Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

Improved Essays
In the poem Beowulf the main character is described as the “perfect hero”. Throughout the poem his heroism is described in both youth and age while dealing with different conflicts with different people. Beowulf has always been a hero in this poem but it never honestly caught people's eye until he defeated the Grendel. Some of Beowulf’s most important traits as an epic hero include bravery, loyalty, and the willingness to risk his life for the greater good. These characteristics are exemplified in Beowulf’s epic deeds, including slaying Grendel and his mother. Beowulf later also demonstrates the epic trait of being a just ruler of his people, the Geats, and sacrificing his life to slay the dragon that threatens them.He is an epic hero for many

Related Documents

  • Great Essays

    Heroism In Beowulf Essay

    • 2325 Words
    • 10 Pages

    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
  • Superior Essays

    The epic story of Beowulf portrays a young man determined to find his place in the Anglo-Saxon society as a hero, encouraged upon him from his youth, Beowulf was enthralled, one can even say he was obsessed, with the idea of fame and accomplishment. His desire for both inspired him at the moment ,and throughout the remainder of his life as a leader amongst leaders and a true hero in the complete sense of the term. Beowulf is different than most heroes in…

    • 1443 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    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
  • Improved Essays

    So, what epic hero traits does Beowulf possess? Beowulf exemplifies all of the epic hero’s traits. Beowulf is courageous, brave, strong, courage, and the desire to become immortal through heroic deeds. From killing Grendel and showing bravery for killing Grendel’s mom.…

    • 648 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Courage is a value illustrated in Beowulf because warriors are the most respected people in that time. Once killed, a warrior can be paid off with a death price worth much more that that of a peasant’s. All “the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness” (Beowulf 2). Shield was a respected king and warrior because he provided the citizens with the feeling of constant protection. He made the enemies the least of their worries.…

    • 197 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Cassie LeBlanc English IV Ms. Robinson 2 March 2016 Beowulf Beowulf fought and won many battles in his time. Many knew him as a hero as others just heard stories. He was strong, courageous and brave throughout his lifetime as a warrior and a king. Anglo Saxon culture is how Beowulf and his era were supposed to behave.…

    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Loyalty In Beowulf

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf is the clear cut hero in the poem and is highly regarded by everyone. He earned the title of greatest hero through his determination in battles but also because he perfectly satisfies his social responsibilities. With the character of an enlightened, refined man and the vitality of a warrior,…

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    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
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf's Heroic Traits

    • 791 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Beowulf Of all the people we meet in life, few are heroes. A Hero is defined as “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.” In the epic poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf could be considered a hero. He displays many heroic traits such as bravery when he defeated Grendel, fearlessness when he killed Grendel's mother, and loyalty when he became king of the Geats fifty years later. When Hrothgar’s hall was being attacked, Beowulf was there to help.…

    • 791 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf is an epic poem revolved around the theme good versus evil and how Beowulf is considered a hero. To begin with an epic poem is a narrative about heroic deeds. Beowulf demonstrates this by Going on the hero's journey. He is brave and skilled warrior that once hearing of Grendel's destruction goes to slay him. In the narrative Beowulf, warriors follow the heroic code: having strength, courage, generosity, and honor.…

    • 1757 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf As A Hero Essay

    • 522 Words
    • 3 Pages

    But in all, Beowulf fulfilled his role as an extraordinary hero. Finally, Beowulf was a man of great principles, this is seen in lines 169-175 "my lord Higalac might think less of me if i let my sword go where my feet where afraid to, if i hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me,struggle for life against the monster. God must decide who will be given to God's grip" He was a man who was willing to die for his believes, he believed that if he died in battle, it was because he was destined to do so. Among Beowulf characteristic was his bravery, honor, superhuman strength, dedication to his people, standing by his principle, even though it might cost him his life.…

    • 522 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Heroism In Beowulf

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages

    BEOWULF the epic of ENGLAND BEOWULF is term used to described the heroism epic of England. Beowulf is a man whose primary target is to kill the enemy of underwater serpeant, land killer's and other hazardous beast,who hurts and killed people around them. In the beginning of the movie I thought that the Beowulf is the beast who attack people in the village. But the Beowulf itself is the hero or man who killed beast. It gives more attention and focuses to watch it.…

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    They value Battles, Heroes, and Heroes who win the battle and protects the people, and heroes who fight constantly and die with honor. The story Beowulf is an epic poem which contains all of the following which made it very popular. Beowulf, the main character of the story, is an example of an epic hero because of his amiable traits, performing deeds and exemplifying morals that are valued by the society. Two of the ways Beowulf of the Beowulf takes on the role of an epic hero is by protecting…

    • 1034 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf, an epic poem composed around 750 AD (Greenblatt 26), is a story of a Dane named Beowulf and his astonishing feats of bravery and sacrifice. Beowulf’s actions showcase his strength, sacrifice, honor, faultlessness, courage, compassion, and seemingly inborn, infallible behavior. Even onlookers termed him “stout of heart” (Beowulf 338), “noble” (314), and “formidable” (370). Beowulf is a quintessential hero who lived a for the good of others and died for the good of others. The moral throughout the story of Beowulf is that self-sacrifice is an overt trait of the classic hero figure.…

    • 1372 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    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