Warriors had to be willing to anything to show their courage, to prove themselves to be able to be seen as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulf definitely lived by this, “Warriors had to be willing to face any odds and fight to the death for their glory and their people” (Probst). This quote shows the grave lengths warriors would go to be able to have the nobility to be called an Anglo-Saxon
In addition, in order for him to succeed he must orally deliver his resume. Nevertheless, bragging aside, Beowulf is undoubtedly a brave man. When Beowulf sets out to kill Grendel's mother he simply "donned his armor for battle, Heeded not the danger..." (1328-29 60). When his sword fails him he uses his physical strength: "On the might of his hand, as a man must do Who thinks to win in the welter of battle Enduring glory; he fears not death" (1420-23 62). Certainly he is in search of fame.
Upon hearing of his families’ death, Macduff returns to Scotland to confront Macbeth, who is slain. The horrid acts performed by Macbeth were brought to justice through his death, and power was restored with the crowning of King Malcolm. Lady Macbeth was the driving force that kept pushing Macbeth to his terrible crimes. One crucial statement she made to her husband directly insulted Macbeth’s manhood, and manipulated him into committing heinous crimes, “What beast was't then, When you durst do it then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man..."(Shakespeare, 1.7, 47-49). In this statement Lady Macbeth resorted to
Beowulf possesses many of the traits of an archetypal epic hero; he is strong, humble, and willing to fight to death if necessary. One of the most obvious heroic traits of Beowulf’s is his strength, which is a vital feature in Anglo-Saxon heroes. Beowulf had the strength of thirty men and is blessed with strength beyond that of an ordinary man. Although strength is a key characteristic in defining an epic hero, it alone is not enough to define an epic hero (Greenfield 3). Along with strength, one must have other distinguishing traits to be considered an epic hero.
Abraham the father of the nation of Israel has lived such a different live than Odysseus the emblem of heroism but even though throughout Abrahams live he proves over and over again that he is also worthy of being called an Epic Hero. Every great hero is well known for his military tactics. Tactics that not just save people’s live but are genius in idea. Odysseus shows his brilliance when he saves his men from Cyclops or when he comes up with the idea of the Trojan Horse . Abraham had to save his nephew Lot, Genesis describes Abraham as “wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold”, the Bible says that he had donkeys and camel.
The motion picture Beowulf directed by Robert Zemeckis has some significant alterations in plot events compared to the epic poem. The film does an excellent job showing the terror that Grendel imposes on the Danes with his monstrous raids on Herot. It also supports the epic poems famous battle between Grendel and Beowulf with the epic hero killing the monster. But following this battle, major plot events has some key changes contrary to the epic poem Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother in the epic poem but in the movie he makes a deal with demon leading to his downfall.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu decide to fight a terrifying demon named Humbaba, because he was standing on their way to meet gods. The two heroes managed to kill Humbaba. “ Gilgamesh swiftly cut the breast, splattering blood upon his cloak and sandals.” (page 34). On their way they met with Ishtar, the goddess of love, is overcome with lust for Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh rejects her.
Beowulf shows bravery in line 158 “… Death was errand.” He states that he will fight to his death. He will not back up from his fight with Grendel even if it might cost him his life. Beowulf also shows courage in line 154 “… I drove five great giants into chains.” By Beowulf’s statement he shows how he is not afraid of fighting anyone. Beowulf shows courage which makes him fit the image of an epic hero. Beowulf is also considered to be a leader.
English – Macbeth Essay Brayden Schroeder “All Hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1, Scene 3, Page 3, Line 51) Who knew this one measly prediction would cause so much turmoil? The three witches are undoubtedly the most influential figures in what is possibly Shakespeare’s greatest playwright. The death of King Duncan came as a direct result of the witches’ prediction that Macbeth would one day be king whilst Macbeth’s superstition killed both Macduff’s family and Banquo. A result of his manipulable mind and arrogance, the witches also made him believe himself to be invincible, a mistake that would ultimately cost him his life. Although others played a role in turning Macbeth into the tyrant he became, it can be argued that this never would’ve panned out the way it did if the witches had never appeared.
King Hamlet's ghost uttered to Hamlet, “The serpent that did sting thy father's life now wears his crown” (1.5.39). Hamlet agreed to avenge his father's death. Now, his life had a purpose, which is to kill Claudius. Aside from his father's death, there was something else that sent him spiraling down. He was denied access to his love, Ophelia.