The Heroes of Beowulf Essay

Submitted By sunnysoursugar
Words: 589
Pages: 3
Open Document
The Leader of Heroes

The story of the hero Beowulf was sung by a scop, by a hearth to a mead-hall full of warriors, some twelve hundred years ago and written down a thousand years ago. In Beowulf, translated by
Seamus Heaney, Beowulf shows the true valor and great strength of a hero, when he fights three monsters: Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. He eventually becomes king of the Geats. He handles the challenges like a true hero and eventually becomes a great leader. When Beowulf was a young man he was strong, brave, and smart. He showed all the traits of a hero in the story of his swimming race with his friends. Although Beowulf lost the race, he bravely stopped and slew some sea monsters to protect other people. Years later when he arrives at Heorot, the great mead-hall of Hrothgar, king of the Danes, he offers to fight the dreadful demon, Grendel, who terrorizes the people of Denmark. Beowulf tells the Danes his intentions with Grendel. “Now
I mean to a match for Grendel/ settle the outcome in single combat” (425-26). Hrothgar had done a favor for Beowulf’s father, and Beowulf offers to risk his life to uphold the family honor and to pay his father’s dues, as expected of a hero. After a deadly hand-to-hand combat with Grendel, he wins against the monster by tearing off his arm. Clear proof of this could be seen in the hand the hero displayed high up near the roof: the whole of Grendel’s shoulder and arm, his awesome grasp. (832-35)
Beowulf is praised but stays humble and noble. Not too long after his victory, he fights Grendel’s mother, a monster more fearful than even Grendel, who seeks revenge for her son’s death.
Beowulf couragously journeys to her under-water lair, where he fights a hard battle and uses his wits to outthink her and uses her own sword to kill her. When he returns to Heorot, he is welcomed as an incredible hero, and he is granted many treasures. When he returns home to
Geatland, the king and queen praise him for his bravery. After some time, the king and his son are killed, therefore, Beowulf ascends the throne
Show More

Related Documents: The Heroes of Beowulf Essay

Heroes In Beowulf

even leaders of our house should consist of these qualities. They should be courageous, not afraid to take charge, and they must be quick-witted to devise a spectacular plan. Heroes are somewhat similar to leaders as well. Heroes have to be courageous in the face of danger. They have to think quickly to devise a plan. Heroes though may be scared at times. Especially when they are facing a fear, but what makes them a hero is that they go through with it and save the day. A good leader might say, “Come…

Words 512 - Pages 3

Examples Of Heroes In Beowulf

To Be Heroic Is To Inspire We need heroes because I see a lot of kids and people my age today who don't believe in hope or have sense of courage and it all usually stems from being around bad people or seeing bad things happening around them like on the news, in their community, or even in their family. Beowulf gave the townspeople of …… hope during Grendel's evil reign of terror, he helped them out when they were in a tough situation.(“a soldier should know the difference between words and deeds…

Words 277 - Pages 2

Heroes And Monsters In Beowulf

Sir, that there are no heroes and no monsters in this world. Only children should be allowed to use these words.” De Vigny believes that heroes and monsters are simply childish terms and nothing more. He argues that these words originated from our childhood to describe fantasy. The terms can be used to refine a variety of different things such as people or ideas. The French poet suggests heroes and monsters cease to exist in the modern-day world, but epic poems, such as Beowulf, provide examples that…

Words 696 - Pages 3

Archetypal Heroes And Outcasts In Beowulf

In Beowulf, there are several versions of the mythological/archetypal heroes and outcasts. An archetypal hero is described as, “a figure larger than life, whose search for self-identity and/or self-fulfillment results in his own destruction.” An archetypal outcast is described as, “a character who is separated from (or separates him or herself from) society due to a physical impairment or an emotional or physiological realization that makes this character different.” Beowulf endeavors many different…

Words 1029 - Pages 5

Heroes In Beowulf, The Hulk, And Green Arrow

for other people. Beowulf, The Hulk, and Green Arrow are all great heroes that struggle to express it in a moral way. They are all smart and wise but not all heroes are made flawless. Despite their flaws, they are still heroes. They do the right thing and make sacrifices to help protect the people from harm. These three men continue to act as a hero even when the people treated them as villain or doubted them to be consider as a hero. It is important to acknowledge these heroes’ behaviors and actions…

Words 784 - Pages 4

Beowulf Why Do We Need Heroes

Do we need heroes? I think yes. What is the definition of a hero to me? Someone who you can look up to, someone you can trust in, and even someone that does for the good of others. In the book “Beowulf” by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet , Beowulf explains to Hrothgar that he will kill Grendel for him in this quote, “"How many times have my men sworn to stay after dark and stem that horror with a sweep of their swords. And then, in the morning, this mead-hall glittering with a new light would be drenched…

Words 413 - Pages 2

Beowulf And Princess Diana Analysis

The funeral of the heroes described in both Beowulf, the epic poem translated by Seamus Heaney, and “A farewell to the ‘People’s Princess’” by Don Balz, shows how people of different cultures honor their dead leaders. Both Beowulf and Princess Diana were praised by their followers even though they were celebrated differently. One was pagan, Beowulf, and the other Christian, Princess Diana. Beowulf and Princess Diana were honorable heroes that were Idolized by their people. Beowulf had the “biggest…

Words 222 - Pages 1

Achilles Vs Beowulf Essay

refuses to recognize true heroes, the heroes can speak but they won’t be heard, they can act but they won’t be acknowledged” (Scheske 2). Heroes have evolved from mythical stories to famous people. Many people forget about the true heroes who’s names may never be known. Beowulf is an important hero because in the story he saves an entire town from monsters. Achilles is also important because he goes toe to toe with his enemy and wins. Achilles and Beowulf are both heroes, but in separate ways.…

Words 527 - Pages 3

Beowulf And David Goggins Research Paper

There are many types of heroes in the world, whether it be a superhero, a real life hero, or even a hero in a book. Heroes come in all forms, and there are many heroes on the planet that have similarities and differences. Beowulf, David Goggins, and the Flash are all three different types of heroes that share similarities and differences between their heroes journey, personality traits, and story lines. The Flash, David Goggins, and Beowulf all share some common hero personality traits. They are…

Words 1257 - Pages 6

Beowulf Vs Achilles Essay

needed.(Cannon Pg 1) In the stories we read in class the heroes changed from war time myths to peace time celbrities.The characters in the stories are wat time heroes Beowulf and Achilles they come from different worlds they each have characteristics that match eachother and some that are different from eachother. Achilles and BEowulf are some of the best heroes in literautre that can show readers why they are such great heroes and leaders. beowulf is a monster slayer and the king of the Geats who hears…

Words 572 - Pages 3