Heroism Shown Through Anglo-Saxon Literature How can someone be defined as an epic hero? During the Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, being a hero was like being a warrior. A hero had to be courageous, strong, and intelligent. They had to be willing to face the odds and even sacrifice death for glory and for their people as well. But, above all else, the Anglo-Saxon hero had to remain humble and kind throughout all of their triumph. Characteristics of what it means to be a hero are shown through the Anglo-Saxon core values. One of the most famous stories during the Anglo-Saxon time period is Beowulf. This story tells us about a hero named Beowulf and how he sails out to Geatland to rescue King Hrothgar and the Geats from the terrible beast,
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Throughout his epic quest, he is not afraid to be brave in every situation he is thrown at. An example of his bravery was shown when he was asked by King Hrothgar to come to Geatland and rid them of this terrible monster who has been wreaking havoc on them for years. “So Beowulf chose the mightiest men he could find, the bravest and the best of the Geats, fourteen in all, and led them down to their boat” (Beowulf, 119-122). This proves Beowulf’s bravery because he was the head man for the Geats. By choosing the mightiest and the bravest of all people, Beowulf reflects that he himself must be even more brave in order for him to be able to lead his people Therefore, by Beowulf choosing the brave men that he did, he not only proved just how brave he was, but also proved that he was by far an epic …show more content…
Beowulf shows generosity in pretty much every situation he has been in. He would take on any challenge no matter what the outcome would be, even if it meant death. One of the best ways to show the limits of the generosity of a person is the sacrifices they make. One of the greatest sacrifices Beowulf made was when he said, “When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle” (Beowulf, 364-367). In this statement, Beowulf is saying that he is willing to risk his own life if it means he ca help save the Geats. This generosity testifies his heroic nature and epic hero
Throughout his epic quest, he is not afraid to be brave in every situation he is thrown at. An example of his bravery was shown when he was asked by King Hrothgar to come to Geatland and rid them of this terrible monster who has been wreaking havoc on them for years. “So Beowulf chose the mightiest men he could find, the bravest and the best of the Geats, fourteen in all, and led them down to their boat” (Beowulf, 119-122). This proves Beowulf’s bravery because he was the head man for the Geats. By choosing the mightiest and the bravest of all people, Beowulf reflects that he himself must be even more brave in order for him to be able to lead his people Therefore, by Beowulf choosing the brave men that he did, he not only proved just how brave he was, but also proved that he was by far an epic …show more content…
Beowulf shows generosity in pretty much every situation he has been in. He would take on any challenge no matter what the outcome would be, even if it meant death. One of the best ways to show the limits of the generosity of a person is the sacrifices they make. One of the greatest sacrifices Beowulf made was when he said, “When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle” (Beowulf, 364-367). In this statement, Beowulf is saying that he is willing to risk his own life if it means he ca help save the Geats. This generosity testifies his heroic nature and epic hero