Beowulf: Characteristics Of An Anglo-Saxon Hero

Characteristics of Beowulf Societies create heroes when they are needed. For example, during World War II comic book writers created Captain America to show citizens a character that emphasizes patriotism. Back in the Anglo Saxon Era, people created their version of a superhero; Beowulf. Beowulf exemplifies the characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon hero by proving he has a strong moral code, honor and larger than life strength throughout the epic poem. One of the most important traits that all heroes have is a strong moral code. He was willing to fight a monster that was killing other people even though it wasn't his problem. His men and him sailed across the sea to herot to help another kingdom kill the monster, Grendel. Even as he got older and became a king, he still always took care of them. For example, when the dragon was tormenting his people, he still had the courage to …show more content…
An example would be that he was able to slay the monster named Grendel with his bare hands. All his men were trying to fight with swords and other weapons, but weapons did not affect Grendel in the slightest. Beowulf chose to fight bare handed not for that reason, but because he chose to give Grendel a fair fight. Showing his strength, Beowulf killed the monster by ripping its arm off. Another example is when Beowulf fights Grendel's mother, he slayed her with a sword that no other man was able to lift. Honor is a big aspect of life, especially in the Anglo Saxon Era of english history. Everything you did reflected your family name, and a person would do whatever it took to uphold the integrity of their families name.Beowulf shows honor because he always took pride in his family name. He boasted about his father anytime that he had a chance to, for example when he was in the meal hall with the rest of the Geats before they were going to battle Grendel’s mother he was boasting about himself and his family and what they have