Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

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Veronica Kellie Courtney Roberts English 101 20606 04 April 2024 Unveiling the Depths of Heroism and Humanity in Beowulf. In a world where we love to view our heroes as perfect, Beowulf is an epic reflection of what humanity believes heroes are. In the Epic Beowulf, a hero from the land of the Geats sets off to fight against a monster called Grendel in aid of King Hrothgar. After defeating the monster, he still has to face off with Grendel's mother, Wiglaf. After returning home victorious, he becomes king, but in a final turn of events, he still has to fight with a dragon. This essay relies on a thorough analysis of characters, themes, and symbolism to prove that epic Beowulf is a phenomenal embodiment of heroism, loyalty, and the constant …show more content…

In his speech asking the king to let him fight Grendel, he states, “Fate will unwind as it must” (Beowulf, line 286). This statement from Beowulf is a testament to his courage and unwavering sense of duty. He is not afraid of death that may come from his resolve to kill Grendel. Additionally, his belief that he will be able to defeat Grendel unless fate wills it otherwise is a testament to his strength. His fearless approach to fate introduces him to the audience as a hero and further sets the stage for the heroic exploits that he undertakes later in the Epic. The contrast between the other character's behavior and that of Beowulf further paints Beowulf as a hero. For example, while Beowulf is dedicated to killing the antagonist, the king offers sound advice before giving him the mandate to fight Grendel. He asks Beowulf to keep the fight free of evil and to fight with his glory in his heart (Beowulf, lines 491-492). The king's approach differs from Beowulf's in that while Beowulf is blindly heroic, the king is wise. Hrothgar's counsel to Beowulf reflects his wisdom and concern for his young

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