Beowulf’s first fight with Grendel was a heroic moment. This happened when the monster within him started to evolve into a different him. He killed Grendel with his own bare-hands. This made him feel like a strong, and powerful man who could defeat everyone else. Yes, he did kill a beast that avenged a whole town, but that is no reason to cut an arm off as a trophy.
Drake Propson English 11 Mr. Hoffman 9/15/14 Beowulf: an Epic Hero Throughout the story you can see that Beowulf is an epic hero when he fights Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. These fights show how Beowulf is an epic hero. Beowulf is an epic hero because he has superhuman strength, intelligence, and courage, and performs brave deeds, and risks death for the greater good of society. In the fight against Grendel, Beowulf’s superhuman strength allows him to beat and mortally wound Grendel, and his courage shows when he beats Grendel by using only his bare hands. The characteristics of superhuman strength and courage are seen throughout the story of Beowulf and define why he is an epic hero.
Beowulf: The Values of a Real Hero Beowulf conveys the best example of an Epic Hero because of the strength, leadership, and courage he demonstrates when he risks his life for the benefit of society. First of all, Beowulf shows his strength defeating the monsters. He slays Grendel and the mother of Grendel bravely. He shows how strong he is by ripping the hand of Grendel. “To feud with Almighty God: Grendel Saw that his strength was deserting him, his claws Bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at His hands.” “Grendel finishes eating his first victim and as he reaches for another person Beowulf grabs him and they begin to wrestle.
Body paragraph 1- courage c. Topic sentence- how does Beowulf show courage d. Explanation- (the ability to do something that frightens someone) he shows it when he fights monsters and isn’t afraid to die e. Example- fights Grendel, fights Grendel’s mom, fights the dragon at the end, that effectively ends his life f. Analysis- but it could also be argued that it is not courage, just him trying to achieve a higher status and fame and to further inflate his ego. 3. Body paragraph 2- valor g. Topic sentence- how does Beowulf show valor h. Explanation-(great courage in the face of danger) i. Example- j. Analysis- 4. Body paragraph 3- respect k. Topic sentence- how does Beowulf receive respect l. Explanation- m. Example- n. Analysis- 5. Conclusion o. Restate thesis- and so this is why Beowulf is considered a
It is evident that Grendel meets all the requirements of a villain. He had powers that were beyond human, he was a character that “looked” the part, and he killed ruthlessly without feeling any guilt. The villain of every story is just as important as the hero; often, the villain is more vital to the success of the story. Although people may not admit it, there is a certain intrigue in finding out what evils lurk in the night. Grendel will be a villain that will haunt our thoughts
Although Beowulf had many victories prior to the accounts in the poem, it can be said that his first, major achievement is him defeating Grendel. Beowulf states that “ ‘Now Grendel and I are called/ Together, and I’ve come’ ” in order to “ ‘purge all evil from this hall’ ” (Lines 425-426, 431). Beowulf realizes that it is his duty to fulfill this mission that will allow him to be remembered throughout the centuries. Fortunately for Beowulf, he “had killed Grendel,/ Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering/ Forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people/ By a bloodthirsty fiend” (Lines 830-833). Everybody loves and respects Beowulf, and as a result of his accomplishment, he has been “granted a new glory” (Line 819).
After many brave warriors fall to Grendel, Beowulf is the next one chosen to fight this plague. Both of them are caught in a tremendous battle where Beowulf comes out victorious. Centuries later a novel written by John Gardner was published telling the story from Grendel’s point of view. In both pieces of literature Beowulf and Grendel are described as two different mythological icons who share a world. The epic poem and novel are contrasted by how the authors use of different characteristics, different point of views and how the theme of
Beowulf, the Geatish warrior is slayer off the monstrous beast Grendel. Beowulf wields supernatural strength, he's quick, cunning and equal. Beowulf believes in fighting on equal terms as his opponent “so it won't be a cutting edge I wield”. This is something the other heroes didn’t demonstrate. He is fearless attacking Grendel without hesitation, he is the only man capable of afflicting damage to the beast.
Beowulf Essay “He tossed his sword aside, Angry; the steel edged blade lay where he’d dropped it” (Lines 607-609). Beowulf gets in to a one on one battle with Grendel’s mother. Beowulf is a good example of an epic hero because he has exceptional strength. He battles against villains. Able to undertake quests are glorified for his great deeds.
He is not scared to fight anyone nor anything. He came all the way form Geatland just to fight Grendel,(the monster) because he heard about him. “Then news of Grendel/hard to ignore, reached me at home” (29). Beowulf has a thirst for fighting monsters to protect people from harms way, but he also has the heart to do so. “I hereby renounce/sword and the shelter of the broad shield/hand to hand/a life-and-death/fight with a friend” (31).