Beowulf: A Hero

Beowulf resembles a hero to some people because he has strength. For example, “If weapons were useless he’d use his hands, the strength in his fingers.” (p.54. L 489.) Beowulf is so strong that he does not need a weapon in order to fight off the evil that he faces. Another example is when the poem says, “They have seen my strength for themselves, have watches me rise from the darkness of war. . .” (p.43. L 151.) This shows that his people know of his strength and knows that he is able to conquer evil.

Not only does he have strength, but he also has courage. For Example, when Beowulf and his men arrive at the land of the Danes, Wulfgar says to Beowulf, “My lord, the great king of the Danes commands me to tell you that he knows of your noble birth and that having come to him from over the open sea you have come bravely and are welcome. . .” (p. 43. L 127.) This shows that the king of the Danes, Hrothgar, respects Beowulf and knows of his courage. Also, the poem states, “I have heard, too, that the monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I.” (p.44. L 166.) This shows of Beowulf’s courage to fight Grendel without having fear.

Although Beowulf has the strength and courage to be a hero, he lacks the most important thing: a good heart. As Beowulf arrogantly says in the poem, “I drove …show more content…
One of these traits are courage. For example, in the poem it states, “ And since this affair that’s befallen us here is so foolish, and since I have asked for it first, let it fall to me.” (p. 231. L 135.) This statement shows the Sir Gawain has the courage to take on this beheading contest, although he is mortal. The poem also proves his courage by saying, “The Green Knight greets Sir Gawain, who, with a pounding heart, bows his head to take his blow.” (p. 236.) Knowing that he would die, Sir Gawain still had the courage to stay true to their agreement and get