Beowulf depicts the traits of an ideal hero. He can be described as a fearless fighter with tremendous strength and an honorable man willing to risk it all. The strength of Beowulf is similar to the almighty power of thirty men. For example line 111 quoted, “And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world.” Beowulf was easily compared to superheroes only seen on TV! He is brave, and he has confidence bordering on absurdity.
A true hero does not fear death or, but instead risks all that he is for what he believes to be right, moral. Beowulf is an epic and tells the story of a legendary hero, conquering all obstacles as if he was immortal. Up until the end of Beowulf’s life he was constantly looking to be the hero. However, his humanity is exposed by his death. Heroes all share the characteristic of their willingness to die in their effort to accomplish their heroic act, thus making the act in itself heroic.
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.
Christopher Chin GNHU 201 Professor Miller 09.23.2013 Mortal Heroism Is Odysseus a hero? Why or why not? The known definition of a hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. In the myth of Odysseus, the thoroughly mortal king of Ithaca is not a hero by choice nor decision. He claims the title of being a hero by defying the wrath of two decades of distress with the use of his cunning brain instead of manpower.
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
Beowulf went through his plan in his head like any good athlete would before a big game. As the Banquet continued to go on, Hrothgar thanked Beowulf and promised him credit if he did succeed. As a great hero, Beowulf will not use weapons in the fight against Grendel because Grendel does not use weapons. Another act of kindness don’t by Beowulf was when he goes after Grendel’s mother. Hrothgar is upset and the begged Beowulf to him again.
Beowulf Epic poetry almost always includes the traits and actions of a perfect hero. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character is portrayed as a brave, strong warrior willing to do anything in order to gain personal fame. However, Beowulf also learns along the way that he is not invincible, and that being able to pass on his acts of heroism and being a good king is far more rewarding than being a hero. Beowulf travels to help the Danes in order to gain personal fame, and in order to be known as the slayer of Grendel. Beowulf is very self-confident and trusting in God, and even fights Grendel unarmed, and without any protective armor because of his faith.
Once in a swimming race Beowulf had been attacked by a sea monster and had to save himself. He slew the monster and eight other seas beasts. He also says, “I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they had earned” (Beowulf 176-180). Beowulf uses his past heroic deeds and his confidence to convince Hrothgar why he is a fit opponent for Grendel the monster. Furthermore; Beowulf reaches his lowest point in the hero cycle when he’s faced with three numinous phenomenons.
At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a very noble and compassionate character and he fights to protect his country with no other ambition than to keeping his country safe. The soldier said,“For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name- disdain fortune, with his brandish’d steel, which he smoked with bloody execution.” (Shakespeare, 13) The soldier who fought with Macbeth describes Macbeth’s valiant efforts to protect his country. Macbeth’s bravery and physical strength in battle is respected by all. King Duncan refers to him as "noble Macbeth" and after Scotland's victory over Norway; he is rewarded with the title of the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is also shown to be a caring and compassionate man in his relationship with his wife, Lady Macbeth, when he
Poseidon and Odysseus are the most noticeable representatives of the theme of vengeance. In order to escape from the cave of the Cyclops (Polyphemus), Odysseus blinds the one-eyed giant (Book 9). Unfortunately, the Cyclops is the sea god Poseidon's son; Odysseus has engaged a formidable enemy. Poseidon can't kill Odysseus because the Fates have determined that he will make it home. However, the sea god can help to fulfill his son's wish that Odysseus should arrive in Ithaca late, broken, and alone, his shipmates lost, and his household in trash.