Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

“With great power comes great responsibility”― Voltaire. Heroes have always influenced people’s lives. The characteristics of a hero are usually based around the ideas of a society or culture. They help guide society into deciding who they are and what they want to be. Heroes give someone the inspiration needed to overcome problems in life, and that is why they’ve been a fundamental component since the beginning of proven life in 5000 BCE. Beowulf perfectly embodies the idea of a hero. He is selfless with moral integrity, as well as having brawns and bravery; all of which are traits that someone can look up to, and while his story may have been written over a thousand years ago, Beowulf’s heroism has echoed through the ages into modern day

Beowulf begins as many epic tales do, by introducing the hero. The author tells the reader of how Beowulf has trekked oceans and slain monsters; Beowulf is introduced in the story, “Over sea, a day's voyage off, Beowulf, of the Geats, nephew of Higelac, king of the Geats, hears of Grendel's doings and of Hrothgar's misery. He resolves to crush the fell monster and relieve the aged king” (-------). Right away the epic plunges into the Beowulf possessing this loyal and selfless attitude. In the quote, it identifies that Beowulf, although being of royal stature, is willing to leave his homeland to help a fellow king by slaying a gruesome monster that has been terrorizing and killing Danes. He is willing to risk his life several times throughout the poem, which is indicative to many people’s perception of a modern day hero. In Beowulf’s last heroic affair in Beowulf, he made the powerful sacrifice of his life. In attempt to slay the dragon, he became fatally wounded, and although Beowulf wants fame and glory for his own name, he also is selfless when it comes to the well being of his people; “To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been thus allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die”(--------). On Beowulf’s last remaining time on Earth, he expresses his appreciation that

In Beowulf, he displays countless actions of bravery. One that really stands out in the text is when he is elderly and has to face the dragon that is rampaging and destroying his kingdom; “I won’t shift a foot when I meet the cave-guard: what occurs on the walls between the two of us will turn out as fate, overseer of men, decides” (----------). When he declares that he will not shift a foot when he sees the dragon, Beowulf’s faith in himself and the forces beyond him will lead him through the battle without fear. It also shows the fate of the two of them has already been foreseen; Beowulf knows that he will die with the dragon alongside him. Even though he understands his fate will be sealed by his choice to fight the dragon, he bold enough to take responsibility and protect his kingdom. When Beowulf heard of the atrocities that Grendel was committing to the people of Herot, it was his actions that proved him strong and worthy as their savior. “…deny myself the use of a sword and a broad yellow shield in battle; but I shall grapple with this fiend hand to hand…” (---------). Beowulf makes his battle with Grendel more than a simple slay-the-monster task by announcing that it will be a hand-to-hand combat. This quote exemplifies Beowulf’s confidence in his strength, even though it is reckless. Being weaponless did not hinder Beowulf’s capability to defeat Grendel, though. "[Grendel] twisted in pain,