In the novel, Beowulf, the main character is the epitome of an epic hero. He has great strength, he is morally sound, and, for the most part, he thinks of others before he thinks of himself. Beowulf comes to the Geats’ aid when an evil monster named Grendel terrorizes their mead hall. He courageously defeats the monster and defeats the monster’s vengeful mother. Through these battles, Beowulf’s strength, humbleness and courageousness is revealed.
This epic poem illustrates the journey and hardship of one Anglo-Saxon warrior named Beowulf, who because of his journey became known as one of the respected heroes of the Anglo-Saxon times. Throughout his journey, Beowulf stumbled upon endless battles with ferocious monster trying to terrorize his king and kingdom. Beowulf was one to never give up on anything or anyone no matter the circumstances. Beowulf is an authentic hero according to the code of Anglo-Saxon times because he is courageous, loyal, and determined.
Beowulf shows bravery in line 158 “… Death was errand.” He states that he will fight to his death. He will not back up from his fight with Grendel even if it might cost him his life. Beowulf also shows courage in line 154 “… I drove five great giants into chains.” By Beowulf’s statement he shows how he is not afraid of fighting anyone. Beowulf shows courage which makes him fit the image of an epic hero. Beowulf is also considered to be a leader.
In Beowulf, an epic poem, Beowulf is the superior character who depicts the true meaning of loyalty. Beowulf feels in a sense he owes Hrothgar, King of the Danes, a favor because the great king had assisted Beowulf's father years back. Although Beowulf is the epic hero of the poem, he is not the only character that demonstrates the characteristic of loyalty. Wiglaf is a Geat warrior who exhibits bravery and courage while helping Beowulf fight and slay the dragon. Even though the epic poem had a devastating ending, it would not have been the same without the characters displaying their loyal sides.
More specifically, Einhard focused on characteristics such has military prowess, sacred authority and great leadership. Einhard expectations of kings are important in establishing Charlemagne as Rome’s Great Emperor. Einhard’s expectations of a king enable us to bridge parallels between Charlemagne and former Roman Emperors, through military conquests, and divine
Their berserker qualities, though similar, are used with different motivations and, though the two works are from different cultures, the heroes in both have similarities in action and heart that link the Celts and Anglo-Saxons evidenced through ambition for renown. Both Cuchulainn and Beowulf are exemplary berserkers in literature. A berserker is defined as a member of a group of ancient Norse warriors who fought with wild unrestrained aggression. Cuchulainn became so lost in the frenzy of battle that he almost attacked his own people. He said, “I swear by the oath of Ulster’s people that if a man isn’t found to fight me, I’ll spill the blood of everyone in this court.”(Reidhead 127) upon returning to Emain Macha, which was then his home.
Brian Haynes J. Maynard Formal Response 1 October 1, 2011 Heroism A hero is “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability, an illustrious warrior, admired for his achievements and noble qualities, and one that shows great courage” (Webster Dictionary). In the stories “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” (authors unknown), the main characters Beowulf and Sir Gawain demonstrate many of the above-listed traits and could be identified as heroes of their day. Beowulf is the type of hero who is not afraid of anything, is very strong in battle, is very courageous and protects the Danish people. Beowulf’s heroism is driven by what the Danish people think of him. Sir Gawain is a hero
Mayra Vargas Period 3 Can’t Be Replaced Monster’s that can’t be harmed by a mortal’s weapon, or a battle against a fire breathing dragon; can you handle this alone? With your bare hands? Beowulf in many words is the archetypal epic hero in 4 characteristics. Beowulf is one of the very lucky, not only by being prince of the Geats but his story is being told from generations. A hero in a quest to fight for glory and the greater good of society.
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).
The story Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf reveals all of those traits and makes use of them to defeat his enemies, Grendel, Grendel’s mother and lastly a Dragon. Along with the various characteristics Beowulf has, Hrothgar also has a few great qualities are very apparent, these being kindness, devotion, and daring. Both the leaders represent these qualities multiple times throughout the story. Kindness to ones' people and ones' friends is a characteristic everyone wants in a leader. In the story, Beowulf defeats Grendel, an enemy of Hrothgar and his people.