Who Is Beowulf A Hero

Beowulf is an epic poem about an optimal hero and warrior, which was written in Old English. Although Beowulf’s avidity for fame and glory incentivized his avarice, he was contemplated as a superior king according to the Anglo Saxons. Throughout the whole poem Beowulf pursues fame in order to acquire glory and treasures. During his fight with Grendel, he manages to establish himself as a good warrior by “renouncing sword and the shelter of the broad shield” (436). This action proved that he is courageous and also fights in an equal playing field. Once Beowulf killed Grendel, Beowulf “won renown” and was now “known to all men far and near, now and forever” (1221). This was due to fame being considered as something of great importance during this era. It wasn’t just for mere vanity, but instead it was earned. The only way to live an immortal life was through fame. Hrothgar thanked Beowulf for his aid and stated that “you have made yourself immortal by your glorious action”

(953).
Beowulf’s second battle was also noteworthy, not particularly because of the battle itself but what happened before it.

He precisely requests Hrothgar to “take care” of his “young company, and comrades in arms”, to send Hygelac the treasures he had won, and that “Unferth is to have what he inherited” (1480). Hence this action can be considered an indirect characterization of Beowulf’s kind heart. Despite his altercation with Unferth, he still wanted to share his treasures with Unferth. He wanted to leave the Danes completely clean of evil even though he was most likely influenced by his need of fame.
Moreover Beowulf’s honor was portrayed when the Geats mourned his death. They built a barrow for him so that they can al reminisce him for eternity because “of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame (3180). During the Anglo Saxon era, virtuous kings would have memorials built to commemorate them once they passed

away.
Nonetheless, Beowulf lacked some vital aspects of an exceptional Anglo Saxon king or lord. For instance Beowulf was not of a noble family, although his father was a great warrior. Another important aspect that Beowulf was missing is a family of his own. As a good king, he should’ve had children who would inherit the throne. This was probably his major mistake because during Wiglaf’s reign, the Geats would be doomed to many wars. By having a king just as strong as Beowulf inherit the throne, this could’ve been easily avoided. Furthermore, Beowulf failed to follow Wealtheow’s advice to “bequeath kingdom and nation to your kith and kin, before [he] decease[s]” (1177). A king’s quality would be determined by their warrior’s loyalty. At the beginning of the poem, his warriors “worked to defend their lord's life, laying about them as best they could” (794). However during the end the warriors betray Beowulf by fleeing his battle against the dragon. Even though they felt instant remorse once they found out he had died, they should’ve stayed there to keep their promise with their king.