Beowulf Role Model

921 Words2 Pages

In the early Anglo-Saxon culture, people greatly admired bravery and accomplishment in battles, which is clearly shown through the earliest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic narrative through which the readers are introduced to the story’s main hero, Beowulf. The Anglo-Saxons highly valued the heroic attitudes depicted through the character of Beowulf, and considered them to be a warrior's foundation of life. The Beowulf poet portrays Beowulf as a hero by showing the Anglo-Saxon's core beliefs of courage, loyalty, and generosity through the use of triumphant diction in order to display the typical Anglo-Saxon role model. Beowulf is endowed with the characteristic of courage, something that the early Anglo-Saxons admired. Throughout the poem, the reader can infer that Beowulf has …show more content…

In the beginning of Beowulf, after the victorious battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf demonstrates his faith towards God, explaining how the battle could have ended badly, “if God had not helped” (1657). Beowulf’s glorious and prideful declaration portrays his act of loyalty towards God. Depsite his boast, Beowulf illustrates the heroic code of loyalty towards God, which the Anglo-Saxon highly valued. In the literary article, “Beowulf”, the writer analyzes how the main “ethical values” of Beowulf is shown through the “code of loyalty” to God and king (Beowulf). In Beowulf, loyalty is extremely important, playing the role of guiding Beowulf as a demonstration of the Anglo-Saxon heroic figure. Towards the end of Beowulf, as the king of the Geats and as great warrior, Beowulf stands up for his people declaring, “As king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (2513-4). Until the end, Beowulf shows no fear and devotes his last day for his kingdom with a victorious

Show More
Related

  • Explaining the Three Stages in "The Hero's Journey"

    1745 Words  | 4 Pages

    Beowulf is an epic poem telling the story of Beowulf, a legendary Geatish hero who later becomes king in the aforementioned epic poem. While the story in and of itself is quite interesting, for the purpose of this paper it is important to look at the character more so then his deeds, or rather why he did what he did.

    Read More

  • Honor And Integrity In Beowulf

    844 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Beowulf, the essence left behind by a true hero is extremely important. In epics such as this one, leaders tend to have the determination and boldness of a hero. On the other hand, the main character, Beowulf, does not only display these certain traits. In this heroic poem, respect and trust come naturally. Honor and integrity are present throughout the poem. There are many moments in Beowulf that manifest the many traits that a person should have. This proves how important these attributes are to the characters and the Anglo-Saxon society. Although Beowulf has no known author, it embodies many of the beliefs and morals of the early Germanic society. The author of this epic poem uses many approaches in order to demonstrate that respect and trust are fundamental characteristics of a leader and hero.

    Read More

  • An Ego of Kingly Proportions

    1525 Words  | 4 Pages

    The Epic poem of Beowulf is a story of heroism, loyalty, ego, and fate. To be a great leader of men; a great king of the people, you must be respected and trusted. Loyalty is given to those who earn the respect and trust of their people. Beowulf was blessed with great physical strength, the pride and fearlessness of a warrior, and an equally strong command of the spoken word, which he used skillfully to his advantage. He gained the respect and trust of nearly everyone he came in contact with, largely because he possessed the characteristics of a true hero, but in the end it was his ego that sealed his fate. Although it could be said that Beowulf’s character was flawed by an enormous ego, fueled by thoughts of immortality, it is this very trait that made him an ideal hero and king.

    Read More

  • Beowulf's Heroic Qualities

    531 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the poem Beowulf, the protagonist is portrayed as a heroic figure who strives to spread his name and glory out across the land in order to be remembered. Although his acts may not entirely be for the right reasons, Beowulf does express his heroic qualities of bravery, arrogance, and brute force.

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf Essay - Noble and Cowardly Behavior

    404 Words  | 1 Pages

    Throughout the poem we acknowledge the idealisation of Beowulf both as a warrior and a king. The main features which contribute to Beowulf’s greatness are courage, martial skills, honour, responsibility, generosity and pursuit of fame.

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf Essay - Beowulf as Epic Hero

    855 Words  | 2 Pages

    Epic heroes usually exemplify the character traits most admired in their societies, and Beowulf is no exception.  "Beowulf" is set in the Anglo-Saxon society, a time when war was rampant among the many peoples trying to take over the different kingdoms of England.  In this dangerous, violent time people lived in constant peril and jeopardy.  These conditions only allowed people of great bravery to survive and men of outstanding courage were admired the populous.  These warriors fought for their leader and tribe in return for treasure and protection.  This relationship between the lord and his men was the basis of the Anglo-Saxon society.  The epic poem "Beowulf" is a perfect example of how this system worked in these trying times.

    Read More

  • Beowulf And Anglo Saxon Values

    523 Words  | 2 Pages

    An important aspect of the Anglo-Saxon culture was the values and how much the people held them in their hearts. These values are quite unique when being compared to modern-day values and the way society works today, as we have grown as people and changed our views. When thinking about Beowulf, the way the warriors acted is a detail that comes to mind. These warriors fought with everything they had and believed they had two choices, victory or death. While this is still true today, we do not blame our warriors or call them cowards for not wanting to fight, unlike the Anglo-Saxon people. In the story of Beowulf, the battle with Grendel is considered intense, as many warriors died trying to save the kingdom; however, Beowulf is honored and celebrated

    Read More

  • Beowulf's Glory

    899 Words  | 2 Pages

    This recognition that Beowulf receives proves his place as the quintessential hero in Anglo-Saxon society. The unknown author recognizes Beowulf as a warrior who “behaved with honor and took no advantage” (149). This quality is important to Beowulf’s image as a hero. The author also days that Beowulf “bore himself with valor” and names Beowulf “Heroic Beowulf” when describing the hero (135, 149). The author’s recognition of Beowulf as having these qualities and as being heroic shows that Beowulf was regarded as a hero during the authors’ own time. This is also confirmed by the several times people in the epic recognize Beowulf’s heroic qualities. Wiglaf, who was with Beowulf during the final battle, is one of the people to recognize Beowulf’s glory-seeking heroics, saying that Beowulf is “a man unequalled in the quest for glory” (179). This statement speaks much of Beowulf’s willingness to search for and his success in finding glory. Beowulf is also recognized by a thane of Hrothgar’s court during his earlier days. This thane recognizes Beowulf’s heroics and begins “rehearsing Beowulf’s triumphs and feats” by comparing him to Sigmund, an old Anglo-Saxon hero (59). The recognition Beowulf receives from the characters in the epic shows that Beowulf was impressive and heroic to Anglo-Saxons who told his

    Read More

  • Beowulf as the Archetypal Germanic Hero

    2093 Words  | 5 Pages

    The epic and oral poem Beowulf illustrates a loss of community, cultural values, and tradition. Beowulf, the main character, is an ideal king and archetypal warrior. History is relevant to Beowulf; this Germanic society was being taken over by Christian missionaries who were seeking to convert this culture. The character of Beowulf is a reflection of the Germanic culture's virtues; heroism is emphasized in the text's multiple references and constant focus on heroes and what it is to be a hero. Beowulf, who is reflective of an older generation of heroes, strives for community. In contrast, Christianity's focus is on the individual. This conflict is ended once Beowulf, a figure of the past and the old world, passes on. With Beowulf, the hero dies. Hence, Beowulf's efforts to keep his culture and his ethics alive are impossible as war and Christianity conquer the Germanic land.

    Read More

  • Good versus Evil: Analyzing Paradise Lost and Beowulf

    1433 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf was written anonymously like most poems during the Anglo-Saxon period. During this time period, “there was a rigid code of behavior that stressed bravery, loyalty and [the] willingness to avenge” (Rougeau-Vanderford “Themes in Beowulf”.) His character represents the true values of the Anglo-Saxon values, from his sacrifices, to the loyalty he shows his people. The Anglo-Saxons culture believed that “life was regarded as valuable,” (Rougeau-Vanderford “Themes in Beowulf”) making Beowulf’s sacrifice the ultimate display of

    Read More

  • Beowulf: The Epic Hero

    1145 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf, written between the 8th and 10th centuries, is an epic poem set in southern Sweden. The poem illustrates the Anglo-Saxon’s strong belief in the heroic code. The loyalty between the warrior and his king bound the culture together. The warrior was the ultimate hero who represented strength and courage. Beowulf, the hero in the poem, illustrates the Germanic principles of the heroic code. Through the battles and character interactions, Beowulf converges loyalty, strength, courage and forgiveness into the hero archetype.

    Read More

  • Revenge of Beowulf

    1194 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf is an epic poem that, above all, gives the reader an idea of a time long past; a time when the most important values were courage and integrity. The only factors that could bestow shower fame upon a person were heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the paradigm of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to amass fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is ever present throughout the poem seems to color the identities of its characters.

    Read More

  • A Comparison Of Fame In Beowulf And The Faerie Queene

    1309 Words  | 3 Pages

    Anglo-Saxons were a people who valued courage and leadership, they believed the only way to achieve immortality was through your status. This came in the form of fame and their accomplishments hence Beowulf, the protagonist of the epic poem, is referred to in the text as ‘…the man whose name was known for courage.’ Later in the text, the narrator says, ‘But Beowulf longing only for fame, leaped in battle.’ This highlights to the reader that to Beowulf, the only reason to risk his life is a battle which in turn will lead him to immortality. Following Beowulf’s ascension to the throne after defeating Grendel and his mother, one of Beowulf’s servants says, ‘Beloved Beowulf, remember how you boasted,

    Read More

  • Comparing Beowulf And Anglo-Saxon Culture

    1132 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fate will unwind as it must” (ll. 452-55). This demonstrates Beowulf’s will to fight regardless of the outcome, as well as his loyalty to the Geats. Loyalty is one of the highest values of Anglo-Saxon culture; “It is a bond that holds Anglo-Saxon society together” (Beowulf: Anonymous 1000 33).

    Read More

  • Wiglaf Vs Beowulf Essay

    529 Words  | 2 Pages

    Beowulf portrays the beautiful scenario of ancient Anglo- Saxon society. Though the poem itself named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, it exploits the characters bounded with their reputation in their society. Based on the social anatomy, there exists an honor system between the king and his warriors. Heroic acts of a warriors in a battlefield always seems to get high-praised and even considered as the greatest accomplishment of their life. Similarly, in the poem, Beowulf and Wiglaf were also considered as the heroes of Danes because of their heroic acts after their fight against the dragon.

    Read More

More about Beowulf Role Model

Open Document