In Beowulf, an epic poem, Beowulf is the superior character who depicts the true meaning of loyalty. Beowulf feels in a sense he owes Hrothgar, King of the Danes, a favor because the great king had assisted Beowulf's father years back. Although Beowulf is the epic hero of the poem, he is not the only character that demonstrates the characteristic of loyalty. Wiglaf is a Geat warrior who exhibits bravery and courage while helping Beowulf fight and slay the dragon. Even though the epic poem had a devastating ending, it would not have been the same without the characters displaying their loyal sides.
The poet refers to Beowulf saying, “There was no one else like him alive. / In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, / highborn and powerful” (ll.196-198). This clearly states his very special role and his importance to those who need help defending themselves. One could say that with such power it is his duty to fight these monsters and save the kingdom. Beowulf is aware of his duty, and whether he likes it or not, he is obligated to live for the sole purpose of winning battles and fighting monsters to save those who are weaker than he.
Certainly he is in search of fame. Though this is true it must not discount his brave actions. He gains his fame truthfully by doing battle with menaces to society. He does not lie or manipulate to achieve fame, he uses what is rightfully his, his bravery. Beowulf's bravery differs from that of King Arthur's for several reasons.
As the Green Knight comes to King Arthur’s court, he causes a scene, which then invites everyone to "give a blow and take a blow". Even though this trial appears easy, it still puts Gawain in a conflict and makes him fear his life with the Green Knight. After this, the Green Knight still is not the main enemy whom the hero must overcome in this story. Throughout his quest, Gawain is still challenged against this stereotype and does not always win, as he must face temptation and the qualities that do not live up to a typical hero’s standards. For Shrek, he fights just like a hero would when he approaches the castle with the fire breathing dragon.
His tragic flaw is evident throughout the novel thinking he can win them all. Beowulf defeats the evil monster Grendel and his mother with ease. However, when it is time to battle the dragon, his pride causes him to be defeated. Beowulf is portrayed as a classic epic hero and, like many other heroes of the time, has a tragic flaw that ultimately leads to his demise. Beowulf possesses many of the traits of an archetypal epic hero; he is strong, humble, and willing to fight to death if necessary.
Not only will he be given gold when he wins the battle but ancient treasures well be in his possession. After defeating Grendel’s mother Beowulf chopped off the head of Grendel and took it back to king Hrothgar. After fifty winters, Beowulf now an old man fought the dragon alone. He did not want his men to risk their lives. That was the final battle for Beowulf and the last of him too.
He is courageous, has seemingly superhuman powers, and is of noble blood, later becoming a leader himself. As a novice warrior he comes to the aid of Heorot, despite his little relation with the troubled kingdom, and with his indomitable strength Beowulf achieves a deed that many other great warriors failed to: he defeats the Grendel, the monster that has long taunted Heorot. Following this battle are kudos and material gratitude from the king, admiration from others, and glory that will last even after his passing. However, behind the depiction as an ideal hero figure, Beowulf begins to decline. He is now adulterated by the glory and material wealth of earth that he has lost the strength of his purity, a power that can only come when he fights only with his bare hands and without the protection of metal.
He/she should also make reasonable decisions that are safe and beneficial to his/her group. However, Beowulf fails to do so, because, in his big head, he thinks that he is invincible. At one point, Beowulf says, “… [his] hands /alone shall fight for [him]” (Lines 267/268), insisting that his bare strength alone is equivalent, if not superior, to Grendal’s monstrous abilities. Beowulf exhibits this insensible trait again when he claimed that he would “use no sword, no weapon…” (630) when he approaches Grendal’s malicious mother. By acting so irrationally, Beowulf not only puts himself at risk, but also his entourage in danger.
After finding that his sword is not sharp enough, he discards it and begins struggling with Grendel’s mother. He then spies another, bigger, sword, and swiftly uses it to cut off her head. Being able to do this remarkable feat is astounding, and accurately portrays the courage embodied in Beowulf. The last battle was with the dragon, that was terrorizing the Dane’s Hall, after a slave stole a cup from it’s lair. Beowulf hears of this, and with the
He didn’t fail any of his battles but dies in his last battle and the dragon as well. “Hail King Beowulf!” Beowulf was a Geat warrior who faced Evil monsters. In his first battle, he is the good because he fought the evil he sailed to Hrothgar’s kingdom to fight the monster. The battle with the evil mind of Grendel’s mother who seeked revenge for her son. It was Good vs.