“Beowulf” was written during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, a time when warfare and barbarian attacks were a part of everyday life. The image of a hero who risks his life in the name of his country and justice, was without a doubt desired by many people in those challenging times. Today Beowulf can be called the greatest …show more content…
Beowulf doesn’t come from a royal family; he becomes king only due to his bravery and heroic achievements. As Tripp suggests further, Hrothgar is not shown “as a prideful king glorifying himself at the expense of his people.” He is a wise and respected king who doesn’t have to prove anything on the battlefield. Beowulf is the opposite of Hrothgar, as a young and prideful warrior he likes to engage in dangerous activities and he likes to challenge himself, often by “putting his life on the line.” He has a high esteem and he will take any challenge to prove his glory. The swimming match with Breca could end tragic for him because no human being can stay in the open ocean for seven nights during winter. When at Heorot envious Unferth challenges Beowulf with contradicting words, he hits the heart of the