Beowulf Hero Quotes

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A hero, as defined by Oxford Dictionary, is a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. It takes a lot to be a hero, you have to be able to do something that many others aren’t able to. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character of the same name displayed qualities that would definitely label him as a hero. He was courageous, he had outstanding achievements and he displayed noble qualities. Beowulf was very courageous. He was willing to go up against Grendel, a monster who had been terrorizing Heorot Hall. Everyone else feared Grendel except Beowulf. Beowulf even went as far as going up against Grendel without any weapons. He “Cast off then his corselet of iron,

His life was on the line but he was courageous enough to go against Grendel. When Beowulf also said, “Of force in fight no feebler I count me, in grim war-deeds, that Grendel deems him.” (678-679) This quote also shows Beowulf’s courageousness because he believes that Grendel is no better than him. This also proves that Beowulf wasn’t afraid to fight Grendel. Many outstanding achievements were accomplished by Beowulf. He fought off formidable foes and became king of Geatland where he ruled for 50 years. Beowulf’s most outstanding achievement, in my opinion, is when he fights off the mighty dragon who threatened his land and his people. Despite his old age he still felt that it was necessary to fight the dragon. The poem states “Atheling brave, he was fated to finish this fleeting life, his days on earth and the dragon with him, though long it had watched o’er the hoard,” (2350-2353) From this quote it seems as if Beowulf knew he was going to die but was willing to die to protect his people and to continue to live up to his legacy. It is very outstanding to

He was loyal and honorable. Beowulf said “No skill is his to strike against me, my shield to hew though he hardy be, bold in battle; we both, this night, shall spurn the sword,” (682-685) He knew that Grendel didn’t use weapons. Therefore, Beowulf decided to not use weapons either, making the fight a fair one. Beowulf is also loyal in his decision to help King Hrothgar. Hrothgar knew Beowulf’s father Ecgtheow and had helped him before. This is what caused Beowulf to be loyal and help Hrothgar. Beowulf also displays loyalty to Heardred. The poem states “Hygd made him offer of hoard and realm, rings and royal-seat, reckoning naught the strength of her son to save their kingdom from hostile hordes, after Hygelac’s death.” (2378-2381) This is showing that Queen Hygd offered Beowulf the kingdom because she doubted her son’s strength. Instead of accepting Beowulf declines. Beowulf “upheld him with helpful words, aided in honor, till, older gown he wielded the Weder-Geats.” (2386-2388) Instead of just taking Heardred’s position as king he stood up for him. This shows just how loyal Beowulf was. Lastly, Beowulf was loyal to his people when he became king. He was willing to die for them by slaying the