Heroes In Beowulf

Improved Essays
Beowulf is a story about heroes. Traditionally, heroes are people who sacrifice for others when needed; they do as much as they can even when not asked. Heroes are found through all walks of nature, they could be a normal pedestrian or the local fireman. In the story Beowulf heroes are defined as men who are loyal, proud and accept their fate. A hero is someone who’s loyal to his men, his followers and kingdom. Beowulf’s loyalty is demonstrated when he is willing to risk his life for the safety of his kingdom and his warriors. ”As his words ended, He leaped into the lake,” by Beowulf jumping into the lake and being gone for hours on end his kingdom and warriors thought he was definitely dead. This lake was not normal the kingdom described

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Is Beowulf A Hero

    • 519 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Is Beowulf a hero or not? This is the big question that many want to answer. Although he didn't do all the heroic thing heroes would traditionally do doesn't mean he isn't a hero. This was my first time hearing the story and I wouldn't at first have called him a hero he just seemed like he was conceded. I guess people in the Anglo Saxons it was considered formal boasting therefore it was normal for people to be boasting about themselves and what they can do.…

    • 519 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • 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

    The epic poem Beowulf tells a story of a hero coming from a different land to lift the shroud of evil off Herot. Hero’s in an epic poem must exemplify traits of bravery, strength, courage, and the want to achieve immortality through heroic actions and deeds. In the poem Beowulf the main character Beowulf exemplifies all of these traits. Bravery, all epic heroes possess this trait especially Beowulf. The beginning of the story, Grendel travels into Herot and kills thirty people.…

    • 648 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Beowulf Hero Quotes

    • 627 Words
    • 3 Pages

    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
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf Heroes Today

    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf and heroes of today have a similar colossal superior effect on the society. Beowulf is heroic for his magnificent bravery. In the story, Beowulf was a brave enough to stand up and try to kill the antagonist. Heroes today are heroic for their intelligent opinions. As for Oprah, she gives her opinions about life.…

    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Beowulf Is A Hero

    • 94 Words
    • 1 Pages

    belowulf is a great hero battling he risked a lot he tried his best always. he wanted to save the people and make things better for them.battling from one to another. all the great trophies be was bringing back from heads,shoulders,etc. he was a god,a good one. he had a battle wiith Grendel's mom she was kind of a hard one…

    • 94 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent 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 Epic Hero

    • 316 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The story of Beowulf follows the Geatish hero through his various adventures, elaborating about each event and battle. Beowulf, the great epic hero of the story, fits the mold of the typical hero in most epic poems. Just like the hero’s in other tales, Beowulf has several of the qualities it takes to become a great hero such as strength and honor, but also possesses a tragic flaw that ultimately leads to his death. Beowulf, along with Odysseus, Achilles, and Gilgamesh, are all epic heroes and all epic heroes generally have some of the same qualities as each other. Wisdom, loyalty, pride, and courage are all great examples.…

    • 316 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf Epic Hero

    • 982 Words
    • 4 Pages

    What are the fundamentals of an epic hero, and how does this epic hero Beowulf relate to the Anglo-Saxon world that thrived so long ago? While reading the spine tingling work Beowulf, I discovered the answers to these confounding questions. This work of evolutionary poetry paved the way for all epic heroes and their destinies. The simple complexity of this work is breathtaking, and it is more than meets the eye. When it comes to analyzing this stunning masterpiece it is hard to merely put into words.…

    • 982 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf wanted fame and fortune for his deeds. The definition of a hero is someone who does an honorable deed for someone without wanting a reward for their actions. During the story Beowulf heard about a monster terrorizing a King and his men, Beowulf then traveled to the land of the King to defeat this monster. After defeating the monster and his mother Beowulf was rewarded with honors…

    • 716 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    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
  • Superior Essays

    While some critics believe that the villains are unfairly judged by society, the poem remains a classic example of heroism and bravery. Beowulf is viewed as the quintessential hero in old English society, though it is not just because of his strength and valor. He comes from a noble, well-known family, and he respects the traditions and…

    • 1376 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Good And Evil In Beowulf

    • 1222 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Putz defines a hero as, “...someone who is willing to sacrifice his life for someone and that is what Beowulf does in every battle” (Putz 1). According to Bloom, the characteristics that make Beowulf a hero are his strength,…

    • 1222 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Beowulf is undoubtedly a hero in the Anglo-Saxon era due to the bravery and courage he displays throughout this poem. By never backing down from a challenge Beowulf puts himself in the hero category amongst others. In our current society today a hero is defined as “a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character”. I believe a hero to be someone who puts their own life on the line to keep others safe. Someone who is not afraid to sacrifice everything they have to save someone else.…

    • 1168 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays