Although this crafty hero has many other great qualities, these qualities are the highlights of his character. Odysseus’s best quality, in my opinion, is his sneaky cleverness. Odysseus is always thinking, and he shows it numerous times throughout his adventures. One of his most crafty plans, on page 225, was when he tied himself and all of his men to the Cyclops’s ram’s bellies and escaped from the Cyclops into their ship. Polyphemus, the Cyclops, didn’t sense that the Odysseus and the men were hiding, and when he let is rams free, the crew escaped.
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.
“Beowulf, Hilgiac’s follower and the strongest of all the Geats… heard how Grendle filled their nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out proclaiming he’d go to that famous king”(Beowulf 109-114) Hrothgar was enlightened that Beowulf wanted to assist him because for so long the people of Denmark were terrified of Grendle but no one was brave nor strong enough to stop him. Beowulf went to Denmark to help the Danish people just out of benevolence. “You have come to us in friendship “(Beowulf 191). He knew that he was strong and knew that with his aid he could soon bring Denmark peace and tranquility after the horror that Grendle has brought to their country. Beowulf lived by honor and glory and sought them in everything he did.
No person can ever surpass his greatness for Beowulf expected nothing in return but fame and reverence, aspects he certainly deserved. Any of whom who come to mourn, know this; Beowulf did not die for nothing, he died protecting his people, that alone is something to respect him for. “Thus Beowulf bore himself with valour; he was formidable in battle yet behaved with honour and took no advantage.” (2177-2179) Beowulf is not just good at fighting – he's also morally good. He doesn't take undue advantage of his enemies or his friends. But that's almost an afterthought; it's much less important to the storyteller than his prowess in
They are both doing something that no human would ever do, like taking a challenge for your king or being a superhero and fighting dangerous villains everyday. Even though these characters aren’t real, we can learn something from them. You don’t have to perfect to be a hero. The best heroes are the ones that most people wouldn’t expect to be. Gawain was the weakest knight who took up a challenge that no one else would, which makes him brave and courageous.
Heroes choose to abide by their role and stick with it. They do not try to reconcile themselves with the rest of the world. Times of heroism are generally times of terror, but that day never shines in which this element may not work. The circumstances of man, we say, are historically somewhat better in this country, and at this hour, than perhaps ever before. One of the best examples that I can think of is when Beowulf fought Grendel and won.
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.
This is where the thought of this famous quote comes into mind, “a good friend who can find” and some friends are more than brothers and sisters. Enkidu works not for his fame but to make sure Gilgamesh succeeds. Moreover, Gilgamesh’s egos and his stern energy help him to come out as a true hero. His destruction of the Humbaba and his other creatures on his way to the forest shows how much energy and strong he is because they are the only people who are able to cross the ocean. Only a giant and a strong-willed person can go through huge mountains and face wraths of the oceans, forest and conquer them all.
Elegant and classy in all their ways, epic hero’s usually carry the characteristic of being fearless and accepting all that may come their way, making them the respected hero’s they become. “no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine.”(267-268) Was that exact confidence and fearlessness that allowed Beowulf to be the king, warrior, and leader he was. “my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster.” (172-174) Having that type of mentality and courage I’m sure that was the debut of his upcoming fame as a epic hero. The most important characteristic trait in a Epic hero is their relationship with the people. Without recognition of your accomplishments and status there could be no epic hero.
Beowulf Beowulf is an ideal hero in this time. He personifies extraordinary strength, courage, loyalty and a seeming indifference to death. Insomuch, it is those very same qualities that lead him to an impressive amount of pride in himself, which could quite possibly cause the demise of the kingdom he had ruled for fifty years. Beowulf displays his first traits as a hero in the passage [The Hero Comes to Heorot] (197-198) where he is described as “like no one else alive” and “the mightiest man on earth.” It is also in this passage, that he announces his intentions to save Heorot from Grendel (199-201). When he is speaking to Hrothgar, he tells him that his people have supported his decision to come and