Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

“With great power comes great responsibility”― Voltaire. Heroes have always influenced people’s lives. The characteristics of a hero are usually based around the ideas of a society or culture. They help guide society into deciding who they are and what they want to be. Heroes give someone the inspiration needed to overcome problems in life, and that is why they’ve been a fundamental component since the beginning of proven life in 5000 BCE. Beowulf perfectly embodies the idea of a hero. He is selfless with moral integrity, as well as having brawns and bravery; all of which are traits that someone can look up to, and while his story may have been written over a thousand years ago, Beowulf’s heroism has echoed through the ages into modern day

culture. Beowulf is the best transitioning hero from epic to modern day, comparatively to the other three ancient heroes read this semester.
Being selfless can get people a long way in the world, additionally, it is also a heroic characteristic.

Beowulf begins as many epic tales do, by introducing the hero. The author tells the reader of how Beowulf has trekked oceans and slain monsters; Beowulf is introduced in the story, “Over sea, a day's voyage off, Beowulf, of the Geats, nephew of Higelac, king of the Geats, hears of Grendel's doings and of Hrothgar's misery. He resolves to crush the fell monster and relieve the aged king” (-------). Right away the epic plunges into the Beowulf possessing this loyal and selfless attitude. In the quote, it identifies that Beowulf, although being of royal stature, is willing to leave his homeland to help a fellow king by slaying a gruesome monster that has been terrorizing and killing Danes. He is willing to risk his life several times throughout the poem, which is indicative to many people’s perception of a modern day hero. In Beowulf’s last heroic affair in Beowulf, he made the powerful sacrifice of his life. In attempt to slay the dragon, he became fatally wounded, and although Beowulf wants fame and glory for his own name, he also is selfless when it comes to the well being of his people; “To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been thus allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die”(--------). On Beowulf’s last remaining time on Earth, he expresses his appreciation that

he's leaving a great deal of wealth to the Geat people, which should lend power and authority to their nation. The idea of a modern day hero tends to include a heroic death, and a legacy to follow. In Beowulf’s case, the people he saved and the rewards he seeked has left an impact that continues today. Beowulf’s selflessness and legacy is also will represented by one of the concluding sentence of the poem, “They said that of all the kings upon earth, he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame” (----------). After his death, it is reminded that Beowulf has always been loved. The quote describes how he treated his followers, and how respectful he was as a ruler of the people. Most kings are remembered poorly throughout history, so this shows how Beowulf’s selfless acts of heroism were honorable and a good representation of the modern day.

When one thinks of a hero, bravery and brawns are often common qualities.

In Beowulf, he displays countless actions of bravery. One that really stands out in the text is when he is elderly and has to face the dragon that is rampaging and destroying his kingdom; “I won’t shift a foot when I meet the cave-guard: what occurs on the walls between the two of us will turn out as fate, overseer of men, decides” (----------). When he declares that he will not shift a foot when he sees the dragon, Beowulf’s faith in himself and the forces beyond him will lead him through the battle without fear. It also shows the fate of the two of them has already been foreseen; Beowulf knows that he will die with the dragon alongside him. Even though he understands his fate will be sealed by his choice to fight the dragon, he bold enough to take responsibility and protect his kingdom. When Beowulf heard of the atrocities that Grendel was committing to the people of Herot, it was his actions that proved him strong and worthy as their savior. “…deny myself the use of a sword and a broad yellow shield in battle; but I shall grapple with this fiend hand to hand…” (---------). Beowulf makes his battle with Grendel more than a simple slay-the-monster task by announcing that it will be a hand-to-hand combat. This quote exemplifies Beowulf’s confidence in his strength, even though it is reckless. Being weaponless did not hinder Beowulf’s capability to defeat Grendel, though. "[Grendel] twisted in pain,

and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over. Beowulf had been granted new glory” (-----------). Beowulf used his strength to completely rip off Grendel's arm. This was something no other man seemingly could accomplish. Beowulf's strength is more than human, and apparently of mythic in its proportions. His powerfulness and bravery shines through more than the other heroes.
Throughout the year, Humanities read three other epics about heroes besides Beowulf: Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, and Oedipus. Odysseus is not a hero in the modern sense. He is nothing like what modern sensibilities require in a hero. For every instance of his wiliness or feats of strength there are several of venality, vice, cruelty, or selfishness. The meeting with the Cyclops is one example. “Proudly, Odysseus shouts out his name to the Cyclops as he is leaving his territory. While it would have been better to keep his identity unknown, Odysseus proudly yells out his name to further torment the Cyclops. Odysseus and his excessive pride cause more problems for Odysseus and his men. Now Poseidon, the father of the Cyclops, is angry and determined to destroy Odysseus” (----------). Proudly, Odysseus shouts out his name to the Cyclops as he is leaving his territory. While it would have been better to keep his identity unknown, Odysseus selfishly yells out his name to further torment the Cyclops. Odysseus and his excessive immoral values cause more problems for himself and his men. Gilgamesh also had selfish actions as an epic hero. “... and the gods... be filled with rage against us. Consequently, when the council of the gods decide that either Gilgamesh or Enkidu must die, the reason is that: ...they killed the Bull of Heaven and have also slain Humbaba” (--------). The slaughter of Humbaba was by no means "necessary". In fact, it was a foolish quest that lead directly to Enkidu's death. It was caused by Gilgamesh's selfish desire to "make a name" for himself. Only at the end of the story, after all of his attempts at securing immortality prove futile, does Gilgamesh realize that it is better to preserve life than to destroy it. Oedipus’ tragic story still has some egocentric themes. “Fear? What should a man fear? It’s all chance, chance rules our lives. Not a man on ... Take such things for shadows, nothing at all— Live, Oedipus, as if there’s no tomorrow!” (-----). When he learns that there is still a piece of the puzzle left unsolved, Oedipus seems irresistibly driven to ask questions until the whole truth is out. Thus, he gradually deprives himself of ambiguous details that could alleviate his guilt. Jocasta, of course, solves the riddle before Oedipus—she realizes she is his mother while he is still imagining himself to be the child of slaves. Jocasta commits suicide from the situation she found herself in, because Oedipus’ selfish desires to learn about the truth rather than listening to others. Although tragic, Oedipus still does not qualify for a upright hero. None of these epic heroes have the necessary qualities to be considered a modern day hero.
Out of the four possible choices of epics, Beowulf is the best impression of a modern day hero, because he is morally sound and performs countless selfless acts throughout the story. He is also brave and strong, which helped him to defeat the evil creatures and save the town. The other three characters, although heroes in their own condition, do not measure up to being a modern day hero. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”