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.…
One of the characteristics that Beowulf had like an Anglo-Saxon Hero was his bravery. He didn’t have any fear of going head to head with different creatures that he battled. For example, Beowulf said, “I drove five great giants into chains… hunting monsters out of the ocean.” (p.50). He conquered these massive and difficult tasks without fleeing away or refusing to do them.…
A True Warrior Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, is an epic poem written about Beowulf, a true warrior, who has strength, courage, and compassion for others. Throughout this poem, Beowulf is constantly demonstrating these characteristics. He shows compassion for others by battling for the better of others. He shows courage by battling against creatures who are much bigger, intimidating, and stronger than him. Finally, he demonstrates strength by never giving up on battles, even as his death was approaching.…
There are many characteristics that describe the ideal Germanic hero. These are pride, desire for glory, and battle prowess. In Beowulf, the title character possesses all of these characteristics and more, thus representing the heroic archetype. Beowulf is an outrageously proud man. He knows that he is great and is extremely delighted by his accomplishments.…
What is a true hero? Someone who slays dragons and beasts? Or just someone who people admire and respect? Although people can argue and debate over what a hero is, classic literature can often define what it means to be a true hero. In the story of Beowulf, Beowulf is not only strong and brave, but honest and generous also.…
Historical Context In the epic story of Beowulf it reflex to an Old Norse Culture. It was written between 8th century and 11th century in England and it is one of the most important poems in old English literature. The Reflection from the epic story to Old Norse Culture, all men must be fearless, strong, full body armor, and kill enemies and monsters in traditional battle. The Character Beowulf is a perfect example to meet all the expectations in Old Norse culture.…
Beowulf is an epic poem revolved around the theme good versus evil and how Beowulf is considered a hero. To begin with an epic poem is a narrative about heroic deeds. Beowulf demonstrates this by Going on the hero's journey. He is brave and skilled warrior that once hearing of Grendel's destruction goes to slay him. In the narrative Beowulf, warriors follow the heroic code: having strength, courage, generosity, and honor.…
What Makes an Epic Hero? The story Beowulf is England’s earliest masterpiece originated from the Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is considered as the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. Through Beowulf we can understand what the Anglo-Saxons valued.…
The Good, the Bad, and Beowulf Although no confirmation can be made regarding Beowulf’s author, an indisputable aspect of the great epic poem is its Anglo-Saxon origin. In fact, this Old English influence plays a significant role in the work, and ultimately governs the behaviors and conduct demonstrated in the poem. These heroic code behaviors exemplified typically include: a courtly demeanor, unparalleled strength, and valor. However, perhaps the most prominent value evidenced in Beowulf, is the inherent display of morality.…
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.…
Beowulf, an epic poem composed around 750 AD (Greenblatt 26), is a story of a Dane named Beowulf and his astonishing feats of bravery and sacrifice. Beowulf’s actions showcase his strength, sacrifice, honor, faultlessness, courage, compassion, and seemingly inborn, infallible behavior. Even onlookers termed him “stout of heart” (Beowulf 338), “noble” (314), and “formidable” (370). Beowulf is a quintessential hero who lived a for the good of others and died for the good of others. The moral throughout the story of Beowulf is that self-sacrifice is an overt trait of the classic hero figure.…
All highly acclaimed fighters and leaders present in Beowulf, embody the characteristics found most praiseworthy by the Anglo Saxons. As demonstrated throughout the epic poem Beowulf, fame is the most virtuous goal that can be reached, and is only achieved by the strongest and most selfish warriors in the Anglo Saxon society. Lof, which in Anglo Saxon times meant fame after death, is the driving force for warriors to brashly risk their lives in order to be seen as the best. No matter the challenge a warrior faces or how difficult it may be, “he who can earn it should fight / for the glory of his name; fame after death / is the noblest of goals” (1387-1389). In Anglo Saxon culture, shying away from a task is seen as form of cowardice, and it brings dishonor onto one’s race.…
These two great literary pieces, “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” revolve around the idea of heroes being brave, courageous and honorable. Both are very similar with slight differences, such as the way the hero is depicted throughout the story, the various elements of the stories, magic, and more. These stories influence readers at the time like what it means to be a hero and also there are Christian influences. In “Beowulf”, the main character Beowulf is legendary and venerable.…
The story of Beowulf is considered an epic poem, which means that the main character is a hero who travels great distances to show his strength and succeeds in many trials even against the supernatural. The Anglo-Saxon period is one that lasted six hundred years, from 410 to 1066 and this is the time period that the epic poem of Beowulf is set in. The Anglo-Saxon period had a definite culture that went along with it and this particular culture is reflected throughout Beowulf in many ways. The people of Anglo-Saxon society had definite values that represented their culture. The way the culture is reflected is by the way that Beowulf carries himself, with humility, dignity, and loyalty, the way Beowulf keeps his status through heroic acts of…
Throughout literature, every culture has created their own idea of the perfect man and hero. These cultures were trying to formulate a man who could fight in wars, slay dragons, and rule a country all at the same time. For the Anglo-Saxon people, this ideal hero meant a hero that housed superhuman abilities, the bravery of a lion, a royal background, and glory beyond belief. From the time the reader meets Beowulf; he exhibits the Anglo-Saxon qualities of an epic hero that include superhuman abilities, above average bravery, and excessive glorification of his deeds.…