It is a daunting task to come across one person on Earth that meets Beowulf-like expectations for heroism. Beouwulf is simply a multi-dimensional hero in a fictional setting while regular people usually do not have those have those odds working in their favor. However, if Beowulf’s remarkable personality traits are placed in different categories for heroes rather than grouped together, then it is easier to pinpoint the great warriors of our time. Physical strength is a main aspect of Beowulf’s character and his culture. The culture today is no different form Anglo-Saxon in that regards. Controversial heroes and idols are created all the time in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. People that fight for our country or protect our country are held at a higher …show more content…
Some of the actions in Beowulf’s legend are questionable as to why they were included such as giving the golden torque to Hyglec, accepting Unferth’s terribly unhelpful sword, and the great lamenting at the end of the story. All of these details help shape Beowulf’s moral character and how he exhibited loyalty and somewhat kindness even among those whom he was insulted by. In contrast to Beowulf, most heroes that only fall into the loyal and kind-hearted categories are usually looked over in recognition and fame. Fortunately, this setback is changing rapidly with the rapid fire power of the Internet. The Internet can be used for good, and it is when people rally up stories and tales of good deeds so that a hero can be honored for what they are doing out in the world. Dobri Dobrev would have gone unnoticed in the world if it hadn’t been for the Internet taking an interest in him. This 99-year old man gives most or all of his money to local orphanages in his town and lives on virtually nothing. The townspeople have even dubbed him as saint to the children, and he is one of the most beloved citizens. Dobrev is proof that today, a person does not need strength to accomplish heroic deeds and that a person can still be regonized for compassionate efforts and …show more content…
A majority are not even looking for someone that does good deed; they want someone that can understand their sturggles and can feel the pain of trying to stay your true self in a cookie-cutter world. Bo Burnham, a satirical comedian, and John Green, a critically acclaimed author and famous blogger, are leading the front in teaching mostly teenagers that being the real you is better than an imitation of something else, and that it is a hard task to do this in real life. These two men have taken the opposite route of Epps and are telling people that certain personality traits that are often looked down upon are some of the great ones. Beowulf was the same when he inspired Wiglaf to become a courageous Geat warrior. Wiglaf was the only thane that, in the end, remained loyal to his king and stood by him until the very end. The others simply ran off to an easier path. Once again, multiple examples had to be given to describe one legendary character. Beowulf is not a pragmatic hero; he is the hero that everyone yearns to be but always falls short. The ultimate hero—Beowulf—is a person who falls into each category of heroism: merciful, courageous, honest, strong, confident, intelligent. If a person in the modern world can slide into at least one genre of heroic deeds, then they have made amazing progress in the rat race. And that’s all people can count in the
Beowulf, the great Geatish warrior, lives a very adventurous life filled with many voyages, battles, and victories. Through all of these events, he meets various people who are considered to be heroes like himself. These heroes, however, are unable to have the same abilities and characteristics of Beowulf. His great achievements cannot be matched by anything that they have done in their lives. Beowulf is a superior hero to Hrothgar, Unferth, and Wiglaf in the epic of Beowulf because he kills every monster that he fights, becomes a widely feared warrior and king, and dies in battle completing his final heroic act.
Throughout time, society has come in contact with individuals who are praised due to their bravery, loyalty, strength and a tendency to go beyond the limit. One may call this individual a hero, and if asked to give some examples of heroism, one may pick the classical literary hero Beowulf. According to Roger B. Rolling, Beowulf is classified as a Type I hero who, “if superior in degree to other men but not to his natural environment, … is a leader. He has authority, passions, and powers of expression far greater than ours but is subject both to social criticism and to the order of nature” (434). Beowulf’s heroism is exemplified first when he kills Grendel, then when he kills Grendel’s mother, and finally when he kills the Dragon. Also, Beowulf
challenges. “A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall” Aristotle. Beowulf has many adventures and he fights Grendel and other monstrous creatures but he was very sure of himself. He was born being strong and we as an audience do not identify with that. “Of living strong men he was the strongest” . Beowulf had qualities that any other man had, but he
There are many traits that are possessed by those who seek heroism. Whether it is in real life or in fiction, every hero desires these character traits in the past, present, and future. IN my opinion, the two traits that are most prominent in the poem Beowulf are bravery and goodness.
Beowulf is a good example of a courageous and strong hero. He shows all of
This recognition that Beowulf receives proves his place as the quintessential hero in Anglo-Saxon society. The unknown author recognizes Beowulf as a warrior who “behaved with honor and took no advantage” (149). This quality is important to Beowulf’s image as a hero. The author also days that Beowulf “bore himself with valor” and names Beowulf “Heroic Beowulf” when describing the hero (135, 149). The author’s recognition of Beowulf as having these qualities and as being heroic shows that Beowulf was regarded as a hero during the authors’ own time. This is also confirmed by the several times people in the epic recognize Beowulf’s heroic qualities. Wiglaf, who was with Beowulf during the final battle, is one of the people to recognize Beowulf’s glory-seeking heroics, saying that Beowulf is “a man unequalled in the quest for glory” (179). This statement speaks much of Beowulf’s willingness to search for and his success in finding glory. Beowulf is also recognized by a thane of Hrothgar’s court during his earlier days. This thane recognizes Beowulf’s heroics and begins “rehearsing Beowulf’s triumphs and feats” by comparing him to Sigmund, an old Anglo-Saxon hero (59). The recognition Beowulf receives from the characters in the epic shows that Beowulf was impressive and heroic to Anglo-Saxons who told his
The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of an Anglo Saxon hero. He is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters many monsters and horrible beasts, but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are outstanding and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for glory which to him meant eternal life.
A hero’s journey begins with an epic tale of bravery and achievements. The journey of any hero starts with the hero himself conveying to the audience that he or she possesses noble qualities. Beowulf shows many examples of heroism through characteristics such as, heritage physical strength, and leadership. Beowulf stood strong against the most daring evils and quests within the story and this is just one of the many characteristics this legendary hero possessed. The story of Beowulf explained that he had royal blood from his father, who was a king, and that he also contained the strength of 30 men in each play of his hand. The stories of this brave soul was known all throughout the lands and tribes not of his own. Beowulf had many victories
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, physically and emotionally, is representative of the Germanic ideal hero. Beowulf is ?brave? (688), honest, and strong. One of the first scenes in the poem describes Beowulf?s arrival on the beach of a foreign land. Instead of fearing the large warrior that has arrived and summoning for help, the ?watchman? (229) is in awe of Beowulf. Before even getting to know Beowulf, the watchman thinks that this warrior is one of the strongest and noblest men he has ever seen: ?Nor have I seen/a mightier man-at-arms on this earth/than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken,/he is truly noble? (247-250). Therefore, Beowulf?s towering height and stature convince others that he is a hero. Like the typical hero, Beowulf gives boasts. While in Hrothgar?s kingdom, Beowulf defends himself against the kin-killer Unferth; Beowulf brags that he will kill Gren...
We all have heroes; in fact without them we would simply be lost. It is what makes a hero that guides us in our lives, but there are many deceptions of heroes. The best ways to describe them by the view of the common peoples is, “To believe in the heroic makes heroes.” (Benjamin Disraeli)Many people believed in the hero Beowulf. The epic poem of Beowulf has travelled through centuries to grace the hearts of those who believe themselves to be virtuous. It is the guide to how a hero should be. Beowulf is the ultimate leader. He slays all sorts of monsters and he does out of the good of his heart, mostly. He did not have to travel to another country and take care of other’s problems but he did. Many have speculated as to why he would do such a
The epic poem Beowulf provides the comparison of two major battles with Grendel and the Dam. The two battles, although under different circumstances, provide proof of Beowulf’s strength and heroic traits. In the first battle Beowulf protects the Danes against their enemy Grendel, in a fair and defensive fight that resolves the issue. In less than a day, the Dam strikes and Beowulf is determined to defeat her. In the mere Beowulf is the aggressor and almost dies, but courageously continues and obtains a victory. Beowulf is known for his courage, bravery, and not only physical but also mental strength. We learn from both battles that Beowulf embodies the qualities of a true hero. Beowulf’s strength in both battles complete his own hero development and his mission.
...mately, Beowulf’s traits of loyalty, strength, and bravery were what an Anglo-Saxon warrior strived for to win glory for himself and his lord. Beowulf is the heroic prototype for future warriors, and his character has set the stage as one of the most influential classical heroes in literature.
There has only been one hero in Anglo-Saxon history, only one man can meet every requirement one needs to be classified as hero. Only one man's honor, loyalty, courage, generosity, and wisdom, fits the true definition of a hero. That man is Beowulf. With these leading traits, Beowulf's rise to heroism was not just by chance. He filled each of the five characteristics perfectly, as if it was his destiny to be admired.
They foresee their ideal person to have: strength, pride, and confidence. A hero is to be the strongest amongst all men, with stunning skills; gaining their name due to “a particular incident, which means that he or she had intervened in some critical situation in an extraordinary fashion… especially in putting his or her life at risk” (Miller 1). Heroes are remembered for doing favorable deeds. They are brave and looked up upon by the people. Beowulf, as the principle individual, is described as “valiant and venturesome” (Beowulf 299) by the coast-guard on his arrival to Denmark. Throughout his stay at Heorot, Beowulf’s mission is to defeat a behemoth that is frightening the Danes. He discusses some of his courageous adventures, when he “battled and bound five beasts [or when his] sword had killed nine-sea monsters” (Beowulf 49, 53). In Beowulf, before the protagonist’s arrival to Heorot, he “was poorly regarded for a long time, taken by the Geats for less than he was worth,” (Beowulf 86-87) meaning no one cared for him. He was also neglected by the lord, making him sit in the back of the hall. Beowulf got his fame until he killed Grendel and his mother, therefore, making him well-known in Geatland, including far