Archetype In Beowulf

There are many characteristics that describe the ideal Germanic hero. These are pride, desire for glory, and battle prowess. In Beowulf, the title character possesses all of these characteristics and more, thus representing the heroic archetype. Beowulf is an outrageously proud man. He knows that he is great and is extremely delighted by his accomplishments. This is shown when he says, “I drove / Five great giants into chains, chased / All of that race from the earth…” (lines 248-250). This display of pride continues as he mentions how he used to hunt terrible sea monsters in the deep darkness of the ocean (250-254). Furthermore, he tells King Hrothgar that he will fight Grendel with his bare hands, since he has heard this is how Grendel fights, adding, “My lord Higlac / Might think less of me if I let my sword / Go where my feet were afraid to…” (264-266). Clearly, he is proud of his accomplishments and values his good reputation. Along with his pride, he also has a great desire for glory. He wants to be …show more content…
He is afraid of nothing, including his own death. He decides to fight Grendel with his bare hands even though that horrible monster is capable of killing thirty men at once (36-40). He knows that there is a good chance that he could be defeated, yet he would rather die than go through life feeling like a coward. After he defeats the dreaded monster Grendel, he shows his amazing courage once again. He goes straight into combat with Grendel’s mother, pursuing her “For hours…” to the bottom of her lake (469). He has absolutely no fear, and of course, he is victorious. Even as an old man, leading up to his fight with the fire-breathing dragon, Beowulf states, “I’d use no sword, no weapon, if this beast / Could be killed without it…” (630-631), later adding, “My heart is firm, / My hands calm…” (630-640). And although the dragon does mortally wound Beowulf, he fights bravely to the bitter