Beowulf: Epic Hero Essay example

Words: 954
Pages: 4
Open Document
Beowulf: Epic Hero

An epic hero, an Anglo-Saxon hero, a modern-day hero; A hero is is often defined by certain qualities, looked upon traits. We have heroes amongst our lives everyday, from saving a life to simply helping someone out. In the epic poem, “Beowulf”, Beowulf was the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The Anglo-Saxon code reflects much of the code of Chivalry, the code of the Samurai, to the modern-day code of just doing good. He embodied courage, honesty, loyalty, and much more, attributes that were all valued by the Anglo-Saxon code. Beowulf was truly an Anglo-Saxon hero of his time as he possessed all the traits of an Anglo-Saxon hero.

Beowulf was never afraid to die. One of most valiant traits enclosed …show more content…
And take, in return, whatever you may want from whatever I own. (53)” Hrothgar spewed generosity and kindness to Beowulf in return for the death of the evil monster that has been lurking their corridors, he presented Beowulf with gold, finery, weapons and armor, etc. “When Herdred had fallen that famous warrior went back to Sweden, let Beowulf rule! (97)” We find generosity on Beowulf’s part as he declined the throne from Hrothgar and allowed his son Hygelac to take it. By supporting the correct heir to the throne, Beowulf proves his worthiness of a king even more. “My purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle. (43)” The overall purpose of Beowulf’s presence amongst the Danes, was to free them from harm, which he did. Although he tried to obtain glory from it, it was all in goodness.

Overall, whether it be an Epic hero or an Anglo-Saxon hero, a hero is someone who does things out of honor, bravery, and duty. As depicted by the Germanic heroic code, Beowulf’s traits such as his strength and honor as a young warrior, were capable of even holding throne, which he did much later after denying the first request by Hrothgar. Being through three separate major conflicts throughout his life, he establishes himself as a hero like none other, he remains the greatest throughout the ages. His greatness is spoken and retold even today. All in all, a hero perceives virtues to carryout informal achievements
Show More

Related Documents: Beowulf: Epic Hero Essay example

Beowulf Is An Epic Hero

Beowulf, the legend, the epic, the hero... Or is he? The epic poem of this so called hero brings to light some deep connective thoughts that we ourselves need to be told. Beowulf may have faced some of the challenges throughout the entire epic, and indeed they were quite the challenge, but no matter how much you can conquer or how much you can triumph over foes, regular human beings still have our own "dragon" to face in the end. Beowulf's portrayal as being a said, "hero" is a very proper and fitting…

Words 1545 - Pages 7

Beowulf Epic Hero

This quote sums up all the great accomplishments that Beowulf have obtained and him being there for the society, which leads him to be a firm and powerful leader. Beowulf obtained many qualities when it came to be an epic hero. Some qualities of being an epic hero may include courage, bravery, great strength, very powerful, etc. Beowulf battelled a lot of fights. In life, some may win fights, and some may lose. It all depends if one is willing to take a sacrifice for society. An article known as…

Words 301 - Pages 2

Beowulf And The Epic Hero

There are many ways in which Beowulf and the epic hero have affected our society since its conception. The poem’s tone and underlying themes show that even though a vast amount of time has passed, most of the values that we hold dear are still the same. One of these themes would be that actions speak more than words. As seen in Beowulf, when Unferth mocks Beowulf for losing the race against Breca. (Heaney 35-37) Another example could be that life is a continuous struggle and whenever you conquer…

Words 343 - Pages 2

Beowulf As An Epic Hero

Beowulf is an example of the perfect fictional hero and is referred to an epic hero. Meaning that he is elevated above any other man. Examples of this would be his strength, courage, and bravery. He is the son of a great king form Geatsland. He is followed by fourteen men the Denmark. He is headed to the island to bring him great honor by concurring the monster that is terrorizing the kingdom ruled by Hrothgar. In the story his strength is unmatched by any mortal man of the time and it…

Words 566 - Pages 3

Beowulf: An Epic Hero

Beowulf is a very courgeous hero. This aspect of his character is shown through the book in three different episodes in the Anglo-Saxon epic about his life. The first illustration of his courage is shown in his battle with the monster Grendel, despite the stories of terror about Grendel, Beowulf sails to Denmark to confornt the monster. He stations himself in Heorot, the banquet hall where the monster has recently slain thirty men. While his men sleep, Beowulf alone waits for the monster. His…

Words 394 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf Project Block 3 Beowulf As An Epic Hero Beowulf was an extraordinary epic hero in his time. Epic heroes have many traits that others lack, among these are physical strength, bravery, and wisdom all attributes of Beowulf. It all started out with his family, they were fully christian and strong hearted about it. But also his father on the other hand "was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men" (175-176). Edgetho (his father) is where he got his strength from and learned…

Words 815 - Pages 4

Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf, the Hero Beowulf constantly shows that he is a hero worth remembering. He is more than a hero, he is an epic hero. An epic hero is an extraordinary person that reflects a certain culture’s values while performing heroic deeds for others. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic hero that exemplifies heroic characteristics, such as his faithfulness to debts or oaths, reliance on fate, and boastfulness or pride. Beowulf’s faithfulness to his oaths and debts is one of the many characteristics that…

Words 296 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf the Epic Hero Carmela Patriz Lagahit Ms.Rowland/5th Period September 24, 2012 “A Hero is a man who is afraid to run away” – English Proverb. In the epic poem Beowulf by the Beowulf Poet, the protagonist named Beowulf, illustrates the characteristics of a true epic hero by going on a long journey to slay a supernatural being. He also correctly emulates an epic hero by executing daring and courageous deeds that reflect the value of an era. Lastly, by performing actions that determine…

Words 749 - Pages 3

Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf Epic Hero Essay “But to table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: Let us toast your victories, and talk of the future.” (Lines 223-224) Honor, loyalty, strength; these were all very important to the Anglo-Saxons. Alliances were built off of strong friendships, and kingdoms often aided each other in battle. Strength and performance in battle was valued highly, and victory praised gloriously. Beowulf, written by the Anglo-Saxons, is about an epic hero who shows their values in his heroic traits;…

Words 428 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

An epic hero is known as a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. In the epic poem Beowulf, written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, many characteristics of the cliché epic hero are prominent in the main character, Beowulf. The poem takes place in the late fifth century where a monster, Grendel, is terrorizing the great hall, Herot. Beowulf comes to King Hrothgar’s aid to defeat the monster and ultimately, ‘save the day’. Although Beowulf…

Words 479 - Pages 2