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.
A hero is is often defined by certain qualities, looked upon traits. A true hero does not fear death or, but instead risks all that he is for what he believes to be right, moral, and just. Beowulf is an epic that tells the story of a legendary hero, conquering all obstacles as if he was immortal. In the narrative epic poem, Beowulf, the great Anglo-Saxon hero, engages in three main battles. Beowulf approaches each of these three battles in a different way and with a different strategy in mind.
Beowulf an Epic Hero Epic heroes are people who have superhuman abilities or superhuman qualities. Beowulf displayed both of these traits. He was brave, noble-born of his father, he had superhuman strength, he was intelligent, and the values of his people are his as well. He always puts others before himself. I believe Beowulf is an epic hero because he displayed heroic characteristics through out his life.
As the Green Knight comes to King Arthur’s court, he causes a scene, which then invites everyone to "give a blow and take a blow". Even though this trial appears easy, it still puts Gawain in a conflict and makes him fear his life with the Green Knight. After this, the Green Knight still is not the main enemy whom the hero must overcome in this story. Throughout his quest, Gawain is still challenged against this stereotype and does not always win, as he must face temptation and the qualities that do not live up to a typical hero’s standards. For Shrek, he fights just like a hero would when he approaches the castle with the fire breathing dragon.
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.
Beowulf What does it mean to be considered an Anglo-Saxon hero? Anyone who was an Anglo- Saxon warrior was also considered an Anglo-Saxon hero. In the Anglo-Saxon times it was crucial to live by the Anglo-Saxon code. This epic poem Beowulf was passed down orally, generation to generation and has no known author. 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.
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 three heroes discussed here, Beowulf, Sir Gawain and King Arthur, are heroes for different reasons. Beowulf, our earliest hero, is brave but his motivation is different than then other two. To Sir Gawain personal honor and valor is what is important. King Arthur, Sir Gawain's uncle, is naturally the quintessential king of the medieval period. Though all men to a certain extent share the same qualities, some are more pronounced than in the others.
Emily Schwartz Mrs. Srinivasan English II Honors 14 October 2011 A Prevalent Leader In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf, the epitome of heroism, proves himself a suitable opponent against the demon, Grendel. Beowulf characterizes fearlessness and strength when battling fearsome enemies. Beowulf, the heroic protagonist, enters the village and addresses Hrothgar, a king, and his people with noble confidence for the upcoming battle he wishes to fight in. Dripping with my enemies’ blood I drove Five great giants into chains, chased All of that race from the earth. I swam In the blackness of night, hunting monsters Out of the ocean, and killing them one By one (153-158) Beowulf proves fearlessness; he can defeat any possible rival that faces him.
Beowulf has come to Hrothgar’s kingdom to kill Grendel, who has been haunting the kingdom and no warrior could defeat him. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel was a great one, he fought Grendel with nothing but his bare hands and emerged victorious by ripping off Grendel’s arm, “so hard, they all said, that not even the sharpest of swords could have cut it through, broken it off the monster’s arm and ended its life, as Beowulf had done armed with only his bare hands.” Beowulf’s strength is a key part to is heroism; After Beowulf killed Grendel he went to battle his mother because she was seeking revenge for her son’s death. Beowulf succeeds in slaying Grendel’s mother by chopping off her head, he then carries her head back with ease while it takes four regular men to lift her head.