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.
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.
Throughout his entire life, he had a very charismatic personality. This helped him to succeed in inspiring and motivating his men. Having the respect of his soldiers helped him to become a favourable political leader that people were able to look up to and admire.In addition, Alexander was a very strategic individual. It was due to this that he managed to create many effective military positions. This played a big role in his many victories, as he was able to win battles against the other leaders who did not have equally adequate positions.
The true definition of an epic hero is a character that will take on any challenge even it risks death, posses’ godly strength and ability, and finally will valiantly sacrifice themselves for the good of their people and ideals. In this case, Beowulf is the spitting image of an epic hero. Not only does he fit the description but also he emits pure heroism in almost every thing he does from fighting Grendel to the Dragon. Beowulf portrays the epic hero in the following ways such as taking on seemingly impossible challenges like his swimming competition with Breca, possessing godly and superhuman strength when fighting Grendel and his mother, and finally sacrificing himself by fighting and defeating the Dragon while also dying for his people. Beowulf could not fit the image, attitude, and qualities of an epic hero any more perfect.
His valor and strength he showed in battle is what earned him his new title of thane of Cawdor and what lead to everyone respecting him so much in the beginning. Courage and strength as ideal masculine characteristics are also exemplified in
“The Heroism of Beowulf” In this poem, Beowulf is a hero. A hero is someone who takes a chance by performing acts of kindness. Beowulf was no just a hero because of his physical strength, but because he gave his glory to God. Beowulf is the top hero who put his life on the line for a whole kingdom. Beowulf’s heroism is shown when he takes fourteen brave men in his land to help Hrothgar.
Physical strength was very much embraced by the Anglo-Saxon culture. 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. Beowulf was fearless of all opponents and fought to defend his fame and glory.
In eighth century culture, a legendary reputation made a man immortal. We see from his exploits in the poem that it was far more important to Beowulf to build a reputation than to build wealth. Beowulf’s bravery and skill in combat made him an Anglo-Saxon hero of his day. His valiant death as a warrior solidified his legendary status in the minds of his people. Beowulf’s embodiment of Anglo-Saxon heroic ideals has insured that tales of his great deeds will continue to endure for
He believed that men should fight together, respect every other soldier, and also respect their opponent. These principles were extremely important to the Greeks. By following these principles they believed that it built theme a reputation of being honorable. A Homeric hero had to accept this fate as a soldier, that one day he could die in battle. He also had to follow certain social and cultural norms.
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.