Who Is Beowulf A Hero

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In the epic poem "Beowulf," the arrival of the young hero Beowulf at the mead hall of King Hrothgar marks the beginning of an iconic tale of courage, heroism, and leadership. Beowulf's character embodies an elaborate amalgamation of altruism and egotism, as he vowed to rid the Danes of the monstrous beast Grendel. Grendel was a monster that was said to contain the strength of thirty men as well as slaughtered and devoured the warriors of King Hrothgar frequently. Comparing Beowulf to other young heroes like Bodvar in Hrolf's saga provides insight into the varying manifestations of heroism and leadership, especially in Nordic and Germanic narratives of legend and war. Ultimately, Beowulf's journey as both a warrior and a king reveals the challenges and triumphs inherent in the pursuit …show more content…
We can see this slight egotistical language as Beowulf verbally quarrels with Unferth as he tells the truth of his great feats such as swimming across the sea and getting attacked by the monsters below (Heaney, line 505). His boastful declarations of his abilities and his determination to face Grendel single-handedly illustrate this blend of altruism and egotism. Comparing Beowulf to Bodvar in Hrolf's saga reveals both similarities and differences in their heroic traits. Like Beowulf, Bodvar is a courageous and skilled warrior who embarks on quests of great significance. However, Bodvar's motivations are often driven by personal gain or revenge, whereas the actions of Beowulf seem to be more representative of a mindset geared toward duty and honor. While both heroes exhibit bravery and prowess in battle, Beowulf's altruistic impulses set him apart from Bodvar's more ego-driven pursuits. Beowulf's heroism is tempered by a deeper sense of righteousness and nobility, whereas Bodvar's actions are influenced by his own desires and