Beowulf Is A Hero Essay

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Hawkins 1Is Beowulf a hero? Why or why not?A hero is described as one “who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Heroes are often larger than life, revered as superhuman, and capable of doing what would appear to be impossible feats. There is no character that deserves the title more than Beowulf, Breaker-of-Rings, Famed Prince, Pride of the Geats, and Beast Slayer. Beowulf is a hero as he exhibits classic heroic qualities that allow him to fit into the hero archetype. The biggest defining trait of any hero is a virtuous moral compass. A character can be superhuman and achieve the impossible, but without the right morals, can be a villain as easily as a hero. Beowulf’s morals set him aside from any

He acts only in the good of his fellow men and does not partake in any sinful behavior. He was well-liked by everyone, as he was a “Leader beloved, and long he ruled in fame with all folk”. After his usefulness as a fighter was ineffectual with the deaths of Grendel and Grendel’s mother, he continued to utilize his moral compass and become a wise leader for the Scyldings, a “leader beloved”. Beowulf fits the moral aspects of a hero perfectly, and his physical feats allow him to expound on his morals, and contribute to the fight against evil.A hero, while keeping a just moral compass, must have the physical prowess in order to act on this compass. Beowulf’s physical feats allow him to vanquish evil in every form it takes, which truly makes him a hero. The three slayed monsters are evidence enough. He is described as a “Thane with the strength of 30 men”, and surprises Grendel when he is grabbed, as Grendel can note