Hubris In Beowulf

The epic poem Beowulf took place in Herot. The epic poem is regarding Beowulf as he adventures to fight the evil monsters throughout his life. What makes a hero? What are moral values of a hero? Are hero’s expressed to be hubris or altruistic. Beowulf expresses hubris characteristic throughout the epic poem as he is fighting for himself to be, remembered by his talents, glory and displayed to be above average. Within the epic poem, “Beowulf”, the character Beowulf displays hubris characteristics throughout the times defeating the monsters. Beowulf does not defeat the monsters for the people of Herot, but himself. Beowulf wants to win the battles with the monsters for self-importance. He wants everyone in Herot to cheer for him. Throughout …show more content…
The Anglo- Saxon culture in Beowulf envied the culture of honor, strength and boastfulness parsing a hero for their courage. He is concerned about the glory and the aspect of always winning. Beowulf is pointing out in each battle that he will win before even making an appearance with the monster. He demonstrates arrogance as a a part of his character. Before Beowulf defeated Grendel, he explained his accomplishments in a way, which would show defeating Grendel would be an essay task for him. Beowulf also, mentions how he is very powerful. Beowulf wants glory for what he completes due to Beowulf’s strong ego. Beowulf desires glory for the accomplishments he makes of defeating the monsters “They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me raise from the darkness of war, dripping with my enemies blood. I drove five great giants into chains, chased all of that race from the earth”. (151-155). Beowulf wants to be portrayed better than anyone as he is able to take down any task in front of him. He does not want anyone to think less of him because he thinks his expression of himself being a hero is the way everyone in Herot should believe in