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.
Odysseus: A True Heroic Figure “But I would not give way.” This simple, yet strong, inspiring quote was stated on page 218 of book 9 of the Odyssey by the heroic figure Odysseus, when his crew members were ready to take everything they could escape with and avoid confrontation with the menacing Cyclops. Even though this six letter quote is short and to the point, it shows how determined Odysseus really is. I believe that Odysseus is a strong heroic figure in Greek mythology. His best qualities that reflect his heroic character are his cleverness, caring heart for his crew members, and his strong determination. Although this crafty hero has many other great qualities, these qualities are the highlights of his character.
One reason why Beowulf is an epic hero is because he’s strong. The first reason why Beowulf is strong is because he has enough strength to battle with his bare hands. The story states, “If weapons were useless he’d use the strength in his fingers (Pg. 51 lines 506 -507).” This is important because it proves that he has enough strength to battle independently and not have to rely on anyone or anything to overcome the situation. The second reason why Beowulf is strong is because he survived being underwater on his own several hours.
Although those are virtually the same, you can go deeper into the tasks and detail his courage. When he fought Grendel, he did it with no armor and that shows tremendous courage. He constantly puts his life on the line for others, because he feels it is his duty to be a protector. The three categories of loyalty, strength, and courage are vividly illustrated in the epic poem, Beowulf. He represents what a hero was back then and always should be.
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
What qualities does an epic hero have that the average person may lack? In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is poised under pressure, brave, and intelligent but can sometimes rush through his plans and not think them through all the way. A modern day hero that I can compare to Odysseus would be Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the only Medal of Honor winner to survive the actions that earned him the reward since the Vietnam War. Sgt.
Features of the three types of heroes can be traced in Beowulf´s character and in Sir Gawain’s as well. Although not coming from a divine origin, Beowulf is portrayed with some mythological aspects of the hero type I, as when at the court of King Hygelac, the narrator says:“There was no one else like him alive.”; or when King Hrothgar recognizes Beowulf through the tales of seamen that had known him: “[…] a thane, they declared, with the strength of thirty in the grip of each hand”.On 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.
Even in his old age, Beowulf refuses to let others fight his battle. He charged head on into the dragon and came out a hero; although he pays a great price for it. Throughout his life, Beowulf demonstrates his trait of self-sacrifice by fighting monsters. Beowulf is considered a hero for many reasons. He’s very courageous because he fights things that others wouldn’t even dream of.
A hero is someone who will risk his life to protect others. A hero is brave, courageous and strong. Yet a hero also has weaknesses. Odysseus is a hero that has to leave his family to fight in the Trojan War, he has a clever idea and with the help of a god, the war ended. However, he insults Poseidon because he didn’t say thanks to him.