A hero is defined as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Based on this quote alone, it is quite clear that Beowulf - the protagonist of an Anglo-Saxon epic of the same name - is a hero. He fits the basic definition of what it means to be a hero. But, there is actually much more to Beowulf’s character. As Beowulf develops throughout the epic, his less appealing traits become clear to the reader. Through both his actions and his intentions, it is clear that Beowulf is not only reckless, but also selfish and egotistical. These traits are the driving forces behind important plot points and allow for significant character development.
In many of the major conflicts in the poem, Beowulf …show more content…
In the period that “Beowulf” takes place, your reputation was all you had; it was the legacy that you would leave behind. People would do anything to improve their reputation, and Beowulf is no exception. Beowulf’s decision to defeat Grendel for Hrothgar, while heroic, was an attempt to earn glory for himself and his men. In his declaration to Hrothgar, Beowulf states, “That I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall” (165-166). Beowulf is asking that the Danes do not help fight in their own mead hall, so Beowulf and his fellow Geats may earn all the glory from defeating Grendel. A similar situation occurs when Beowulf is about to fight the dragon. Rather than having his men fight alongside him, Beowulf has them stay behind, so he can fight the dragon alone. Beowulf says “Wait for me close by, my friends. We shall see, soon, who will survive this bloody battle” (679-680). He sends his men away so that, if the dragon is defeated, Beowulf can claim the glory for himself. With that being said, Beowulf is trying to help Hrothgar by defeating Grendel, and he originally goes to fight the dragon because it is attacking his people. But there is also the underlying motive of improving his own reputation; to leave behind an even greater legacy. While Beowulf’s heroic deeds helped a great number of people, they also concealed his own …show more content…
In numerous dialogues, Beowulf spends a significant amount of time talking only about how amazing he is and all his accomplishments. He describes himself in a way that suggests that he is superior to everyone. Beowulf provides such a description in his argument against Unferth:, where he proclaims, “The truth is simple: no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine…nine was the number of sea-huge monsters I killed. What man, anywhere under Heaven's high arch, has fought in such darkness, endured more misery or been harder pressed?” (265-267, 307-311). Beowulf feels superior to everyone around him, and feels the need to boast about his great deeds to everyone around him. Oddly enough, Beowulf’s arrogance is actually beneficial to the reader. His lengthy monologues provide context and information that the reader would not have otherwise; it is the reason his character is so fully developed. Although it is often disliked by the reader, Beowulf’s arrogance is significant to the development of his
In many of the major conflicts in the poem, Beowulf …show more content…
In the period that “Beowulf” takes place, your reputation was all you had; it was the legacy that you would leave behind. People would do anything to improve their reputation, and Beowulf is no exception. Beowulf’s decision to defeat Grendel for Hrothgar, while heroic, was an attempt to earn glory for himself and his men. In his declaration to Hrothgar, Beowulf states, “That I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall” (165-166). Beowulf is asking that the Danes do not help fight in their own mead hall, so Beowulf and his fellow Geats may earn all the glory from defeating Grendel. A similar situation occurs when Beowulf is about to fight the dragon. Rather than having his men fight alongside him, Beowulf has them stay behind, so he can fight the dragon alone. Beowulf says “Wait for me close by, my friends. We shall see, soon, who will survive this bloody battle” (679-680). He sends his men away so that, if the dragon is defeated, Beowulf can claim the glory for himself. With that being said, Beowulf is trying to help Hrothgar by defeating Grendel, and he originally goes to fight the dragon because it is attacking his people. But there is also the underlying motive of improving his own reputation; to leave behind an even greater legacy. While Beowulf’s heroic deeds helped a great number of people, they also concealed his own …show more content…
In numerous dialogues, Beowulf spends a significant amount of time talking only about how amazing he is and all his accomplishments. He describes himself in a way that suggests that he is superior to everyone. Beowulf provides such a description in his argument against Unferth:, where he proclaims, “The truth is simple: no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine…nine was the number of sea-huge monsters I killed. What man, anywhere under Heaven's high arch, has fought in such darkness, endured more misery or been harder pressed?” (265-267, 307-311). Beowulf feels superior to everyone around him, and feels the need to boast about his great deeds to everyone around him. Oddly enough, Beowulf’s arrogance is actually beneficial to the reader. His lengthy monologues provide context and information that the reader would not have otherwise; it is the reason his character is so fully developed. Although it is often disliked by the reader, Beowulf’s arrogance is significant to the development of his