Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

Words: 1801

Pages: 8

Open Document

Beowulf is an epic poem that relays the traditions and cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons. Chivalry, honor, loyalty, and bravery are only a few of the powerful qualities a hero of this time must contain, qualities that are present in Beowulf, who stands as a prime example of heroism. The story deals with the struggles between Beowulf and monsters who represent the qualities opposite to those contained in Beowulf, a hero. The fiends Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon each represent a perverted diversion of Anglo-Saxon values, and although Beowulf defeats these beasts, his death ends the tale, an event foreshadowed throughout the poem, along with other events.
Grendel is the name that rings fear within the residents of Herot, as his nightly attacks sweep away the lives of many. On his first invasion, he kills thirty thanes, and for twelve years Herot is devoid of citizens. Grendel, although no physical description is provided of his appearance, is a foul creature. His name's …show more content…
Similar to her son, she also has negative adjectives used to describe her and her anode, from "Hidden evil after hidden evil" (Line 338) and "greedy she-wolf" (Line 369). As opposed to serving men, she attacks and nearly defeats Beowulf in a fierce struggle. Men are afraid of her and afraid to go near her home. In the end, she symbolizes the opposite of the Anglo-Saxon female values.
The last fiend, the dragon, finally bests Beowulf. At this point of the narrative, Beowulf has become king, and a good king is responsible for distributing the spoils of battle. In the beginning, Hrothgar was represented as a very benevolent and great king who, "divided the spoils" (Line 19). This was tradition, and Beowulf was a "ring-giver" and distributed the spoils. Dragons in myth and legend are often represented as hoarders, typically of a specific item. The dragon in Beowulf is a hoarder of spoils, of gold and

Example Of Heroism In Beowulf

Tamera Clark World Literature Beowulf There are many themes that contribute to the story Beowulf. Some of the themes includes heroism, good versus evil, revenge, and being an outsider. One of the central themes throughout the story is heroism. There are many factors that tie into heroism in the story. Those three factors include reputation, lineage and characteristics such as bravery and courage. All three of these themes coincide throughout the story. The story is not only about what it takes…

Words 609 - Pages 3

Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

“The Aeneid” is war and the journey of the main hero, who through his competence on the battlefield must prove his heroism. The leading character of “Beowulf,” in many aspects reminds us of the classical heroes. All these epics share themes of friendship, honor and war as well as the heroes struggle to achieve the eternal fame; they mainly focus on the heroic protagonist. In “Beowulf”, the hero is expected to prove more than his bravery. He must prove himself not only on the battlefield defeating…

Words 1016 - Pages 5

Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

Beowulf promotes his role as a heroic protagonist by having the willingness to sacrifice his own life for the greater good. In doing this, Beowulf uses the characteristic such as bravery, honor, and superhuman physical strength to take down Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. A hero is someone who is looked up to for their courage, abilities, sacrifice, and noble qualities that are rare or not usually seen in others. Beowulf travels great distances and uses his own bare hands to defeat the…

Words 393 - Pages 2

Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

In Beowulf, heroism does not happen arbitrarily or spontaneously but is instead born from acts of vengeance. Heroism in Beowulf does not occur without first being a response to vengeance. However, the vengeance being responded to is often created through acts of heroism. It is because of this that it will be argued that heroism in Beowulf does not happen in a vacuum but instead occurs through a cycle of vengeance. Acts of vengeance present opportunities for heroism but success in these endeavors…

Words 843 - Pages 4

Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

Heroes are everywhere. All around the world, in every country, state, town, and neighborhood. A hero is someone who puts his or her own needs behind helping others. Are heroes born with the gift of heroism or do they develop it over their lifetime? What qualities makes a hero who he or she is? In Beowulf, the subject of heroes is explored as a fearless monster killer who conquers all challenges placed before him. Today heroes can be anyone from a friend in the hallway to a fireman or policeman. Malala…

Words 867 - Pages 4

Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

In Beowulf there is the reoccurring themes of Vengeance and Heroism throughout the entire time. Heroism on it's own does not spontaneously happen, and it also does not happen without some sort of purpose or outside force causing it to happen. Instead, Heroism gets progressively developed in Beowulf after these certain acts of Vengeance are first displayed. Heroism throughout Beowulf also will not occur without it first becoming a reaction to these acts of Vengeance. Most of the time however, these…

Words 931 - Pages 4

Beowulf Themes

Beowulf Essay I recently read one of the best epic poems ever written. “Beowulf” is an Anglo Saxon epic that takes place in Denmark during the sixth century. Beowulf, the main character, is the hero of the story because he saves Hrothgar and the Danes from Grendel and other monsters. Even though it was written a long time ago, “Beowulf” has many important lessons and themes throughout the epic that are still relevant in today’s world. These include how we treat each other, the dangers of pride and…

Words 748 - Pages 3

Beowulf Good Vs Evil

The epic poem Beowulf follows the timeless tale of the hero Beowulf as he triumphs over evil time and time again. Grendel by John Garden extends upon this timeless tale and explores in detail the antagonistic figure from Beowulf, Grendel. Despite both works weaving stories in the same world, both explore key elements in vastly different ways. Through their similar but often time different interpretations of key ideas such as heroism, religion, and good vs. evil, both Beowulf and Grendel explore the…

Words 870 - Pages 4

beowulf's heroism Essay

Heroic Beowulf Beowulf was written in the eighth century by an unknown author. This story is centered on Beowulf, the main character, who goes to Denmark to offer his aid in fighting off, Grendel, the monster who has been haunting them. Beowulf most definitely proves to be a hero. His heroism is demonstrated first when he kills Grendel, then when he kills Grendel’s mother, and finally when he kills the dragon, called Worm. This makes him a hero because he risks his own life to save the people of…

Words 435 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Beowulf and Grendel’s Arm Essay

Behrens Mrs. Burnham English 170 17 October 2014 Beowulf as An Epic Novel In the novel, Beowulf there are many examples of archetypes and symbols used. A few archetypes that the reader is sure to contemplate while reading Beowulf are heroic and evil forces. Symbols brought to attention in Beowulf are Grendel’s Hand and Mead Hall (Heorot). With the use of archetypes and symbols, the novel of Beowulf is easily classified as an epic. Beowulf’s heroism is the main archetype expressed in the novel. As…

Words 656 - Pages 3