A Good Hero In Beowulf

In the epic, Beowulf, by Seamus Heaney, the main character, Beowulf, is seen as a great hero to all. This is false. Beowulf is not a hero, he is just a glory driven warrior that does not care about others. He, as a king, should not risk his life to fight the dragon and leave his people to fend for themselves against the other societies looking for more power. If Beowulf is a true hero he would do what is best for his people, not what is best for his ego. Also as he takes his last breathes he is more occupied with having a borrow built in his honor instead of picking a successor or having a plan for his people so they can strive without him. A hero is someone who is selfless and always makes sacrifices for others’ benefit and Beowulf does not …show more content…
When Grendel’s mother comes for her revenge he sees it as a threat or a challenge to his glory. He does not do it to keep the people of Danes safe, he did it to ensure his glory will not fade in their eyes. The battle is not about him, it is about the counsellor who lost his life, but Beowulf naturally twisted it to be for his benefit. “Beowulf was quickly brought to the chamber: the winner of fights, the arch-warrior, came first-footing in with his fellow troops to where the king in his wisdom waited, still wondering whether Almighty God would ever turn the tide of his misfortune”(pg.93). This portrays that Beowulf again only wants to be the hero and continue all of the praise and gifts and parties he is getting from defeating Grendel. For example, “The cup was carried to him, kind words spoken in welcome and wealth of wrought gold graciously bestowed: two arm bangles, a mail-shirt and rings and the most resplendent torque of gold I have ever heard tell of anywhere on earth or under heaven” (pg.85) These perks is what Beowulf is truly after when he ventures off to eliminate Grendel’s mother. He could not do it alone this time, he needs his armor and weapon because she is much stronger than Grendel