In the epic poem, Beowulf, “The Beowulf” is depicted as the big bad guy. Though he is not seen as a big bad guy who resembles a villain, but a big bad guy who is boastful and arrogant. Beowulf is shown as a superhuman where nothing or no one can defeat him. However, the author does not show Beowulf with the same characteristics as he transitions from a good warrior to a questionable good king. During Beowulf’s new beginning of a king, he still lingers in the mindset of a warrior. The best example of a good king and a good warrior is shown amongst Beowulf and King Hrothgar. King Hrothgar seeks help or aids his kingdom as a king should. For example, Hrothgar probably can destroy Grendel, but because he knows he is a king he must not do so. A
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.
The Epic poem of Beowulf is a story of heroism, loyalty, ego, and fate. To be a great leader of men; a great king of the people, you must be respected and trusted. Loyalty is given to those who earn the respect and trust of their people. Beowulf was blessed with great physical strength, the pride and fearlessness of a warrior, and an equally strong command of the spoken word, which he used skillfully to his advantage. He gained the respect and trust of nearly everyone he came in contact with, largely because he possessed the characteristics of a true hero, but in the end it was his ego that sealed his fate. Although it could be said that Beowulf’s character was flawed by an enormous ego, fueled by thoughts of immortality, it is this very trait that made him an ideal hero and king.
Beowulf is a good example of a courageous and strong hero. He shows all of
Beowulf was more than a man. He was a king, a hero, a friend, a warrior. A legend who would not give into defeat and malice. Admired and looked upon by many. A belligerent bold man who lived to see smiles on his friends and fear in his foes faces. Seeing him in battle was an extraordinary sight, the way he moved with such agility, the smirk on his face after decapitating monsters. Beowulf fought for more than glorious gold. He fought to prove that the mighty Beowulf can overcome any task, any challenge, foe or obstacle in his path, for he was more than a man or ring-giver.
In Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf is shown as a hero with extrodinary strength. This is not what makes him a hero. By definition, a hero is a man of exceptional quality. However this term does not do Beowulf justice. His self-imposed purpose in life is to help others, and eventually sacrifices his own life in doing so. Beowulf’s battle with the dragon serves as a critique of the notion that Beowulf is a hero. The Dragon section displays many of Beowulf’s heoric characteristics. Beowulf establishes himself as a hero by fighting the dragon, exemplifing strength and courage when fighting the dragon, and sacrificing himself so that others can live.
In the poem of Beowulf, everyone believed Grendel to be a bloodcurdling, and horrendous monster. The very place where Grendel lived, tells what a dark and horrible monster he was. From the poem Beowulf, it reads; “living down in the darkness…his den, his miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh.” Grendel’s upbringing alone set him up for being the horrendous monster that he was. Just imagine walking in his shoes for a moment, imagine being raised as Grendel was raised. Down in darkness, living in a miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh. One may argue that Grendel didn’t start out with the chance, or hope of being kind, and peaceful. Being raised in darkness, and in a miserable hole, would naturally produce a horrible monster as Grendel.
For the most part, Beowulf’s characteristics describe those of a triumphant warrior who played a major role in defending the lives of his fellow citizens, while leading a thriving country. Although Beowulf soon became king, he died for his people, and was remembered as a victorious fighter. Beowulf is at least in part a study of kingship because it discusses the qualities that produce a good king, the disadvantages during his rule and how he overcame them, and the problems that arose upon his death.
What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.
The tale of Beowulf is an epic that seeks to excite readers of a warrior’s tale of bravery and being fearless. Like most European legends that surfaced at
In Beowulf’s younger years, he personified all of the best values of the heroic culture when saving another kingdom from their demons. Beowulf’s willingness to sacrifice his life in order to save strangers his father owed a debt to is quite selfless. His bravery comes into play when he remains unchanged in his resolve even after hearing of all the King’s men and subjects slain by the beast.
Beowulf thinks that he should be the only one who takes the responsibility of protecting his people, being a hero, although the feud is between the dragon and the entire community. Therefore, Beowulf pursues his glory as the only hero, and gains people’s
The biggest defining trait of any hero is a virtuous moral compass. A character can be superhuman and achieve the impossible, but without the right morals, can be a villain as easily as a hero. Beowulf’s morals set him aside from any
Beowulf is an epic poem that, above all, gives the reader an idea of a time long past; a time when the most important values were courage and integrity. The only factors that could bestow shower fame upon a person were heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the paradigm of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to amass fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is ever present throughout the poem seems to color the identities of its characters.
Beowulf is a great example of a warrior because he shows courageous, honesty, bravery, loyalty and selflessness. To a large number of people these examples are the flawless warrior. The only thing that Beowulf is ...
Beowulf is an epic poem telling the story of Beowulf, a legendary Geatish hero who later becomes king in the aforementioned epic poem. While the story in and of itself is quite interesting, for the purpose of this paper it is important to look at the character more so then his deeds, or rather why he did what he did.