Essay on Heroism and Beowulf

Submitted By andersonh827
Words: 1441
Pages: 6
Open Document
When the word “hero” is discussed, a person with superhuman strength and bravery battling equally superhuman beings is what is pictured. The epic poem Beowulf is no exception to that, with its ruthless monsters Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon terrorizing the people of Heorot to various degrees. Beowulf himself is the poem’s namesake for a reason; his history of bravery is what allows him to slay the monsters that no one else could defeat, and he dies protecting his people from another. How much of this superhuman strength is actually Beowulf’s, and how much of it is because the monsters are so fantastical? The supernatural aspects of this poem are crucial to its success, for Beowulf would not be half the hero that he is without the fantastical beasts and monsters within the story. The supernatural is essential to not only make Beowulf an epic, but to also solidify Beowulf’s reputation as gallant hero. If these monsters were taken at just face value, with their supernatural aspects disregarded, Beowulf’s heroism would not be nearly as impressive. What exactly is a monster, and when does it become supernatural? The Collins English Dictionary defines a “monster” as “a person, animal, or plant with a marked structural deformity; a cruel, wicked, or inhuman person; a very large person, animal, or thing.” By his description alone, Grendel fulfills all aspects of the textbook definition of a monster. His true horror is described with everything from his ogre-like appearance to his blatant lack of remorse for ruthlessly killing innocent people. Grendel attacking “the Sovereign of Heaven” garners him the interesting descriptor of “dark death-shadow” (149, 139). This juxtaposition is no accident, and is used to emphasize Grendel’s demon-like presence within Heorot. Calling Grendel a demon suggests a correlation with the Devil, which has even more significance when the connection between the throne and God is realized. “Sovereign of Heaven” is a reference to both God and Hrothgar, for divine right chooses who sits upon the throne. Therefore, Grendel attacking Hrothgar’s throne is not just an attack on Heorot, but on God himself. The references to Grendel descending from Cain make this an inference that brings Grendel to supernatural status more than him being described as an ugly, ruthless killer. These associations bring Grendel from a simple, disturbed monster to one of literal Biblical proportions. In modern times, someone being referred to as a God is someone who is gracious and infallible; if the same someone is referred to as a Devil, they are the epitome of terrible, evil deeds. That is, comparison to something otherworldly elevates a person to superhuman or supernatural status. Grendel doesn’t just receive a comparison to an otherworldly being—he is related by blood to one. Grendel may be described to be stronger than the mighty Beowulf, but it is his physical characteristics along with his associations with the Bible that are what elevate him from unnatural to supernatural. Unlike with Grendel, if monstrosity were based solely on appearance, Grendel’s Mother would not gain the title of monster as easily as her son does. Being referred to as a “hellish hag” is the harshest description of her appearance that she receives (1345). More focus is put on her “bitterly brooding” manner, and rightfully so (1111). Beowulf is regarded as a man with insurmountable strength throughout the course of the poem, so it is surprising to both reader and hero that he struggles so while battling Grendel’s Mother. She is just a weak, simple woman, and therefore the battle should be easy. After all, her “wrathful fingers/failed to rip open the armor he wore” during their encounter when Beowulf initially enters her cave. Of course she cannot break through the armor he wears; he is Beowulf and she is a weak woman. That is, a weak woman fueled by revenge. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, especially a woman whose son was just
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on Heroism and Beowulf

Heroism In Beowulf

In the epic poem, Beowulf, we see the newfound religion of Christianity and the traditional paganism that mankind had always used in times of hardship. On one level heros like we see in Beowulf are seen as a protector of mankind. Beowulf himself fought evil as compared to the heroes of today. For example, in one source we see a refreshing idea of saving mankind. Heroes of today differs little with the heroes of the past. They mention the humanism of, “... unselfish caring and helping evolution…

Words 472 - 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

Role Of Heroism In Beowulf

Beowulf as an Epic Character There are certain aspects of epic poetry that transcend author and time period. The poems are long narratives and are written or spoken in a sophisticated style, often coupled with a repetitive meter. And while they are not pieces of prose, epics tell a story of heroism, where the protagonist is of national importance (Downes 2). A combination of style, plot, and character mesh together to define the unique genre of epic poetry. Beowulf, the eponymous hero of the story…

Words 1023 - Pages 5

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

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

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…

Words 1801 - Pages 8

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

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

Heroism In The Epic Poem 'Beowulf'

Noemy Cazares Ms. Radovicich English IV 18 September 2017 Heroism Beowulf is an epic poem that was written during the 11th century. “Beowulf”, is the protagonist’s name whose actions define him as an epic hero. His qualities consist of his showing of bravery and responsibility. Bravery The text starts off introducing Beowulf as great warrior. “So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns” (1). It presents…

Words 638 - Pages 3

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