The epic poem Beowulf embodies the standard for the traditional hero story, in which the kingdom of Herot was in desperate need of a hero to vanquish the evil that resided in it. Although Beowulf is the given hero of the story, he possesses one moral weakness that leads to his demise. The author uses Beowulf to portray the epic hero of the action story, but reveals that pride can destroy even the most noble of people.
When the audience is first introduced to Beowulf, he’s depicted as a cliché hero who is powerful and moralistic. ”Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater and stronger than anyone in this world,” solidifies the fact that Beowulf is a robust person through the author’s use of diction (110-111). Being strong is a significant trait of a hero, and the way the author emphasizes how powerful Beowulf is, it’s clear he is the hero of the story. Beowulf’s moral goodness is acknowledged when he announced he, “quickly commanded a boat fitted out…and sailed across the sea to Hrogarth, now when help was needed”(113-116). In Herot’s time of distress, Beowulf went to great and dangerous lengths in order to assist them in exterminating the evil. Through Beowulf’s
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honest desire to help the kingdom in their time of need, the author demonstrates that he is a moral character. By following the guidelines of the hero tradition, the author was successfully able to deem Beowulf as the hero of this epic poem. Beowulf’s arrogance starts to become visible to the readers over a period of time. The audience is first greeted with signs of Beowulf’s pride when he affirms, “Grant me, then, Lord and protector of this noble place…that is one favor you should not refuse me”(160-161). Beowulf has done so many good deeds he expects that he should be labeled as the hero of Herot. Even though Beowulf should be recognized for his achievements, his demanding behavior for the title makes the audience question if he truly does good deeds for the right intention. A true hero would accomplish good deeds and expect nothing in return. The audience witnesses Beowulf’s pride when the author writes, “no man but me could hope to defeat this monster” (683-685). During this scene the readers have fully acknowledged that Beowulf has turned into an arrogant person. He is overconfident and believes he is the best, which isn’t a heroic quality. At this point, the author expresses to the audience that Beowulf is being corrupted by pride. Eventually Beowulf’s prideful nature caught up to him and leads to his downfall.
“For the first time in his life that famous prince fought with fate against him,” reveals that Beowulf’s overconfidence has caught up with him (723-724) He was so blinded by his ego he couldn’t see that his opponent was to strong for him, and now he’s in a difficult position. The situation further escalates when the author writes, “His weapon had failed him, deserted him, now when he needed it” (734-735). Beowulf’s arrogance made him underestimate the dragon, and now that he is abandoned, he has failed as hero. His pride has finally caught up with him, and now Beowulf is suffering the consequences of that unheroic sin. The writer uses Beowulf as an example that pride can destroy the most heroic
people. The audience’s initial impression of Beowulf is that he’s the hero, but over time we realize that pride has corrupted his heroic nature. His own arrogance tainted the moral outcome of the story, and eventually leads to his downfall. Overall, the author composed a thrilling tale in which the audience followed the journey of a hero who fell due to his own moral weakness: pride.
While fighting the Dragon Beowulf shows feats of strength and courage that define him as a hero. The classical hero displays a special quality that separates him from the rest of
Even from an early age, Beowulf took every opportunity he could to show off his strength and fearlessness. When he first introduces himself to King Hrothgar, a Danish warrior by the name Unferth recognizes Beowulf and brings up a story from his youth. He explains to the entire hall how Beowulf had challenged another young man, named Brecca, to a swimming match and lost. Unferth says to him, ¨both of you daring and young and proud… risking your lives for no reason? All older and wiser heads warned you not to, but no one could check such pride¨ (Raffel 23). It is clear that in this story, that Beowulf´s pride consumes him and fuels his reckless actions. He goes on to tell Unferth about how he had stayed behind to fight 9 monsters, while Brecca
to land he managed to kill nine sea monsters with his bare hands and still
Beowulf wants to fight Grendel, a monster wreaking havoc, and is boasting that he is more powerful and courageous.
In the anglo saxon society in which Beowulf took place, there was a warrior code which resulted in everyone trying to gain power over one another. Everyone lived by a heroic code that encouraged battles, feuds, and murders and rewarded the victor with treasure. By showing your insecurities or weaknesses in this age you will be taken advantage of. Beowulf understands the heroic code and uses his pride to get the upper hand on everyone else, Beowulf boasts himself as an invincible hero and goes in battle with out an ounce of fear. Beowulf’s justifies his excessive pride through his . Lastly, Beowulf’s pride made him a leader and led by example to defeat the dragon and ultimately sacrifice himself in the process. Beowulf’s desire for pride
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 display these certain traits. In this heroic poem, respect and trust come naturally. Honor and integrity are present throughout the poem.
How does Beowulf deal with pride? Beowulf would not back down from a fight with the dragon. He was going into this battle for the first time out of angry and hatred instead of pride and being thankful for the power that God has given him. “I won’t shift a foot/ when I meet the cave-guard” (2524-2525)
The character of Beowulf stands as a hero to the ancient Danes because of his actions. He is constantly being cited as a "war-chief" and a "gold-giver" (61). Beowulf has achieved fame through what he has done with his own hands. His identity as a leader is based upon the Danish society’s emphasis on personal action, as opposed to the delegation of responsibility through conscious thought. It is this very sense which spurs Beowulf to fight the dragon: "In my youth I engaged in many wars. Old guardian of the people, I shall still seek battle, perform a deed of fame, if the evil-doer will come to me..." (59). Beowulf derives his power from a strong link to the past. Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th...
In conclusion, although Beowulf possessed many heroic qualities he would not be considered a hero in today’s world. A hero varies from culture to culture. The Anglo-Saxon appreciated different things in a person that what do not we appreciate today. Many things have changed a lot with time, the requisites for being considered a hero have also changed. Today we do not like to solve problems with war. Pride and honor are not as important as the willingness one has to help others. Beowulf is not feeling that contact with people he doesn’t identify with them because he believes himself better, a part of a hero´s cycle is to be identified with the community. To be part
Courage is a theme that is shown throughout the entire epic of Beowulf. By definition courage is the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes on ones own will and determination. There are many things form the epic that could be used to prove this statement, but I chose to use the section entitled "The Final Battle." In this section there are two great speeches given by both Beowulf and Wiglaf. I believe that in both of these monologues courage is portrayed by the two warriors, and it is easy to see why.
Throughout the epic Beowulf attempts to introduce himself as someone worthy of glory by boasting of his skills and deeds. These boasts show Beowulf’s glory seeking tendencies. One of these boasts
A hero is someone who is admired for their courage and bravery, as well as their noble accomplishments. They are respected by almost everyone, due to their kindness and charitable mindset, that drives them to fight for the good of others. Beowulf is the perfect representation of a hero, based on multiple characteristics that he displays throughout the novel. Along with his characteristics, Beowulf also takes on many “hero like” challenges and tasks. In the novel, Beowulf is praised and admired throughout the kingdom for his bravery, humility, and selflessness.
Beowulf displayed great courage and honor throughout his journeys and battles; he was an epic hero. An epic hero is a person who is viewed as larger than life and possesses values of a certain society. From the time of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel to his brawl against the dragon, he has showed everyone what being an honorable hero looks like. His heroism is revealed through both youth as a young warrior and wisdom as a reliable king. He never backed down and didn’t give up when situations were tough. Beowulf had obligations to fulfill and went about every aspect of his life with courage and strength. He cared for his people and was willing to take on anyone that threatened them or his kingdom. He sincerely was the hero of his time.
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.
A hero is someone that helps others no matter what the situation. There are many qualities that a hero must posses such as bravery, courage, strength, intelligence and honor. These qualities alone are not enough to make a hero. They must also be pure at heart, fight for the good of mankind and only fight when it is to protect the people and not out of revenge. Beowulf is everything a hero should be, but contains a few qualities that a hero should not posses. When Beowulf sailed with his men to Herot he had one goal, to rid the hall of Grendal. Beowulf was under no obligation to destroy Grendal and never asked for anything in return for his services. A true hero would never ask for money or anything of value. He put his life at risk to save the people of Herot, who he didn’t even know, out of his own good nature Great strength has been a trait that has been identified with heroes in many stories and legends. Than he saw hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift... (II. 1557-1560) Beowulf possessed great strength that separated him from other men. Being able to use a sword that no ordinary man was able to carry gives the feeling that Beowulf is something more than a human being. It makes him special and causes him to stand out from all other men. Fame is something that makes a hero more noted. Beowulfs popularity had spread all over the world. He never let this go to his head and he never thought that he was better than everyone else because of it. “Your fame is everywhere, my friend,/Reaches to the ends of the earth, and you hold it in your heart wisely...” (II.1704-1706). A hero should not be foolish or full of himself. Unferth said: You’re Beowulf, are you- the same Boastful fool who fought a swimming Match with Brecca, both of you daring and young and proud,exploring the deepest Seas, risking your lives for no reason But the danger? (II. 506-511) A hero should not have to prove to himself or to anyone else that he is brave, fearless or courageous. If he is pure a heart and his intentions are good then he can be considered a true hero.