He mentions that he would rather fight with dragon with no weapons at all like he did with Grendel. However, since he is now much older, he is incapable of doing so. Before departing from his men, Beowulf says, “This fight is not yours…I shall win the gold by my courage” (2532-2536) this statement displays the warrior character of Beowulf. He is a man that is capable of great things because he has the courage to take risks that most men would not dare to even consider. Not only does this signify the
Beowulf was fearless of all opponents and fought to defend his fame and glory. Beowulf did not need to tell anyone that he was fearless; he showed them how fearless he was. Beowulf needed no sword or shield to protect him from Grendel when he killed Grendel with his own hands "My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster". Beowulf jumped in the water to fight Grendel's mourning mother, he did not know where he was going yet, he went for glory
In the epic poem, the Anglo-Saxons value strength as a characteristic of a superior and great warrior. Beowulf throughout the entire story portrays this by fighting the battles with the monsters and by defeating them when no one else could or were too afraid to. The author states of how Beowulf and the other warriors are “greater/ and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world”(110-111). Beowulf was a powerful warrior who fit the idealistic of a warrior in an Anglo-Saxon society. When fighting with Grendel and Grendels mother he never needed the protection of armor or swords.
Beowulf was fearless of all opponents and fought to defend his fame and glory. Beowulf did not need to tell anyone that he was fearless; he showed them how fearless he was. Beowulf needed no sword or shield to protect him from Grendel when he killed Grendel with his own hands "My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster". Beowulf jumped in the water to fight Grendel's mourning mother, he did not know where he was going yet, he went for glory and fame showing no fear. Beowulf displayed that he was very resourceful, as well as, the other traits listed.
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.
Thus, leaving him with no protection. Also, during the battle, Beowulf’s sword was broken, this left Beowulf with no weapon. Though, thanks to one of Beowulf’s warriors, Wiglaf. The two were then able to slay The Dragon. Another similarity in the 3 battles is that Beowulf retrieved a prize from each
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.
Not only does he dare to encounter frightening Grendel, but as the monster has no weapons, Beowulf chooses not to use any of them either. He is fearless and strong enough to trail Grendel’s mother to her lair and then crush her, winning a brilliant victory. He is loyal to king Hrothgar, paying back his father’s debts, and to king Hygelac and queen Hygd as well, sharing between them more than a half of his obtained treasures, thereby showing his generosity. After establishing a name for himself it’s time for an ideal hero to become more mature and reliable. And that’s what Beowulf does.
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.
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