Beowulf is a centuries old epic poem which has no known author. The origins of the poem are pagan, but many Christian elements were added during the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. This intriguing tale of a hero and mysterious monsters is considered an important part of Anglo-Saxon history. Beowulf, the protagonist, is a fearless hero who risks his life to save others. Throughout the story, he battles many ferocious beasts and eventually becomes a highly respected king. Beowulf is an ideal hero because he shows great bravery when fighting monsters, he demonstrates loyalty by staying true to promises he makes, and he is selfless because he puts others’ lives before his own. One Beowulf’s most heroic qualities is his unmatched
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All of Beowulf’s endeavors are motivated by loyalty. In the beginning of the story, Beowulf travels to the Danes stating that his people, the Geats, recommended that he rid the Danes of Grendel’s terror. After speaking with their king, Hrothgar, Beowulf promises to do everything in his power to save them from Grendel. “My purpose was this; to win the goodwill of your people or die in battle…” (Beowulf, page 29) Not long after, Beowulf stays true his promise and kills Grendel. Even after saving the Danes once, Beowulf would not stop until his promise to protect them was truly fulfilled and he fought with Grendel’s mother. He ignored his chance to leave Herot after surviving his fight with the first monster, and he stayed and defeated the second monster. Many decades later, the reader learns that Beowulf has become king of the Geats and successfully governed and ruled over his people. When a dragon threatens his citizens, Beowulf does not hesitate to go after the beast himself. Even after 50 years, Beowulf remains loyal to his people by risking his life for …show more content…
When the Danes were in desperate need of a hero, Beowulf reached out, without having to be asked, and offered his aid. He does not know how dangerous the monster Grendel may be, but he is quick to put others’ lives before his own. Beowulf survives the battle with the first beast, but a second beast begins terrorizing the people. Again, without hesitation, Beowulf voluntarily seeks after Grendel’s mother and fights her alone, so no one else could be harmed. Although Beowulf is proud of the many battles he has won, it is obvious that he battled Grendel and his mother for the sole purpose of saving the lives of the Danes and not to glorify himself. After Beowulf had become king of the Geats, a dragon threatened his citizens. Even in his old age, Beowulf volunteered himself to kill the beast. He had the option to send other warriors who were younger and stronger, but he still went himself so only his life would be endangered. In the end, Beowulf knew death was inevitable for him. With the help of Wiglaf, his last remaining relative, the dragon was slayed. “Hurry, bring me ancient silver, precious jewels, shining armor and gems, before I die. Death will be softer, leaving life and the people I’ve ruled so long, if I look at this last of all prizes.” (Beowulf, page 111) Beowulf’s dying wish was that Wiglaf brought the treasure back not for himself, but for his people
All of Beowulf’s endeavors are motivated by loyalty. In the beginning of the story, Beowulf travels to the Danes stating that his people, the Geats, recommended that he rid the Danes of Grendel’s terror. After speaking with their king, Hrothgar, Beowulf promises to do everything in his power to save them from Grendel. “My purpose was this; to win the goodwill of your people or die in battle…” (Beowulf, page 29) Not long after, Beowulf stays true his promise and kills Grendel. Even after saving the Danes once, Beowulf would not stop until his promise to protect them was truly fulfilled and he fought with Grendel’s mother. He ignored his chance to leave Herot after surviving his fight with the first monster, and he stayed and defeated the second monster. Many decades later, the reader learns that Beowulf has become king of the Geats and successfully governed and ruled over his people. When a dragon threatens his citizens, Beowulf does not hesitate to go after the beast himself. Even after 50 years, Beowulf remains loyal to his people by risking his life for …show more content…
When the Danes were in desperate need of a hero, Beowulf reached out, without having to be asked, and offered his aid. He does not know how dangerous the monster Grendel may be, but he is quick to put others’ lives before his own. Beowulf survives the battle with the first beast, but a second beast begins terrorizing the people. Again, without hesitation, Beowulf voluntarily seeks after Grendel’s mother and fights her alone, so no one else could be harmed. Although Beowulf is proud of the many battles he has won, it is obvious that he battled Grendel and his mother for the sole purpose of saving the lives of the Danes and not to glorify himself. After Beowulf had become king of the Geats, a dragon threatened his citizens. Even in his old age, Beowulf volunteered himself to kill the beast. He had the option to send other warriors who were younger and stronger, but he still went himself so only his life would be endangered. In the end, Beowulf knew death was inevitable for him. With the help of Wiglaf, his last remaining relative, the dragon was slayed. “Hurry, bring me ancient silver, precious jewels, shining armor and gems, before I die. Death will be softer, leaving life and the people I’ve ruled so long, if I look at this last of all prizes.” (Beowulf, page 111) Beowulf’s dying wish was that Wiglaf brought the treasure back not for himself, but for his people