duty “was to go to the Danes” (150) to repay them with loyalty after they gave aide to his father. By helping the Danes in their time of need Beowulf is showing the trait of loyalty. He continues to show his loyalty to Danes by “sav[ing] [them] once more” (575) but from Grendel’s Mother. Though Beowulf has come to the rescue of the Danes once already and repaid his debts he continues his loyalty which ultimately works in his favor. A much older Beowulf is loyal to his people as he “[strides] calmly, confidently toward the tower” (690) where an angry dragon lives and destroys his kingdom. Beowulf risks his life to defeat the dragon and to defend his people. Because of his loyalty Beowulf shows the ideals of an epic
In the Anglo-Saxon era certain traits were important in to be hero in this era. The epic Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel shows how the character Beowulf demonstrates the characteristics that were valuable during his time. Beowulf demonstrates the ideals of an epic hero in the eyes of the Geats and Danes because shows the trait of generosity, he portrays bravery, and demonstrates loyalty.
Beowulf displays generosity throughout the poem. Beowulf generously agrees to “purge all evil” (Raffel 166) that the Danes have in their hall. He does not have to help the Danes but does and vows to do it with only his hands. Beowulf always goes into to battle before his men and telling them to “wait close by” (679) only to help if in dire need. They could all go into to battle together but Beowulf does what very few leaders do, which is go into battle first. With his last breath Beowulf tells Wiglaf “to lead his people” (888) meaning he wants him to be the next king. Beowulf could appoint anyone who would have already known how to run the Geats but is generous and rewards Wiglaf for his loyalty. Throughout the poem the main character Beowulf …show more content…
Beowulf feels that his duty “was to go to the Danes” (150) to repay them with loyalty after they gave aide to his father. By helping the Danes in their time of need Beowulf is showing the trait of loyalty. He continues to show his loyalty to Danes by “sav[ing] [them] once more” (575) but from Grendel’s Mother. Though Beowulf has come to the rescue of the Danes once already and repaid his debts he continues his loyalty which ultimately works in his favor. A much older Beowulf is loyal to his people as he “[strides] calmly, confidently toward the tower” (690) where an angry dragon lives and destroys his kingdom. Beowulf risks his life to defeat the dragon and to defend his people. Because of his loyalty Beowulf shows the ideals of an epic