Tragic Hero In Beowulf

A tragic hero is described as “a virtuous character that is destined for downfall, suffering or defeat”. Tragic heroes also tend to possess tragic flaws. In the movie Beowulf, Beowulf was a powerful Viking that sailed to Geatland to slay a demon named Grendel. Beowulf contained several tragic flaws, which soon led him to his death. Beowulf was boastful, greedy and extremely lustful. He was boastful when he told the story of his “race with the sea monsters.” Beowulf admits that he lost the race, but says that the reason he lost was because he was too busy killing the sea monsters that dragged him under the water. Thanks to Socratic irony, we knew that he was lying and the “sea monster” that dragged him down was really just a beautiful mermaid. As the movie continued, Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel. The demon went back to the cave that he and his mother live in. Not only did Grendel’s mother have to bury her child, she also watched as he slowly bled to death. Infuriated, Grendel’s mother travels to Geatland, seeking revenge for the person responsible for killing her only child. As Beowulf and his men slept in the Heorot (the gathering hall), Grendel’s mother approaches in the night, killing …show more content…
This tragic flaw was portrayed when he decided to lose the race to be with the mermaid that dragged him underwater. If it weren’t for his lustful desires, Beowulf would have won the race. Another instance where his lust for beautiful women occurs is when Beowulf enters the cave of Grendel’s mother. He soon realizes that this “hideous” demon “hag” that he was ordered to slay turns out to be an extremely beautiful creature. Grendel’s mother seduces him and offers him a deal. She promises to make him the greatest king that has ever lived. As always, there was a catch. In order for her to keep her promise, Beowulf must give her another child and allow her to keep the golden drinking horn in her