Beowulf Embodies Heroic Ideals

716 Words2 Pages

In Beowulf the classic epic, Beowulf, the hero of the epic, and other major characters reflect heroic ideals and beliefs of courage, generosity, unquestioning loyalty and devotion. Courage is most evident throughout Beowulf Beowulf does not back down from any challenge that stands in his way whether it be Grendel, Grendel’s mother, or the dragon. His bravery is most evident in his preparation for his fight with Grendel, Beowulf, “took off his shirt of armour, the helmet from his head, handed his embellished sword, best of irons to an attendant,…” He chose to bravely fight his foe, man to beast without weaponery for he knew it would be “cowardly” to defeat Grendel with a sword and armor when Grendel himself had none. Even in his latter years, as an aged man, he would personally go an...

Show More
Related

  • Beowulf, Burton Raffel: Definition Of An Epic Hero

    808 Words  | 2 Pages

    Since the beginning of Beowulf, the character Beowulf shows courage in everything he does. This is proven when he battles Grendel, a descendant of Cain that haunts the halls of Herot. Beowulf being a mighty protector of men, holds the monster down until his life leaps out (Beowulf lines 472-475). As Beowulf battles Grendel, he is determined to

    Read More

  • The Epic Poem, Beowulf - Beowulf and Heroic Virtues

    1196 Words  | 3 Pages

    Although the main character in Beowulf is Beowulf himself, I believe that the single section which most concisely illustrates the heroic values in this poem occurs on pages 61 through 64 of the text, and is illustrated not by Beowulf's actions, but by Wiglaf's. Although Wiglaf is by nationality Swedish, he identifies himself as Beowulf's kinsman when he says "I did begin to help my kinsman." (Chickering 64)

    Read More

  • Gawain, King Arthur, and Beowulf Show Bravery

    414 Words  | 1 Pages

    Beowulf shows off his bravery when facing Grendal. “Like Grendal, gripped in my hands and torn, but his breath will be burning hot, poison will pour from his tongue” (Raffel, 670-673). Beowulf has boldness; here it shows that he is not afraid of Grendal even after his hands were torn off. He showed even more bravery when all of his men abandoned him and he was all alone to fight Grendal.

    Read More

  • Beowulf As A Hero

    907 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are many things to take into consideration when characterizing a person as a hero. Heros are typically seen as people who accomplish brave deeds and fulfill noble tasks for the greater good of things. In the epic poem Beowulf by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet a hero is revealed. What makes Beowulf a hero is his unbelievable strength and power. He does not get discouraged or let anything stear him away from what he feels needs to be done for the safety of others. In his battles with the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon Beowulf exhibits his strength and will to fight. Beowulf, is loyal to his people and his king. What I feel is the most important quality of Beowulf, though, is his willingness to risk his life for the good

    Read More

  • Beowulf: An Embodiment of Heroic Anglo-Saxon Virtues

    2074 Words  | 5 Pages

    Beowulf 's courage originates from his certainty that he can overcome creatures utilizing distinctive techniques. Hailey W. Odessa states Goodness, unwaveringness, civility, equity, and courage all portrays the attributes a perfect saint would have. At that point she says in the lyric Beowulf, there is one character that conveys all and a greater amount of these expressed attributes, and that character is without a doubt the hero known as Beowulf. We as a whole need to comprehend life is an exceptional voyage. Beowulf 's life changed when he got more seasoned. The main question is the thing that makes somebody a saint? Components of being a legend are appeared all through Anglo-Saxon fundamental qualities. A standout amongst the most prestigious

    Read More

  • Beowulf: A Courageous and Strong Hero

    566 Words  | 2 Pages

    An epic is a long narrative poem on a serious subject. It usually is about

    Read More

  • Beowulf The Hero

    860 Words  | 2 Pages

    society. In Beowulf, Beowulf shows extraordinary courage and strength that gives him special status. This notion is shown, when Beowulf fights Grendel and Grendel’s mother, but it is especially noticeable when he fights the dragon. When Beowulf fought Grendel others had the courage to attempt to fight him. The same is true with Grendel’s mother. When Beowulf goes to fight the Dragon, the other warriors cower away into the woods. Beowulf shows his courage by fighting the Dragon. Even when Beowulf is fighting the Dragon and realizes that his sword can do no damage he continues to fight. After Beowulf is on the verge of death he shows a combination of courage and strength by delivering the death blow to the Dragon, and not just laying down to die. Beowulf’s strength is shown when he is able to actually do battle with the Dragon; any normal man would have fallen to the dragon immediately.

    Read More

  • Beowulf: Three Characteristics Of The Epic Hero

    1064 Words  | 3 Pages

    A hero can not simply be defined as someone who has outstanding qualities and abilities, a hero also has distinguished courage and is admired for having these aspects of their character for brave and noble acts. An Anglo-Saxon hero is a person who has tremendous leadership qualities, is able and willing to provide people with a sense of security, and is willing to go into danger despite possible harm to themselves. All of these qualities is what distinguished Beowulf above others by doing a good for the greater of everyone. He is someone who is willing to put their own lives on the line for the benefit of others. Beowulf the epic hero can be described simply by these three traits,

    Read More

  • The Epic Of A Hero: Beowulf As An Epic Hero

    1255 Words  | 3 Pages

    “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” This was said by the main protagonist in the epic poem Beowulf. Beowulf himself becomes an epic hero throughout the story be demonstrating that he is on a quest, by becoming significant and glorified by his people, and by risking his own safety and possible death for the greater good of society.

    Read More

  • Epic Hero: Beowulf

    757 Words  | 2 Pages

    ... enormous risk that all the instincts of self-preservation resist”(Hanning 60). Beowulf is always ready to take the risks for the fame.Beowulf “fight Grendel alone and without weapons to maximize his chance for glory; if he fails he is fully aware that it will mean death”(Hanning 61). This clearly shows his bravery and how hard he goes to gain glory, and he values them all more than his life. His bravery keeps him to fight for glory, and this quality clearly makes him an epic hero.

    Read More

  • Beowulf Heroism Essay

    975 Words  | 2 Pages

    Beowulf displayed great courage and honor throughout his journeys and battles; he was an epic hero. An epic hero is a person who is viewed as larger than life and possesses values of a certain society. From the time of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel to his brawl against the dragon, he has showed everyone what being an honorable hero looks like. His heroism is revealed through both youth as a young warrior and wisdom as a reliable king. He never backed down and didn’t give up when situations were tough. Beowulf had obligations to fulfill and went about every aspect of his life with courage and strength. He cared for his people and was willing to take on anyone that threatened them or his kingdom. He sincerely was the hero of his time.

    Read More

  • Beowulf as an Epic Hero

    588 Words  | 2 Pages

    What are the qualities of an epic hero? An Epic hero is a hero on a

    Read More

  • Beowulf The Epic Hero

    1321 Words  | 3 Pages

    What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.

    Read More

  • Beowulf: Mock-Heroic Hero

    417 Words  | 1 Pages

    Beowulf is a heroic tale; "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is mock-heroic. In what ways does Chaucer use "The Nun's Priest's Tale" to ridicule the heroic style? Increased length is a clear result; name other story elements or writing techniques Chaucer uses.

    Read More

  • Beowulf Is A Hero

    470 Words  | 1 Pages

    Beowulf also shows courage in all of his battles. His intelligence is far above any others. He used the sword made by the giants to kill Grendel’s mother. In lines 210-222, it describes how he was quick and saw the sword “hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic…and struck with all the strength he had left, caught her in the neck and cut it through…”

    Read More

More about Beowulf Embodies Heroic Ideals

Open Document