People looked up to him and strived to be like him. Everyone knew his name and who he was because he boasted after every victory. Beowulf was cocky and arrogant, but when it was time to do business, he could get the job done. He was the brute force of the Geat army and never backed down from a fight. Image was very important to the Anglo-Saxons and they cared about being seen as courageous and tough.
Another character trait of Beowulf is his physical strength. His strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and performs acts of supreme endurance. In the quote, “My hands alone shall fight for me” (line 267), shows that Beowulf is confident in his strength and knows he is the toughest. Beowulf is mainly thought of as a hero because of his strength and ability to defeat the evil that threatens the kingdom of Herot. In this quote, “He drew it from its scabbard, broke the chain from its hilt and lifted it high over his head” (lines 532-538), shows the reader that Beowulf is stronger than any normal man.
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.
Anglo-Saxon society judges its individual’s behavior on specific values and morals. This society focuses on a strong sense of community and it treasures fame. The values of the Anglo-Saxon society are embodied by the brave, fearless and exemplary soldier, Beowulf. Beowulf is the protagonist in the epic poem, Beowulf. This character is brought upon conflicts and challenges by inhuman creatures that threaten his existence and the perseverance of his culture.
He was also extremely arrogant. Beowulf decided to do what no other warrior would do, to go to Daneland and defeat the demon Grendel. He wanted to do this so that he would be viewed as a hero, instead of just a young, unproven warrior. He knew who he was, but he wanted the
Beowulf could slay the greatest monster of all, Grendel. Beowulf killed Grendel; Grendel had never come to such a match among a stronger person "That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder". This shows the physical strength that Beowulf embodied. And Beowulf also shown honors of a warriors when he defeated Grendel. Beowulf was fearless of all opponents and fought to defend his fame and glory.
One of the characteristics Beowulf demonstrations is his capability of deeds of great strength and courage. Thus meaning, the hero has great potential for great deeds with abundant amount of strength. The extent of the heroes actions are well above and beyond what the normal people can do. Beowulf shows these examples in some of his fights. An example of Beowulf representing this characteristics is when he battles Grendel.
Beowulf also shows he represents goodness by volunteering to fight evil; protect his people, and doing it selflessly. These selfless acts offered by Beowulf display much of the goodness that is present in Beowulf. Goodness is also portrayed by its ability to purge and cleanse evil. This is first shown after Beowulf slays Grendel. The poet says, "(Beowulf) had purged of evil the hall of Hrothgar, and cleansed of crime; the heart of the hero."
Beowulf is a hero who embodies the ideal characteristics in the Anglo-Saxon culture; these characteristics all come together to make up an epic tale. He possesses the traits and beliefs that were respected in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf displays these traits in his own actions and words during different circumstances throughout the tale. Beowulf is shown to be the strongest among the strong. Physical strength was very much embraced by the Anglo-Saxon culture.
If one is brave, they’re generally arrogant. Beowulf was very arrogant, in that he is constantly saying he’s the strongest man alive and that no man’s strength is a match for his. Being boastful is a strong suit of an epic hero. If one thinks or knows they can do something, it gives them the determination and drive it takes to get the job done. Beowulf brags about his many, many battles, even in his later years.