Characteristics Of Heroism In Beowulf: A Hero's Journey

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A hero’s journey begins with an epic tale of bravery and achievements. The journey of any hero starts with the hero himself conveying to the audience that he or she possesses noble qualities. Beowulf shows many examples of heroism through characteristics such as, heritage physical strength, and leadership. Beowulf stood strong against the most daring evils and quests within the story and this is just one of the many characteristics this legendary hero possessed. The story of Beowulf explained that he had royal blood from his father, who was a king, and that he also contained the strength of 30 men in each play of his hand. The stories of this brave soul was known all throughout the lands and tribes not of his own. Beowulf had many victories …show more content…

Courage is an act, or thought of true bravery. The will to do something, something heroism is really focused on. Heroism is putting others first by throwing yourself into a mad fray of danger or chaos in order to save another’s life. Beowulf uses battle swords in every challenge he is confronted with such as Grendel, the mother of Grendel, as well as the dragon that began to attack Beowulf’s own people. Beowulf and his most trusted friend Wiglaf defeat the beast, although not without Beowulf being bitten by the beast first. Wiglaf sinks a sword in the dragon 's belly, but this still does not kill the dragon, but rather wounds. Beowulf, with what strength he had left, stabbed the dragon with a dagger and kills him once and for all. Beowulf proves yet another valiant move with the courage he possesses by continuing to fight even when he has little to nothing …show more content…

They have great communication skills and generally work amongst the people. Good leaders need all of these skills or qualities. Beowulf does not sit out on a battle, he fights with his men rather than avoiding it. He communicated very well with everyone and gives people a reason to look up to him. Beowulf upon his last breaths, gives kingdom to wiglaf because as a great leader he must know who is fit to rule his land and gives it to someone he trusts. Beowulf rules for fifty years, which tells the audience he was well liked as a ruler. Beowulf knew one thing: many heroes you see do not practice often; humility. beowulf counted on God’s help through his quests, always prayed to his God and gave thanks to Him. Before his last battle, Beowulf senses his death is near. He realizes that this will be his last battle should he choose to fight. Even knowing this will be the last time he will be protecting his people, he still goes out in battle. This is a true marking of a leader. He is not afraid to die to save his people, what the future may hold for the hero, even if it is not on earth. Beowulf did not turn and run, he had the opportunity when many of his men failed to stand behind Beowulf during the fight against the dragon. Beowulf knew that it was his duty as king and protector to kill the beast that was laying siege to his people and precious

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