“A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men” (Plato). An epic hero is one who works and exceeds above everyone else exhibiting the ability to care for people like no other and spread courage throughout a large group of people. The main character from Heaney’s translation of the epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf uses his ability to put himself in life-threatening situations as a way of uniting his people and bringing a sense of leadership into Geatland. Beowulf’s brawl with the dragon illustrate that one must exhibit courage, integrity, and unselfishness to not only rise as a successful leader, but create a legacy to be remembered as a hero.
The …show more content…
Firstly, just as they were reminiscing on how Beowulf became a leader of the Geats, the narrator stated, “Yet there was no way the weakened nation/ could get Beowulf to give in and agree/ to be elevated over Heardred as his lord/ or to undertake the office of kingship. / But he did provide support for the prince, honored and minded him until he matured as the ruler of Geatland” (2373-2379). The descriptor how Beowulf has “matured” highlights Beowulf’s coming of age due to all his past journeys. This mental growth alludes to his successful leadership of Geatland, Beowulf realizes the importance of expressing care and loyalty towards those around him. Accordingly, just after Beowulf found out he was going face the dragon, the poet exclaimed, “After many trials,/ he was destined to face the end of his days,/ in this mortal world, was the dragon,/ for all his long leasehold on the treasure” (2341-2344). Treasures symbolize both wealth and well-being. The use of alliteration in the “long leasehold” highlights Beowulf’s willingness to …show more content…
In addition, when the fight scene between Beowulf and the Dragon got bloody, the narrator said, “Once again the king/ gather his strength and drew a stabbing knife/ he carried on his belt, sharpened for battle./ He stuck it deep in the dragon’s flank./Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound./He had killed the enemy, courage quelled his life; that pair of kinsmen, partners in nobility,/had destroyed the foe./So every man should act,/ be at hand when needed; but now, for the king,/this would be the last of his many labors/ and triumphs in the world” (2700-2711). The description that Beowulf’s courage “quelled” highlights his own form of bravery in every moment in his life. Quelled often refers to subduing, therefore Beowulf sacrifices all aspects of his life to stand up for his people, which proves his ability of being a leader. Moreover, when Wiglaf was trying to find Beowulf, the poet stated, “Wiglaf went quickly, keen to get back, / excited by the treasure. Anxiety weighed/ on his brave heart- hoping he would find the leader of the Geats alive where he had left him helpless. Earlier, on the open ground./ So he came to the place carrying the treasure and found his lord bleeding profusely,/ he life at an end; again he began to squad his body” (2783-2791). The blood of Beowulf is red and the fact that it is pouring out “profusely” points out
The …show more content…
Firstly, just as they were reminiscing on how Beowulf became a leader of the Geats, the narrator stated, “Yet there was no way the weakened nation/ could get Beowulf to give in and agree/ to be elevated over Heardred as his lord/ or to undertake the office of kingship. / But he did provide support for the prince, honored and minded him until he matured as the ruler of Geatland” (2373-2379). The descriptor how Beowulf has “matured” highlights Beowulf’s coming of age due to all his past journeys. This mental growth alludes to his successful leadership of Geatland, Beowulf realizes the importance of expressing care and loyalty towards those around him. Accordingly, just after Beowulf found out he was going face the dragon, the poet exclaimed, “After many trials,/ he was destined to face the end of his days,/ in this mortal world, was the dragon,/ for all his long leasehold on the treasure” (2341-2344). Treasures symbolize both wealth and well-being. The use of alliteration in the “long leasehold” highlights Beowulf’s willingness to …show more content…
In addition, when the fight scene between Beowulf and the Dragon got bloody, the narrator said, “Once again the king/ gather his strength and drew a stabbing knife/ he carried on his belt, sharpened for battle./ He stuck it deep in the dragon’s flank./Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound./He had killed the enemy, courage quelled his life; that pair of kinsmen, partners in nobility,/had destroyed the foe./So every man should act,/ be at hand when needed; but now, for the king,/this would be the last of his many labors/ and triumphs in the world” (2700-2711). The description that Beowulf’s courage “quelled” highlights his own form of bravery in every moment in his life. Quelled often refers to subduing, therefore Beowulf sacrifices all aspects of his life to stand up for his people, which proves his ability of being a leader. Moreover, when Wiglaf was trying to find Beowulf, the poet stated, “Wiglaf went quickly, keen to get back, / excited by the treasure. Anxiety weighed/ on his brave heart- hoping he would find the leader of the Geats alive where he had left him helpless. Earlier, on the open ground./ So he came to the place carrying the treasure and found his lord bleeding profusely,/ he life at an end; again he began to squad his body” (2783-2791). The blood of Beowulf is red and the fact that it is pouring out “profusely” points out