Beowulf brags about his many, many battles, even in his later years. Beowulf was not only a brave, arrogant fighter, but he was also a traveler. An epic hero is one that is prepared at all times to do as commanded. “So Beowulf chose the mightiest men he could find, the bravest and best of the Geats, fourteen in all and led them down to their boat; he knew the sea, would point the
Beowulf could not fit the image, attitude, and qualities of an epic hero any more perfect. First, an epic hero may establish himself or herself through rigorous challenges. Any true epic hero would never back down from any challenge, as they want to establish themselves as the mightiest and the bravest. Beowulf shows this characteristic a multitude of times. The best example of Behold epic heroism is when he tells the story of his swimming challenge with Breca.
Nina Ybarra Mr. Butler English 12CP 1-27-2015 Beowulf the Epic Hero A true hero does not fear death and will risk all that he is to protect people from great danger. Beowulf is an epic hero and tells a great story about a legend who overcomes all difficulties; almost as if he was immortal. All heroes share their characteristics of their preparedness to die, this is what marks their actions heroic. Throughout the epic Beowulf exhibits various characteristics that makes him an epic hero. One of the characteristics Beowulf demonstrations is his capability of deeds of great strength and courage.
He is brave, and he has confidence bordering on absurdity. He chooses to fight Grendel disarmed and without any armor. Lines 339-340 quoted, “He twisted in pain/ and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder/ snapped, muscle and bone split.” Beowulf used his powerful grip to defeat the invincible Grendel! Not only is Beowulf strong, he is also very honorable. Lines 115-116 quotes “Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar/ now when help was needed.” This explains thoroughly how Beowulf is daring and noble.
Achilles achieved honor on the battlefield as depicted in The Iliad, which fueled his pride. “I tried to dissuade you, but you gave in to your pride and dishonored a great man whom the immortals esteem” (Homer 115). However, his pride was not the only thing the Achilles of The Iliad depicts; his quest for glory is also his motivation to fight. The last lines of Book XX describe Achilles desire for this glory, “But the son of Peleus pressed on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands." In the movie Troy Achilles is first motivated by honor and pride, but then passion overtakes him when Agamemnon takes Briseis.
Likewise, Alexander was full of ambition as a leader. This trait was one of the main reasons he was able to conquer so many lands during his time in power. His determination ensured that he let nothing and no one stand in his way when he had something to achieve. Overall, Alexander the Great’s strategic mind and influence over his people led to him being the greatest political leader of his
Beowulf and his people displays these virtues in his own actions and words during different circumstances throughout the tale. Beowulf was "the strongest of the Geats" and also "greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world". Beowulf is shown to be the strongest among the strong. Physical strength was very much envied by the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf could slay the greatest monster of all, Grendel.
His struggle for life Is much more inspiring Than that of a servant, Once lost but prudent, Who turned to God, And became his student. The son of Laertes Was aching for family, And would have killed Hades Just for Penelope. He did not seek To please an Almighty, But with grace and fighting, He wove a tale tightly, ‘Till the Almighty’s watched him. Now he has a tale Of emotions and anguish, That no book can pale, Or hope to vanquish. He is much more heroic, Compared to Moses.
Whenever the topic of Greek epic is mentioned, Odysseus most often come to mind as one of the greatest heroes. Through Homer’s narrative poem, the Odyssey, about Odysseus’ adventures and obstacles, every reader is able to identify him as a courageous and intelligent leader. He was able to use his intelligence, bravery, and strength to control his fate as best as he can. Odysseus was called a hero for many reasons, but mainly due to the fact that he was able to overcome many of the dangerous adventures that were thrust upon him. In the Trojan war, Odysseus’ idea of the Trojan horse brought the victory of the Achaeans.
During these time periods, a hero was usually a great a warrior who sacrificed oneself to protect their king and kingdom. In addition, culture, religion, chivalry, and traditions played a vital role in the work of these early heroes. This was seen numerous times in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, where both characters frequently prayed and followed the Code of Chivalry. In contrast, a hero today would portray few— or none— cultural or religious elements. Usually, present-day heroes would acquire the label by depicting some sort of supernatural, phenomenal, or superhuman trait that a normal person would not obtain.