Essay On Selflessness In Beowulf

Improved Essays
Show More
Register to read the introduction… Beowulf displays actions of selflessness through out the poem. His first action was by coming over to Heorot and defeating Grendel. After peace is achieved he walks into certain death to stop the terror of the Dragon that has been destroying his kingdom. Instead of having his men join him in battle he sends them off so that he may fight the Dragon alone and not risk other’s lives. After the Dragon is defeated he asks that all the spoils go to all those in the kingdom so that could prosper. Destroying the presence of evil in the kingdom of Heorot was an exceptional feet, but what makes Beowulf stand out is his purpose. He fought, neither for the glory nor riches, but for the sake of the people. This quality alone is exceptional enough to make Beowulf a …show more content…
Beowulf’s strength was not enough to kill the Dragon. Beowulf’s courage and selflessness was what ultimately defeated the Dragon. Beowulf needs the aid of Wiglaf to defeat the Dragon, because the Dragon was too powerful. In the beginning of the poem Beowulf’s definitive heroic characteristic is his strength. However in his battle with the Dragon he displays other characteristics. If Beowulf’s sole heroic quality was his strength than when he discovered he was not as strong as the Dragon he would have either fled or called for help. His courage and self-sacrifice is what aided him in his defeat of the Dragon. Even his death is heroic. Beowulf’s death encourages his men to have courage in themselves and at the same time inspires them to new heights. A hero more than anything needs the confidence and courage to defeat a villain.
Beowulf’s fight against the Dragon shows his heroic characteristics. He displays his heroism by fighting the Dragon, displaying feats of strength and courage while fighting the Dragon, and by his selflessness. Beowulf’s battle is the climax of the story and fittingly it is also his highest showing of heroism. The other two battles build upon each other. Each one showing more heroic qualities than the other. His heroic qualities are simple at first because only his strength is shown, but when he sacrifices his life to kill the Dragon, he gives up the greatest treasure he owned and showed his best heroic

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    How Does Grendel's Mother Show Heroism In Beowulf
    • 303 Words
    • 2 Pages

    How Does Grendel's Mother Show Heroism In Beowulf

    ZOOM Beowulf EssayThe epic “Beowulf” describes all the way through how Beowulf is a hero. Beowulf shows many examples of heroism throughout the poem. Beowulf versus Grendel and Beowulf versus Grendel’s mother show signs of commitment and the “never back down” attitude. Beowulf killing the dragon and risking his own life is the final act of heroism. When Beowulf fought Grendel, he decided to fight with no means of self defense other than his own hands.…

    • 303 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Decent Essays

    Beowulf Is A True Hero
    • 281 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf Is A True Hero

    What is a true hero? Someone who slays dragons and beasts? Or just someone who people admire and respect? Although people can argue and debate over what a hero is, classic literature can often define what it means to be a true hero. In the story of Beowulf, Beowulf is not only strong and brave, but honest and generous also.…

    • 281 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Ideals In Beowulf
    • 714 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Ideals In Beowulf

    Heroic people and ideals are frequently demonstrated throughout traditional epics. A hero to most would be someone who has courage and sacrificed his life for others. However, there are also negative traits of a hero. In Beowulf’s three fights against three monsters he uses different methods, techniques, weapons, and he wins different “trophies” each time. He defeated Grendel, the reckless monster, and his malicious mother one-on-one.…

    • 714 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Decent Essays

    Beowulf Hero Quotes
    • 627 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf Hero Quotes

    Prompt one I believe that Beowulf Is a hero because unlike cowards he stands up for himself as well as others. Beowulf shows that he upholds about 5 ethical codes varying from bravery to strength, all because of his heroic actions. Beowulf is called on in a town to come and save everyone from Grendel and the dragon.…

    • 627 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Decent Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    The Characteristics Of Heroism In Beowulf As An Epic Hero
    • 1174 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Characteristics Of Heroism In Beowulf As An Epic Hero

    In the story “Beowulf,” Beowulf was able to prove himself as an epic hero. He was able to show his heroism through many different battles, including the battle with the dragon, Grendel, and Grendel’s mother. Beowulf is treated…

    • 1174 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Decent Essays

    Example Of Heroism In Beowulf
    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Example Of Heroism In Beowulf

    Beowulf was a successful ruler and his warriors trusted him as much as he trusted them. The story of Beowulf will always be known for its Anglo Saxon characteristics of loyalty and heroism. Beowulf survived many battles because of his devotion to his people and his heroic attributes. He will always be viewed as a hero in his era from all the great things he accomplished in his lifetime.…

    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
    Read More
  • Great Essays

    Beowulf Archetype Essay
    • 2516 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Beowulf Archetype Essay

    Time went on and Beowulf was starting to age. When the dragon was disturbed Beowulf knew this was going to be his last fight (Zemeckis). He could sense it within himself. He knew he must fight this dragon, alone, and he would save his people for the price of his own life. Beowulf was one of the first to help form the archetype of a hero.…

    • 2516 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Great Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero
    • 548 Words
    • 3 Pages

    How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

    Many people think that Beowulf is a epic hero because of the traits he possesses. Epic heroes need certain characteristics and traits that are different from the norm. Traits of an epic hero include a great amount of bravery, strength, and courage that no other could possess. Beowulf showed us as the reader those heroic characteristics in the battle against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and also the dragon. He is indeed a epic hero because of defeating those three monsters with the traits that would define an epic hero.…

    • 548 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Great Essays

    Heroism In Beowulf Essay
    • 2325 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Heroism In Beowulf Essay

    In a world that is constantly evolving, the traits and actions of a hero adapt over time. What constitutes as heroism in one culture could be cowardice in another. In terms of literature, Beowulf has stood the test of time and has consistently been regarded as the epitome of heroes. While the character for whom the epic is named after performs a few daring deeds, what sets Beowulf apart from others is the exploration of his heroism in two distinct phases. The beginning of the tale starts with Beowulf in his youth; he is strong, brave, quick to volunteer to do what needs to be done.…

    • 2325 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Great Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Comparing Beowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
    • 1270 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Comparing Beowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

    Beowulf, the hard headed, gung-ho warrior, proves himself worthy in the face of any impossibility. Success, in the face of death, presents a change in character of anyone. In the case of Beowulf, he comes out as a much wiser, more mature fighter and warrior. His success helps him to develop more improved tricks and techniques to his fighting and leading style. These techniques create followers who build a legacy out of Beowulf.…

    • 1270 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Compare And Contrast Epic Poem And Beowulf
    • 802 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Compare And Contrast Epic Poem And Beowulf

    He is portrayed as an epic hero that can withstand anything. In the movie, on the other hand, Beowulf lies and is sometimes very cowardly. It could be argued that this was done to humanize the character, but unfortunately this lead to Beowulf’s death against his son, the dragon, to be very unrighteous. Because he lied about killing Grendel’s mother, his character’s death isn’t as honorable as it was in the poem. It felt unsatisfying that he died the way he did.…

    • 802 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Human Traits In Beowulf
    • 1369 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Human Traits In Beowulf

    His willingness to sacrifice his life for his people is yet another characteristic of an epic hero. The first major example of Beowulf’s bravery is presented to the reader when he decides to fight Grendel with his bare hands saying, “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” (166-169). In this instance, Beowulf presents his bravery by stating that he refuses to fight Grendel with a weapon, simply because Grendel would not be using one. Beowulf knows that there is a possibility that he could get hurt, or even worse die, but his bravery and willingness to protect others overpowers those thoughts.…

    • 1369 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    What Makes Beowulf An Epic Hero
    • 1034 Words
    • 5 Pages

    What Makes Beowulf An Epic Hero

    What Makes an Epic Hero? The story Beowulf is England’s earliest masterpiece originated from the Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is considered as the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. Through Beowulf we can understand what the Anglo-Saxons valued.…

    • 1034 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    Beowulf Hero's Journey Analysis
    • 1127 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf Hero's Journey Analysis

    In Beowulf, Beowulf, the main character, is regarded as a hero. He is known throughout the Land of the Danes and the Land of the Geats as fearless and courageous when he comes to their aid to help slay Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and a Dragon. Beowulf’s heroism is exemplified in two phases: the first is youthful heroism and the second is mature heroism, once he is crowned King. Throughout his life, Beowulf helped not only his own people, but also those in other lands. People look up to him for his great strength and the ability to never back down from a challenge, even when he knows fate might bring him to his death.…

    • 1127 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    The Heroic Code In Beowulf
    • 2007 Words
    • 9 Pages

    The Heroic Code In Beowulf

    Seen as “the mightiest man on earth/ high-born and powerful”(ll. 197-198), Beowulf engaged in three major battles leading up to his death. Within each of the three battles, courage was always brought along as a source of strength. Before even engaging himself into the battle with Grendel, Beowulf sailed over to the Danish shore to help Hrothgar protect his people and to defeat this ruthless demon. When the battle approached he courageously stepped up to fight and this showed his devotion to the heroic code and to the Danish people.…

    • 2007 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More

Related Topics

Ready To Get Started?
Discover
Company
Follow
©2025 Cram.com
Privacy Policy |  Cookie Policy |  About Ads |  Site Map |  Advertise  | 
  • Cookie Settings