Examples Of Courage In Beowulf

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What is courage? Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one or a strength in the face of pain or grief. Courage was recorded in Beowulf, documented by an anonymous source, at almost every turn. From his battle with Grendel to the fight with the dragon Beowulf has needed his courage in his youth to his old age. “As an old man past his physical prime, Beowulf does not shirk his duties as leader and protector of his people. He knows the odds are not in his favor but he is chooses to face the dragon alone.” Beowulf was said to be the strongest man of his time period. Along with his strength came a sense of pride and courage. In another kingdom an evil being was killing off the citizens and the king had no idea of how to stop it, …show more content…
Beowulf knows he must save his people, but is not strong enough to do it alone and asked his most trusted friends to help him fight the beast. The men travel to the lair of the dragon and before they go inside Beowulf states “I’d use no sword, no weapon, if this beast/ could be killed without it, crushed to death” (613-614). Here he shows courage and smarts because he knows he can not face the dragon alone or without a weapon. The dragon can breath fire, if it can have that then he should have a weapon. As Beowulf walks over to the opening in the caves the story says “ Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong,/” “ no coward could have walked there” (633- 636). As the battle started the dragon used his breath and Beowulf’s shield held until it started to melt. Then Beowulf used his sword to cut the dragon but it broke. “ a king before, but now/ A beaten warrior. None of his comrades/ Came to him, helped him, his brave and noble/ Followers; they ran for their lives ,” (690-693). Beowulf had courage even when there was no one would help him and he knew he was too old for defeating this dragon. Only one of Beowulf’s followers came to his rescue, Wiglaf, but it was too late to save Beowulf because he had been mortally wounded. Wiglaf showed a great deal of courage and loyalty to help Beowulf defeat the
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