Epic of Beowulf Essay - Beowulf as the Ultimate Hero

Beowulf as the Ultimate Hero

In the poem Beowulf, translated by Constance B. Hieatt, Beowulf is a hero.

A hero is one who places himself or herself at great risk while

performing acts of courage. Not only is Beowulf a hero because of

his physical strength, but rather than basking in the resulting glory,

he gives the glory to God. Beowulf is the ultimate hero who put his life

on the line for an entire kingdom.

Beowulf's heroism can be seen when he takes 14 of the bravest in

his land to go help Hrothgar. Hrothgar was Beowulf's father's close friend

who had been plagued by attacks for twelve years that threatened an entire

kingdom. Beowulf did not have to offer Hrothgar's kingdom help, but does

so because he wants to uses his God given strength to the best of his

ability. As soon as Beowulf heard of the troubles in this land he set sail

immediately. Beowulf continues to show his thankfulness by thanking God

for giving them safe travel across the sea. Beowulf is lead to Hrothgar

and offers him is "services."

"-Now sit down to the feast, and, in due time, listen to lays of warriors'

victories, as your heart may prompt you. (15)

Beowulf is asked by the warriors to tell of his past defeats while eating

in Hrothgar's palace. Beowulf is already a hero to the people of this land

for he is about to rid them of their enemy. The warriors are anxious to

here what he has done and what he plans to do to Grendel. Here Beowulf

"puts on his running shoes" and runs through his battle plan mentally just

as any great athlete would do before a big meet. As the Banquet continues,

Hrothgar thanks Beowulf, and promises him great treasure if he succeeds in

defeating Grendel.

As an ultimate hero, Beowulf decides, to be far, he will not use

weapons in his battle against Grendel since Grendel reputedly does not use

them.

"I do not consider myself a lesser fighter than Grendel does

himself; therefore I will not kill him with a sword, and deprive him of

life in that way....No: this night we two will abstain from swords.