Examples Of Courage In Beowulf

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In life, human’s oftentimes struggle with the concept of courage. Struck with fear, they do not understand how certain people like Beowulf are able to stand up to and conquer the many monsters they face. Readers of Beowulf and cheer for him, almost in a state of joy that he is fighting the mighty monster Grendel while they are safe in the warmth of their homes. Many are not even sure what courage is or how to gain it. If they ever did gain it, what would it look like in today’s world? How would it look from a biblical worldview? Would it look the same as a worldview or completely different?
The definition of courage as seen by the world is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, without fear. Many …show more content…

There are times in the story when Beowulf is not sure if he will live but he still goes and fights the monster. Lines 883-685 say “And may the divine Lord in his wisdom grant the glory of victory to whichever side he sees fit.” Beowulf is the prime example of a man of courage. He is brave, has no fear, and kills monsters on a regular basis. One thing that separates him from the four Navy Seals mentioned earlier is that he boasts of his actions. The four Seals saw their killing as a duty, a job that needed to get done. Beowulf, on the other hand after he defeats Grendel and boasts about it, he is incredibly overjoyed while being showered with gifts. Beowulf portrays this courage until his death against the dragon. As he is dying, he has the warrior Wiglaf bring him some gold to comfort him. He also makes sure that a big barrow is built in his name so people always remember his …show more content…

These courageous men stared death right in the face and still had no fear. They had a confidence that their God had a better place for them in the afterlife. One example would be the first recorded martyr in the Bible, Stephen. He was a great man of God who was persecuted for sharing his faith in public. Eventually he was sentenced to be stoned to death. While being stoned he managed to ask God to forgive the men who were stoning him! God gave him the courage to face this difficult time in life without fear and with a forgiving heart. One man whose point of view on courage was opposite that of than believers was

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