Beowulf Is A Hero Essay

Beowulf is an epic story of a brave man guarded by God. He is an Anglo-Saxon hero, who is celebrated still to this day. The semantic interpretations of heroism can differ from person to person. The Christian definition of a hero reflects when a person is selfless, is working to glorify God, and is loved by his or her people. If the reader observes Beowulf’s character, he fulfills all these criteria making him a hero. Furthermore, his heroic characteristics manifest themselves through many literary techniques such as epithets, foreshadowing, and allusions.

Selflessness, one of the most difficult tasks, was displayed by Beowulf various times in the epic. Beowulf leaves “his far-off home…[because he] heard how Grendel filled the nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat… he would set sail across the sea to Hrothgar, Now when help was needed”(109-116). Though the imagery one can see Beowulf putting others’ needs before his own even when the people in trouble were not his own. He had no emotional connection to these people yet he put his own safety at risk for Hrothgar. Many people talk about being altruistic but

it takes a real hero to complete the duty. Beowulf’s heroic action of selflessness is comparable to those of the Good Samaritan. This Samaritan man took pity on a badly beaten, robbed man and gave him aid (Luke 10: 25-37). Without the aid, the man would have died. Beowulf did similarly when saving the people from Grendel; without his aid they too would die. This shows true selflessness thus making both men heros.
A hero pleases God and fulfills his works. God is the ultimate Decider and Beowulf always seems to find his favor. This is shown through an epithet “Holy God, who sent him victory, gave judgement for truth and right, Ruler of the heavens, once again Beowulf was back on his feet” (629-632). Beowulf was always granted victory because he was doing what was right and truthful. Beowulf followed God and God delivered him. A person who executes God’s works and finds his favor is David. God is so pleased with works of David he even calls him “a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). God delivered David in a battle with a giant named Goliath. Everyone that faced this giant had lost. When they heard David would face him they all thought he was sure to fail especially because of his youth. However, God was on his side and David overcame the once thought impossible with only a rock and a sling (1 Samuel 17). God changes ordinary men like Beowulf into heroes.
Before a leader can truly be a hero he must have the love and respect of his subjects.

For when Beowulf had died his people called him “the man most gracious and fair minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.” (840-842) This emphasizes how much respect and love they truly had for Beowulf. Beowulf also states that “ My people have said, the wisest, most knowing, and best of them, that it was my duty to go to the Dane’s Great King”(149-154). This symbolizes the respect they have for Beowulf and the confidence they have in him. A real life example is Martin Luther King Jr. All of his followers loved and respected his ideas. Furthermore, when Martin Luther King jr. died his followers were deeply saddened and continued the Black power movement. The love and respect of your subjects is a necessity to the characteristics to be called a

hero.
Though the use of literary techniques one can observe Beowulf’s true heroism. When comparing him to other great heros you can see the strong correlation between them. For example David and the parable of the Good Samaritan. Beowulf was selfless, working to glorify God, and was loved by his people. In conclusion, Beowulf was a great hero and saved may lives. It is no surprise to see this epic is still so relevant today.