The Perfect Hero In Beowulf

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In the study of Germanic and Viking history, the scholar often meets a problem: there are few comprehensive texts that exist from that period; mainly because oral tradition was the most common way of passing down stories. One text that is an exception to the rule is Beowulf. Beowulf is a very complete work of Old English literature, of which it is one of the oldest surviving pieces. The epic centers around a Scandinavian warrior named Beowulf, and three different battles he has throughout his life. The poem depicts Beowulf as a perfect hero, but what are the qualities of the perfect hero, and does Beowulf exemplify those qualities? A perfect hero is the balance of strength in battle, being honorable, showing valor, having wisdom, following tradition, and displaying the traits of leadership.
Two qualities of the perfect hero fall into the same general category: prowess in battle and valiance. Along with the two, a hero must behave honorably, both on and off the battlefield. In addition to strength, honor in combat is an important part of being a warrior, and without valor and cour...

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