How Does Beowulf Show Bravery

Bravery by definition is the quality a person possesses that allows them to face a dangerous situation without showing fear. Both Sir Gawain and Beowulf show instances of this character trait. Beowulf shows many examples of bravery during the many battles he fights in the epic poem. He faced Grendel, a monster who had struck fear into the hearts of the people who lived in or near Herot, with a fearlessness only a hero could possess. The fighter then puts his abilities up against the great monster’s mother. “He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s answer; the heaving water covered him over” (Pg. 53 L. 450-452). He again showed great bravery and tenacity. The years did not diminish Beowulf’s bravery. In his later years, he dauntlessly faced a vicious fire-breathing dragon. “I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which of us wins” (Pg. 59 L. 620-622). The hero showed that bravery, in some, can be timeless. …show more content…
His act or acts of bravery were more situational. He volunteered to be part of a bargain, which in turn, forced him to be brave to avoid being labeled a coward. “Deal out my doom if you can…” (Pg. 236 L. 266). His bravery was more of a mental refusal to show cowardice than it was a display of his confidence in his physical ability. “I’ll start no more until your axe has hit-and that I swear” (Pg 236 L. 267-268). Sir Gawain didn’t necessarily show strength of body, he showed strength of mind which manifested itself as