The desired qualities of epic heroes includes bravery and strength, but the most common quality that these heroes yearn for is glory. The anonymous epic poem Beowulf is about the battles of a Geatish warrior named Beowulf. Beowulf defeats multiple grotesque monsters, some of which afflict pain on humans and kill them. In his final battle with a dragon, Beowulf dies, but he ends up earning considerable of glory and honor. People see Beowulf as savior from vicious beasts. The epic poem Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel depicts that Beowulf’s personality and actions embody the classical traits of an epic hero instead of a traditional hero because he is a braggadocio and exhibits superhuman strength and courage.
Throughout the story, Beowulf
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Thought the story, Beowulf proves that he is extremely strong and he even leaves this impression on the Danish people. When Beowulf meets Hrothgar for the first time, Hrothgar describes Beowulf’s hands as those “‘that moved with thirty men’s strength’” (380). Beowulf is just one person, but has the strength of many men, which makes him perfect for fighting Grendel who is also exceptionally strong. In fact, when Grendel comes to attacks Herot, he “[s]natched up thirty men” (122). Beowulf has the same strength as a powerful monster. Later on in the poem, when Beowulf fights Grendel, Grendel realizes that his “strength was deserting him, his claws bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at / His hands” (812-14). As the mighty Grendel starts to lose power, Beowulf easily rips Grendel’s arm off of his body, just with his bare hands. In doing so, Beowulf proves that he has superhuman strength. Beowulf also demonstrates excessive strength when he goes to kill Grendel’s mother. He faces many problems while fighting Grendel’s mother, but he sees a potentially useful sword “so massive that no man could lift / Its carved and decorated length” (1560-61). No ordinary person can lift this sword, however Beowulf draws it from the scabbard, exhibiting tremendous strength and utilizes it to kill the mother. At different times in the poem, Beowulf has more strength than the …show more content…
Beowulf is brave and he does not avoid doing anything that might be dangerous or risky. Beowulf is even willing to give up his life, when he performs some of the courageous deeds. For example, when Beowulf plans to fight Grendel, he tells Hrothgar: “‘the monster’s scorn of men / Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. / Nor will I’” (433-35). Beowulf has the audacity to fight Grendel, who frightens everyone with no weapons. He wants to kill Grendel with just his bare hands, even though it is a very challenging task and he could possibly die. Another time Beowulf demonstrates his bravery is when he goes to fight Grendel’s mother alone. When the Geats and the Danes arrive at the lake where Grendel’s mother lives, they see that the bloodstained water is full of “serpents swimming in the boiling / Lake, and sea beasts lying on the rocks” (1426-27). After seeing this lake, nobody is brave enough to dive in and fight the mother, except for Beowulf. Beowulf, who decides to help the Danes one more time, dons his armor and jumps into the hellish lake. Even at the end of the poem, Beowulf continues displaying courage, when he fights a savage fire breathing dragon. At this point in the poem, Beowulf’s youthful days are gone and he is an old man. Even though Beowulf is old, he declares, “‘I will fight again’” (2513). After stating this, Beowulf goes alone with a shield and a sword to
Beowulf was a true hero, in the eyes of many, through said traits. He fought a number of battles and was triumphant in all, except his last battle. Beowulf possessed the skills and power necessary to kill Grendel, the monster who had been terrorizing the Danes for over a decade, with his bare hands. While fighting, Beowulf detached Grendel’s arm from his shoulder, which was later hung up as a trophy. Beowulf eventually put an end to Grendel’s life, and naturally, Grendel’s mother had pursued Beowulf. Although Grendel’s mother was an even deadlier monster than her son, Beowulf once again proved his abilities by slaying her, as well. He slashed her neck with a sword that carried unbearable weight. Afterwards, he carried her head with only his own arms, while it took the a...
There is an epic hero in almost every legend ever told. The hero could be a mortal human who came from nothing, a creature that used to be evil, an immortal god, or even a group of people. In Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf, the mortal man-of-the-hour is Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow. After he settled the feud for his father, he then carried out more amazing deeds and accomplishments. Beowulf portrays great strength, bravery, and is also very faithful to his kingdom. The totality of these qualities is not just a large mass of adjectives; each characteristic plays a special part.
Beowulf is “the strongest of the Geats -- greater / and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (ll.110-111). Even though he is famous for his massive strength, Beowulf has other attributes that are noticeable other than his strength. These attributes, arrogance, bravery, and a strong love for his people are what make Beowulf become such a powerful, epic hero. Beowulf is arrogant. He constantly brags about his supreme strength. The “strongest man alive” lets people know that he is the most powerful person around by saying, “no strength is a match for mine” (l.267). Beowulf does not think that he could ever be destroyed by anything. He obviously never questiones how his fighting ability would be when he was around seventy. Since Beowulf is convinced that God is watching over him, his ego makes him act as if he is invincible, because of the idea that he has a guardian angel. But, as Beowulf gets older, wiser, and fights in more battles he should realize that there was a possibility that he can die. Beowulf also boasts about his many battles, and is proud of himself for winning all of them. One of these triumphs is the battle in the water when he meets up with nine sea monsters which he killeds, and fights with a monster that is digging its jaws into Beowulf’s flesh. Beowulf proclaims that “ I fought that beast’s last battle, / left it floating in the sea” (ll.290-291). This epic tale reads that while Beowulf is in battle with Grendel’s mother, all he cares was about the fame he would get for defeating her. Unferth thinks that Beowulf was arrogant, by saying, “ You’re Beowulf, are you the same / Boastful fool who fought a swimming / Match with Brecca” (ll.239-241). Yes, Beowulf is a boastful fool that loves the attention that his strength gives him. A strong man and an arrogant one, Beowulf is also brave. Even after all of the horror stories that he hears about Grendel, he still fights the cursed beast without any hesitation. When he battles with Grendel, he does it without the things that everyone else would use--weapons. This shows that Beowulf is not scared of anything in the world. He also must be brave to fight a sea monster after swimming in the ocean for days. He went straight into battle exhausted, from the strenuous journey across the ocean.
He is helped along in all of his battles by God. Beowulf states that this is the only supernatural aid that he needs. Therefore, God provides for him when Beowulf needs aid the most. An example of Beowulf's supernatural aid is when he is fighting Grendel's mother. He travels far away into the depths of a forbidden lake in search for her. When he finds her Beowulf attempts to cut at the flesh of the beast with Hrunting, but the blade is unable to pierce her skin. He then attempts to take on the beast just like he took on her son, with his bare hands. Unfortunately, this did not seem to work either as she matched him blow for blow. When all hope seemed lost Beowulf catches a glimpse of a mighty sword hanging on the cave wall. He takes the weapon and proceeds to decapitate the beast head. Beowulf makes claims that he would not be back in Hrothgar's presence if it had not been for God and his guidance. As he retails the legendary tale, he states “I’d have been dead at once,/ And the fight finished, the she-devil victorious, / If our Father in Heaven had not helped me.”(II. 1656-1658). Beowulf also states, “ Unferth's noble weapon, could do nothing, / Gives guidance to those who can find it from no one / Else. (II. 1659-1664). Beowulf seemingly is a indestructable human; he possess all of the qualities that a hero is made up
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.
In the beginning of the novel, Beowulf takes interest in the plight of Hrothgar, King of Denmark, and wants to help him fight Grendel. Grendel is a large monster that has been harassing members in the mead-hall of the Heorot. Beowulf owes Hrothgar a favor, due to the fact that Hrothgar saved his father in years past. Hrothgar is honored to have Beowulf attempt to fight the swamp monster, and decides to hold a feast in his name. When Grendel shows up to the feast, Beowulf illustrates his bravery by fighting Grendel without any armor. When Beowulf wins the battle by ripping Grendel’s arm off, everyone in the mead-hall praises Beowulf for his acts of courage. In this scene, Beowulf proves that he is a hero by fighting off a monster that everyone else was afraid of. This made him look
Beowulf is truly an epic hero, because of his wisdom, strength and bravery. These characteristics keep him set apart from all other character. He would take any risk to defeat his enemy and to gain glory. Even when he dies, he defeated his opponent and gained more glory to his name. In Beowulf, there are series of battles centered around the heroic figure Beowulf, who is an epic hero.
A hero in mythology and legend is a man often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for bold exploits, and favored by the gods. Beowulf, the strongest man alive and the greatest Anglo-Saxon warrior, distinguishes himself as this kind of hero. When Herot is in danger of being destroyed by the ferocious beast Grendal, Beowulf raises hell to the menacing beast. Through his brave actions and deeds, Beowulf demonstrates heroic qualities and that is revered by Anglo-Saxon and those which are also universally respected.
Every culture has many stories and poems to represent what they believe in, and what they look for in a hero. The heroes written in these stories and myths are brave, and are leaders. However, every hero comes with a flaw or two. The epic poem Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, has an extraordinary hero named Beowulf. Beowulf was a hero to the Anglo-Saxons which were fierce warriors who fought a lot. Beowulf fights many brutal monsters and threats in his days, but the most barbaric of them all is the inside threat within him. Beowulf had a big ego, and focused more on creating a name for himself than thinking about the real risks ahead. Two of his major battles that he faced along with his internal peril was against the dragon, and the beast Grendel.
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.
When the story begins, Beowulf has gone to the land of the Danes to kill Grendel for the people, not for the glory. Beowulf brings his own hand picked, group of soldiers with him throughout his battles, and refuses to allow help from others. Beowulf also tells the readers he will not use weapons unless necessary. Before the battle against Grendel, a Denmark officer states, “A chosen warrior who bravely does battle with the creature haunting our people, who survives that horror unhurt, and goes home bearing our love” (ln. 210). Also, when Beowulf’s men abandon him in the battle against the dragon, he does not choose to run in fear, but to continue fighting. In this moment much like in his past, Beowulf shows how honorable he really
Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, is an old English epic that reflects the Anglo-Saxon culture. This epic is the story of a hero, Beowulf, who goes on several journeys to battle evil. Throughout his journey the reader discovers Beowulf’s strength and courage as he faces his many battles. Beowulf exemplifies archetypes that can be connected to other literature across cultures such as a hero as a warrior, the task, and the shadow.
Beowulf jumped into the murky lake, where he sunk for hours and hours. When he encountered Grendel’s mother, she clutched him in her claws and took him to an area which was similar to a battle-hall. Beowulf mightily fought the mother as he swung his sword at her, knowing nothing could kill her evil skin. But, he did not give up; for all he wanted to prove was his bravery, honor, and courage. After being knocked off of his weary feet, Beowulf pulled himself up and continued fighting. This part of the story proved Beowulf to excel in skill, strength, and courage; just a few characteristics of an epic hero. After getting up, Beowulf discovered a sword hung on the wall, so massive no regular man could lift. The story states, “Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy sword… But so massive that no ordinary man could lift… He drew it from its scabbard, broke the chain… and struck with all the strength he had left” (lns. 530-538). Beowulf had once again defeated another strong demon. Back on land, the Danes and Hrothgar left assuming Beowulf had been defeated. Many believed they would never see Beowulf again. Shortly after, Beowulf appeared, sword and all. “He who rules time and seasons, He who is truly God” (lns. 582-583). The people celebrated and showered Beowulf with rich treasures. Another characteristic of an epic hero, which Beowulf proves himself to own in this section, is honor.
Beowulf is called upon again to defeat this monster. Beowulf puts on his armour and takes the sword Hrunting and descends into the monster’s lair. Grendel’s mother quickly grabs Beowulf and takes him to the battle arena. Once there, Beowulf fights and finds his sword cannot pierce the monster’s hide. So once again, Beowulf throws his sword aside and fights hand-to-hand. Yet, he could not defeat her with his hands alone. Then Beowulf sees, “hanging on the wall, a heavy, Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons.” Taking the sword and holding it high above his head he strikes the monster in the neck cutting deep into the skin, breaking bones and all. Thus ending his second heroic battle with a mythical beast and proving that he is indeed worthy of praise. Yet, this is not the greatest of his deeds.
Beowulf’s first accomplishment as an epic hero was his battle with Grendel. Grendel was a huge beast, a descendent of Cain, who ruthlessly murdered innocent Danes because he felt pity for himself. Upon hearing of the Dane’s problem, Beowulf set off to help the Danish without having been called upon. Even though Beowulf had men backing him, He drew battle with Grendel alone and without armor or weapons. Yet, Beowulf emerged victorious with the arm of Grendel as his trophy. Beowulf then went on to kill Grendel’s vengeful mother and a huge fire-breathing dragon who thought it had been done wrong by the Geats. Alas, the killing of the dragon would be Beowulf’s last great battle for the dragon took Beowulf’s life in the struggle for his own.