Beowulf Beowulf an epic, created during the Anglo-Saxon period, shows the qualities of an epic hero; noble birth, bravery, and choices that affect a nation. Beowulf, a complex character, showing all characteristics of an epic hero, demonstrates these traits in the slaying of horrible monsters. He supports being an epic hero because of his noble birth making him very courageous and helping him to secure the futures of nations. Beowulf’s noble birth allows him to be an epic hero and, known by everyone, can easily do the things he desires to do. "My lord, the great king of the Danes, commands me/To tell you that he knows of your noble birth..." (pg.43 ln.127).
They are both motivated by the wellbeing of their people to fight. Of course Beowulf also fights for the obvious reason, gold. Beowulf accepted the gold for killing the monster that plagued Hrothgar’s kingdom. After Beowulf kills the monster’s mother, he accepts even more golden treasure from the Danes and sails home with his men. While his motives for fighting always seem to be honorable and heroic, some people may see Beowulf as a mercenary.
“Then Wiglaf went back, anxious to return while Beowulf was alive, to bring him treasure they’d won together. “ (45) 791. Even when Beowulf died, he still got treasure for the victory over the dragon, and another reward he got for his achievement was a holy ritual (funeral). An epic hero doesn’t have to be a superpower hero. But most heroes tactics, weapons, and courage to become heroes.
He has responsibilities he cannot forsake. Many people look up to him with blind expectations that he will defend them and protect them, and if he ever did not, they would not love him and his previous favors would be forgotten. As a valiant hero and perhaps more so as a wise king, he leads a life of confided emotions and inescapable responsibilities that set him apart from the rest of the world
Throughout the epic poem, he is faced with the challenge of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. When the battle of Grendel and Beowulf takes place, it results in the death of Grendel and the victory of Beowulf. This victory brings wealth to him as his king, Hrothgar, rewards him with horses, great weapons, a party and a very meaningful speech (part 15). Hrothgar defines his social status with his distribution of wealth to Beowulf when he gives him the gifts. By distributing his wealth, Hrothgar is actually bringing his people closer together by securing the protection of Beowulf, therefore achieving ‘the bond of comitatus.’
A warrior’s courage and respect is what gives him power with others and in himself during current and pass times. Beowulf is always courageous, “Whether he is fighting sea monsters, Grendel’s mother or humble fire breathing dragons, Beowulf shows that the courage and strength should be an inspiration to all heroes” (Garcia). This quote illustrates the seriously dangerous task and battles Beowulf had to face and how all these achievements may be an inspiration to all warriors of his time and fore after to follow in his footsteps. Therefore, one can conclude that if anyone may follow in the footsteps of Beowulf they may also too be considered a courageous hero. Warriors had to be willing to anything to show their courage, to prove themselves to be able to be seen as a true Anglo-Saxon hero.
The people of all nations considered him a great diplomatic leader. He shows his diplomacy as he “mean[s] to be a match for Grendel,/ settle the outcome in single combat” (29). In fighting Grendel, Beowulf shows his diplomacy in a very diplomatic deed for the better of his people. This battle will hopefully prove to the Geats how great Beowulf’s nation has become, and also that he will pay back the mere guild for Hygleac’s ancestor’s misdeeds. The Geat King Hrothgar tells Beowulf to, “Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, /eternal rewards.
Through Beowulf’s characteristics, actions, and reputation, Beowulf displays many generic values of a hero. Some of these values include bravery, loyalty, strength, courage, and desire for fame. When it comes to exemplifying the values of the Anglo-Saxon culture from which he comes, three main traits stand out; bravery, loyalty, and strength. For a hero to show
There are so many meanings of a hero. The three qualities of a hero I think would be loyalty, courage, and honor. Any type of event that anyone is considered a hero follows those traits. Beowulf would have been a hero in modern time as well, because he carried every one of those traits and pursued them very well. Some of the supernatural things would not have occurred in today’s world, but there are going to be resemblances and alterations in the two different times of the
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.