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Beowulf compare and contrast modern day hero essay
Beowulf compare and contrast modern day hero essay
Heroism in today's society compared to heroism in beowulf
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Beowulf hero or not? Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac's I, – kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty – have I gained in youth! (”Beowulf”408-410) Francis B. Gummere the author of the epic “Beowulf”, which tells the tale of a hero. For a story that’s supposed to be told about a hero Beowulf’s actions are not the case with many hero’s and maybe for Anglo-Saxon culture, but Beowulf cannot be considered as a hero in modern times. Beowulf is not a modern hero or a hero that would be accepted in today’s society. Beowulf is not a hero because of his lack of morals and compassion, Beowulf not believing in his own men, and Beowulf’s constant need to be the best or accepted by many. For a hero Beowulf lacks a lot of morals and compassion. This is shown here …show more content…
Not that the monster was minded to pause! Straightway he seized a sleeping warrior For the first, and tore him fiercely asunder, The bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams, Swallowed him piecemeal: swiftly thus The lifeless corse was clear devoured, e'en feet and hands. (“Beowulf” 737-746) Beowulf had no compassion he did not try to save his fellow comrade at all when he could. From Beowulf’s point of view again, he is strolling through the surveying the hall: For now prone he saw Grendel stretched there, spent with war, Spoiled of life, so scathed had left him Heorot's battle. The body sprang far When after death it endured the blow, Sword-stroke savage, that severed its head. (“Beowulf” 1561-1595) Beowulf had no remorse cutting Grendel’s head and Grendel was already dead so cutting off his head was over kill. Furthermore, where Beowulf lacks morals in the same way he is strongly in disbelief of his fellow man’s …show more content…
Beowulf does not believe in his men stating he came to Hoerot so he could face Grendel and that his men stand no chance if he does not. Most heroes do things for the great or good not be the best or to be accepted by many. However when Beowulf is confronted with someone telling him he is not best he gloats on past tribulation: Not a whit from me Could he float afar o'er the flood of waves, Haste o'er the billows; nor him I abandoned. Together we twain on the tides abode Five nights full till the flood divided us, (“Beowulf” 542-546). Beowulf is so competitive that he spends five night in raging sea almost killing his life to prove that he is better than someone. To be accepted by Hrothgar he begins talking about himself. "Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac's I, / kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty / have I gained in youth! (“Beowulf” 408-410.”) Beowulf is very self-absorbed and thinks him boasting is the best way to be known. Beowulf awaits 5 nights in cold sea not for the intention of helping people, but just to prove a point and he could have told Hrothgar he wanted to help but he had to tell him how infamous he was as a
In conclusion, although Beowulf possessed many heroic qualities he would not be considered a hero in today’s world. A hero varies from culture to culture. The Anglo-Saxon appreciated different things in a person that what do not we appreciate today. Many things have changed a lot with time, the requisites for being considered a hero have also changed. Today we do not like to solve problems with war. Pride and honor are not as important as the willingness one has to help others. Beowulf is not feeling that contact with people he doesn’t identify with them because he believes himself better, a part of a hero´s cycle is to be identified with the community. To be part
The character of Beowulf stands as a hero to the ancient Danes because of his actions. He is constantly being cited as a "war-chief" and a "gold-giver" (61). Beowulf has achieved fame through what he has done with his own hands. His identity as a leader is based upon the Danish society’s emphasis on personal action, as opposed to the delegation of responsibility through conscious thought. It is this very sense which spurs Beowulf to fight the dragon: "In my youth I engaged in many wars. Old guardian of the people, I shall still seek battle, perform a deed of fame, if the evil-doer will come to me..." (59). Beowulf derives his power from a strong link to the past. Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th...
Once Grendel and his mother are killed, the king showers Beowulf in gifts. Beowulf shows humility and accepts the gifts, and quietly returns to his home. He does not want to bask in his glory. "So they went on their journey, and Hrothgar 's generosity was praised repeatedly"(Beowulf 1885-86). This quote symbolizes the relationship between the King of Danes and Beowulf, because he is constantly thanking him for the gifts. It is not just seen as a business deal where Beowulf has come to provide a service, and collect his reward. There is much more to his actions, he genuinely provides services to the king for the greater good. He is humble in nature, where he is not looking for attention. He does not gloat that he is truly the best warrior he sort of just thanks the king. The king of Danes states to Beowulf "In all things you are even tempered, prudent, and resolute"(Beowulf 17056). It is already known that he is a great warrior, so there is no need for him to overly express
Heroic characters such as Beowulf and Wiglaf do not fight for shallow fame and riches as certain rivals such as Grendel may. The two heroes of the epic exhibit selfless characteristics that contribute to the definition of what “good” means in the fight against wickedness. When Beowulf lays dying after Wiglaf fearlessly assists him in slaying the dragon, Beowulf makes one final request: he wants Wiglaf and his men to construct a memorial for him on the coast of the highly populated sea in Hrothgar’s kingdom. At the surface, this request may seem selfish and immature for a warrior like Beowulf. However, there is significant evidence to suggest that Beowulf’s request for fame is as much for others’ benefit as his own fame and recognition. He aims to gain acclaim, yes, but he also wants to continue his legacy far into the future and paint of picture of true heroism and courage that he lived his life by for generations to come.
Boasting is a common trait among heroes, and something Beowulf constantly did throughout the story. In lines 142-189 for example, Beowulf describes how much of a brave fighter he is and boasts about how he killed 5 beasts in one battle. To summarize, he says that he heard about the Danes’ despair and came to the rescue, and although he was willing to risk his life to save Hrothgar and his people, it was also obviously for fame as well. He assures Hrothgar that the situation will be resolved, and does do his job well, killing Grendel as well as Grendel’s mother after she sought revenge by killing one of Hrothgar’s best men. His arrogance shows again in lines 450-458, after he fearlessly enters the lake that Grendel’s mother lived in. It says that, “He leaned into the lake/Would not wait for anyone’s/Answer; the heaving water covered him…”. Beowulf also fought Grendel’s mother by himself, and even though he ended up winning the battle, it almost cost him his life. Ultimately, Beowulf met his demise in the end of the story, when he volunteered to fight a dragon that was terrorizing the Geats. In lines 606-612, after Beowulf uttered his final boast, “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…”, he went to go and face the problem, only for his war ridden sword to break and his followers leave him fear. Beowulf was essentially helpless until a sole warrior showed, named Wiglaf, and killed the dragon for him. Even though Wiglaf wasn’t seriously hurt, Beowulf was laying on the ground, knowing he was dying and that these were his last moments on Earth, so he only ask Wiglaf that he be buried with the treasure that was in the castle the dragon dwelled in. It goes to show that even the toughest fighters like Beowulf aren’t as invincible as they
Beowulf is selfish because he does not possess the simple trait of humility. The Barbaric Anglo-Saxons did not value traits like humility, generosity, kindness, or selflessness; and Beowulf proves that. Instead of a legacy of thinking of himself as less, Beowulf completely thrived off of himself as the greatest and most worthy on many occasions. When he introduces himself to the Danes, “in his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world (109-111).” After Grendel is viciously beheaded states, “Or between the seas, neither south nor north, was there a warrior worthier to rule over men (542-543).” The story of Beowulf is centered in Beowulf’s
This recognition that Beowulf receives proves his place as the quintessential hero in Anglo-Saxon society. The unknown author recognizes Beowulf as a warrior who “behaved with honor and took no advantage” (149). This quality is important to Beowulf’s image as a hero. The author also days that Beowulf “bore himself with valor” and names Beowulf “Heroic Beowulf” when describing the hero (135, 149). The author’s recognition of Beowulf as having these qualities and as being heroic shows that Beowulf was regarded as a hero during the authors’ own time. This is also confirmed by the several times people in the epic recognize Beowulf’s heroic qualities. Wiglaf, who was with Beowulf during the final battle, is one of the people to recognize Beowulf’s glory-seeking heroics, saying that Beowulf is “a man unequalled in the quest for glory” (179). This statement speaks much of Beowulf’s willingness to search for and his success in finding glory. Beowulf is also recognized by a thane of Hrothgar’s court during his earlier days. This thane recognizes Beowulf’s heroics and begins “rehearsing Beowulf’s triumphs and feats” by comparing him to Sigmund, an old Anglo-Saxon hero (59). The recognition Beowulf receives from the characters in the epic shows that Beowulf was impressive and heroic to Anglo-Saxons who told his
In Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf is shown as a hero with extrodinary strength. This is not what makes him a hero. By definition, a hero is a man of exceptional quality. However this term does not do Beowulf justice. His self-imposed purpose in life is to help others, and eventually sacrifices his own life in doing so. Beowulf’s battle with the dragon serves as a critique of the notion that Beowulf is a hero. The Dragon section displays many of Beowulf’s heoric characteristics. Beowulf establishes himself as a hero by fighting the dragon, exemplifing strength and courage when fighting the dragon, and sacrificing himself so that others can live.
Beowulf, the main character, exemplifies the traits of, what is believed to be, the perfect hero. Beowulf’s warrior style of heroism is depicted throughout his youth and age, describing three triumphant clashes with monstrous creatures. The wisdom and reliability required as king are later represented through the aging of Beowulf. The two different forms of heroism correspond to different models of virtue, and much of the moral reflection in the story centers on the differentiating these two models, and showing the transfer Beowulf makes. The traits that are most evident throughout the poem are the strength and courage Beowulf consistently displays in order to defend the defenseless. He also perfectly embodies the manners and values as dictated by the Germanic heroic code, such as loyalty, courtesy, and pride. Beowulf matures through the teachings of Hrothgar, who becomes a mentor and father-like figure to the young warrior. Though Beowulf possesses an abundance of leadership qualities from beginning, the advice received from Hro...
Beowulf has no doubt in his mind that he is more than able to kill the wretched Grendel. But because of his overconfidence and populari...
Beowulf is a complex character that is cast as the ultimate hero and champion, whose greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. Though his obsession with power yield him courage and strength that allow him to defeat enemies most other warriors cannot bring themselves to fight, his unilateral quest for glory leaves his citizens and kingdom desolate and unprepared for the difficulties they face. Beowulf may be the greatest warrior of one of the greatest epics written, but as is said in the last words about him in the book, his most notable trait is not his greatness as a leader and king but that he is the “keenest to win fame”.
Beowulf was a perfectly shaped epic hero of fame and glory. He possesses uncommon human ability and a very loyal nature. He won the respect of all who came. in contact with him through his champion-like etiquette and dignity. Although these two characters represented entirely different types of heroes, they shared one important similarity.
In the tale of Beowulf, King Hrothgar's village was in great trouble, this is when the great warrior, Beowulf is introduced. He is called by the king to come save the village an atrocious monster. "When Beowulf hears tales of the destruction wrought by Grendel, he decides to travel to the land of the Danes and help Hrothgar defeat the demon." Beowulf traveled to the land of Danes without hesitation to fight a vicious demon. This takes tremendous bravery and courage, due to the fact that he knew that his life would be in danger if he fought the demon. This is only one of many reasons Beowulf is in my opinion a great hero. He deserved all the worship and praised that he received.
A hero is someone that helps others no matter what the situation. There are many qualities that a hero must posses such as bravery, courage, strength, intelligence and honor. These qualities alone are not enough to make a hero. They must also be pure at heart, fight for the good of mankind and only fight when it is to protect the people and not out of revenge. Beowulf is everything a hero should be, but contains a few qualities that a hero should not posses. When Beowulf sailed with his men to Herot he had one goal, to rid the hall of Grendal. Beowulf was under no obligation to destroy Grendal and never asked for anything in return for his services. A true hero would never ask for money or anything of value. He put his life at risk to save the people of Herot, who he didn’t even know, out of his own good nature Great strength has been a trait that has been identified with heroes in many stories and legends. Than he saw hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift... (II. 1557-1560) Beowulf possessed great strength that separated him from other men. Being able to use a sword that no ordinary man was able to carry gives the feeling that Beowulf is something more than a human being. It makes him special and causes him to stand out from all other men. Fame is something that makes a hero more noted. Beowulfs popularity had spread all over the world. He never let this go to his head and he never thought that he was better than everyone else because of it. “Your fame is everywhere, my friend,/Reaches to the ends of the earth, and you hold it in your heart wisely...” (II.1704-1706). A hero should not be foolish or full of himself. Unferth said: You’re Beowulf, are you- the same Boastful fool who fought a swimming Match with Brecca, both of you daring and young and proud,exploring the deepest Seas, risking your lives for no reason But the danger? (II. 506-511) A hero should not have to prove to himself or to anyone else that he is brave, fearless or courageous. If he is pure a heart and his intentions are good then he can be considered a true hero.
In “Beowulf” translated by Burton Raffel, the character Beowulf is portrayed as a brave, courageous, and very pious man. In the pagan tale the underlying motif of Good vs. Evil heightens these characteristics even to the point where Beowulf comes across as a symbol for God and Christianity. He battles “the demon” Grendel (ln. 16), Grendel’s mother, and a fierce dragon, all in order to save those who need aid, primarily the people of Herot. This too is very Christlike because he is serving those lower than himself for the sole purpose of doing the right thing. Although Beowulf is very brave all throughout, he becomes boastful and greedy from the time he first battles Grendel to when he takes on the dragon.