Beowulf: The Ultimate Anglo-Saxon Hero

Words: 713

Pages: 3

Open Document

“They said that 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” (Heaney 3180-82). Beowulf, the epic poem, is one of the first known texts that has been recovered from the Anglo-Saxon time period. It was written sometime between the seventh and tenth century and passed down by word of mouth until it was first translated from old English to current English in the early 1800s. The epic has been revised and re-translated several times by multiple translators. The newest and most popular translation is by Seamus Heaney. Beowulf was the ultimate Anglo-Saxon hero because he was able to protect others without worrying about the aftermath, or even his own safety. From the day of Beowulf’s birth, everyone knew “there was no one else like him alive. / In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, / high-born and powerful” (Heaney 196-8). The Anglo-Saxons idealized good leaders and compared them to each other regularly. Beowulf was “truly noble” (Heaney 250) and “known for courage” (Heaney 340). Other kings, like Shield Sheafson and Hrothgar were known for being generous, prudent, wise, and brave. In this …show more content…
For example, when he arrived to Daneland to rid of Grendel, he chose to not use weapons because he found himself to be “as dangerous as Grendel” (Heaney 678). He believes that he can still win because Grendel “has no idea of the arts of war” (Heaney 681). The fight clearly went well for Beowulf, since “it was the worst trip / the terror-monger had taken to Heorot (Heaney 764-5). Beowulf not only looked mighty and powerful, but he had “the strength of thirty / in the grip of each hand” (Heaney 380-1). Beowulf will live forever through stories from the Danes and their defeated monsters. Grendel’s mother was also quite the fight, but Beowulf pulled through and rescued whoever he

Journal 1 Essay

Traits of Anglo-Saxon Culture The epic poem, Beowulf, depicts the heroic traits that Anglo-Saxon culture most values through the character Beowulf by being the epitome of the perfect hero. Beowulf was an outstanding warrior with all the extraordinary values required of a hero. He was able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to help those that were in need. He encountered terrifying monsters and the most ferocious of beasts, but he never feared the threat of death. Beowulf was the…

Words 779 - Pages 4

Beowulf True Hero Essay

The True Hero: (A Critical Analysis of Beowulf's Motivations) Heroes, such people as Kim Kardashian, or Jay-z. No, you think these people are not heroes, well who would be in this world of ours? Well before you choose I think we should look for the most iconic hero ever discussed in literature, Beowulf. Beowulf was a warrior who lived the Anglo Saxon code, a code of Vikings. This Anglo Saxon code has a lot of small actions you must follow, but we will look at the three major motivations that men…

Words 830 - Pages 4

Evolution Of The Hero Essay

Keith Lyons Jr. Civilization I Discussion 6 In many earlier civilizations the hero has been seen to change and develop across cultures and as time has passed. Beowulf is the center of attention as a hero as he is an Anglo-Saxon warrior. In Anglo-Saxon culture a hero has to have all three strength, wisdom, and courage. Death for an Anglo-Saxon warrior is honorable and the courage they need to possess to be thought of as a warrior needs to be shown even if it means death. They must be willing to…

Words 715 - Pages 3

Beowulf 3 Page Response Essay

Bosch Romantic Literature- 3 Page Response Essay Beowulf is an epic about a hero who faces life challenges and extremes. Based from the Anglo-Saxon period Beowulf reveals the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs such as strength, bravery, and honor. Beowulf is portrayed as a hero, a rescuer in times of trouble. The idea of having an almost humanistic God-like figure, as the hero opens the reader to connect on a totally different level. Beowulf display’s a unique character, he’s strong and brave…

Words 568 - Pages 3

Beowulf Analytical Essay

the middle is always evil.” – Ayn Rand. To fully understand the complex world and culture of the Anglo-Saxons, one must examine the only form of historical evidence available – texts. One particular great work from this time period is often underrated and overshadowed in modern society by many other ancient works such as Iliad or Oedipus Rex. The epic poem, Beowulf, was sung by multiple unknown Anglo-Saxon poets four centuries before the Norman Conquest. The theme of good versus evil was constantly…

Words 975 - Pages 4

Persuasive Essay On Beowulf

dismiss Beowulf as someone who is obsessed with self-actualization and the desire for fame. That is because he puts himself out to face up to issues that challenge his pride and ego. Some critics may also argue that Beowulf is a notorious warrior hiding under the façade of loyalty to trade in war and terror. For example, in the bloody fight between Beowulf and Grendel he comes out as reckless as he beheads Grendel and rips off his hands. Through the eye of Grendel’s sympathizers, Beowulf can be labelled…

Words 654 - Pages 3

Athle Courage Research Paper

strength and courage are characteristics student-athletes need to have in order to pursue their goals, even when all the odds are against them. When adversity hits, whether plagued with an injury or all outside factors impact the ability of play. Anglo-Saxon warriors lived by having these characteristics. To be able to face any opponent and believe they can succeed.…

Words 1254 - Pages 6

Good vs Evil Essay

Morgan Massey Lana McCall English 2H December 9, 2014 Comparisons of Good versus Evil in Beowulf Beowulf the great Anglo-Saxon epic presents readers with a glimpse into the time period of Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf, written in a somber tone and reflects the achievements of the hero Beowulf. This epic poem displays many contrasts between good and evil. Although this is a fictional piece of literature, the struggle between good versus evil is an unchanging problem in society. This can correlate to terrorism…

Words 758 - Pages 4

Comparing Beowulf's Journey In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

A hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability. It is someone who is admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. Many heroes have different personalities that constantly change within each culture, but in the end, they all go through some sort of heroic journey. In the books Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we are able to trace the hero cycle journey from warrior Beowulf to chivalrous knight Sir Gawain. Although the heroes lived in different cultures, they both portrayed…

Words 637 - Pages 3

Compare And Contrast Beowulf And Sir Gawain

Beowulf and Sir Gawain: A Study in the Continuance of Noble Characteristics in the Middle Ages In literature, the protagonist, or the hero, serves to hold as the prime demonstration of what is morally correct in respect to their time frame. They subconsciously reveal the ideals and values of their surrounding societies, and through these characters, the reader learns the mores of the protagonists’ communities. In the Middle Ages, for example, Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight both clearly…

Words 2115 - Pages 9