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.
One of the best examples that I can think of is when Beowulf fought Grendel and won. He stood bravely infront of the monster Grendel, and fought gallantly to victory. Without that time of terror, Beowulf’s true colors of Heroism would not have shown. To sum up everything that I just said, I think that Emerson would consider Beowulf a hero due to all of the battles that he fought gallantly and won. Not once in the story did Beowulf show a sign of weakness, even without any armor, he still fought bravely and
But most heroes tactics, weapons, and courage to become heroes. Beowulf did a great job in putting these three abilities together, which basically made him an epic hero. He didn’t fight for his survival; he fought for the survival of his people, which is why he sacrifices his life at the end so his people could have a
The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, But wounded as he was could flee to his den, its miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh. Only to die, to wait for the end” (lines 498-503). Finally in Beowulf part two explains after the defeat of Grendel and his mother he became king because since Beowulf had so much honor in battle, that people learned from him and is looked up to (pg 43). These steps that Beowulf went through define what an archetypal hero perfectly and this is why Beowulf is an archetypal hero. So to the following conclusion Beowulf is an archetypal epic hero because he carries both traits of both an archetypal and epic hero.
Wiglaf displays loyalty as he assists Bewoulf fight off the dragon. Beowulf is losing his magic touch as a leader and he knows that this battle between him and the dragon is going to end in his death. " Beloved Bewulf, remember how you boasted destroy your flame: fight to keep it, now, he strong and brave, my noble king, protecting life and fame together. My sword will fight at your side!,"(2663-2668). Wiglaf knows of the many triumphs Beowulf endeavors, and sees it as an encouragement.
The characteristics of superhuman strength and courage are seen throughout the story of Beowulf and define why he is an epic hero. Beowulf gets these characteristics because the people want to show that only Beowulf could be the only one to defeat Grendel because everyone else who tried failed and got killed. Beowulf is an epic hero because he performs brave deeds. We can see this in the scene after he fights Grendel. Even though that is all that he planned on doing he stayed and went to go find Grendel’s mother and kill her since she was in distraught of her only son dying, and she took Hrothgar’s friend.
He put his life on the line for the people but not just for the people some for his own selfish reasons as described above. His pride would not let him back down from a challenge or waiver in any sort of battle/competition. His greedy ways sent him on a course headed for destruction since he had an insatiable appetite for fame and glory. All together Beowulf was a great guy that did what he could for the people that praised him. He had faults just like everyone else because nobody is perfect.
He had a confrontation with the devil and his own men betrayed him when needed most. Being selfless and self-sacrificing seemed to be the only thing Beowulf knew. Beowulf was heroic, brave, and selfless just as Christ was. In a way, Beowulf’s entire life mirrors
A hero in a quest to fight for glory and the greater good of society. Brave deeds to help others to put to an end there nightmare. Beowulf was a mortal but had the strength like no other human; he was a super human with courage and intelligence. Risking his life for the safety of others where his death came upon it. First, Beowulf heard about Dane land being tormented
However, his belief in the goodness of everyone eventually got the best of him in the end, when his coward sons killed their own father and ran away. Duncan brought honour, love, and understanding to the throne of Scotland. He was a man full of ambition, an ambition that helped thousands of people to live better lives. When he passed, Duncan took our mother Scotland’s well-being and right for a better tomorrow, but I promise you that I will stand up and help OUR nation prosper and flourish as it did under his rein. He was the light in Scotland’s dark