Beowulf Is A Hero Essay

A hero is a person, typically a man, who is admired or idolized for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Beowulf exhibits every single quality of a textbook hero. In his battles against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, he attacks them fearlessly and without care of harm inflicted upon his person. Beowulf is a hero, idolized and feared by all he comes across. During his battle with Grendel, Beowulf showed strength and courage. “That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, knew at once that nowhere on Earth had he met a man whose hands were harder; his mind was flooded with fear- but nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip”(416). Despite Grendel's reputation of slaughtering everyone in his path Beowulf struck fear in the heart of the monster. Beowulf's lack of fear is inspiring among men because despite Grendel's animalistic strength and ferocity he maimed the beast. Knowing that at any moment the roles could reverse and he could die “that mighty protector of men meant to hold the monster till its life leaped out, knowing the fiend was no use to a anyone in Denmark”

After being cautioned not to go Beowulf tells his men, “I never knew fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still” (87). Beowulf knows his strength has waned in his old age, but refuses to sit out this battle. He is protecting his people as a king must do. “I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which of us wins. My heart is firm, my hands calm: I need no hot words”(88). Beowulf would fight as hard as he could but ultimately leave his life in the hands of fate. He knew what he needed to do as King and refused to be talked out of it. Even though this battle would be his last Beowulf gave his life saving the people he had vowed to