The two inferior men endeavored many hardships throughout because of their loyalty to others. Courage, bravery, and determination are the key factors to following out Beowulf's and Wiglaf's plan of loyalty. Beowulf's theme centered around loyalty, thanks to the two superior characters who classify the true definition of what it means to be
The True American Hero In James Fenimore Cooper’s novel Deerslayer, he illustrates the idea of an American Hero and shows the qualities that this person must acquire. Through the figure Deerslayer, Cooper creates an archetypal American Hero who depicts the many facets of Cooper’s ideas. Throughout the story Deerslayer always acts properly and bravely in the situations he faces. A figure that illustrates Cooper’s ideas of the ideal American Hero always stands up for justice, though he does not fight when one shouldn’t. Also, Deerslayer exemplifies this mentality by always doing the morally best things for society as a whole.
In Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, to be a warrior was to be a hero. A warrior was to be strong, intelligent, and courageous. Warriors had to be willing to face against any opponent, and fight to the death for their glory and people. The Anglo-Saxon warrior was able to be all of these, as well as be humble and kind to their people. In literature Beowulf is a perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon warrior.
This poem follows the life of Beowulf from that of a young and loyal Dane who becomes a great respected king and dies proudly, as a warrior. The warrior culture at this time reflects the values of the society of the 6th century. The Danes and Geats showed their loyalty to their leader by fighting for him, even to the death. The leader would then give them something in return like treasure or property for their deeds or achievements, which helped to improve their reputations. In regard to these important cultural values of that time, four of these values recur throughout this legendary poem: loyalty, violence, celebration and revenge.
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
He also contains all of the manners and values that are expected of a man in that time, including loyalty, courtesy, and pride. Beowulf’s victory over Grendel and the assumed defeat of Grendel’s mother validates his reputation for bravery and establishes him completely as a hero. In the beginning, Beowulf matures very little because he already possesses many heroic qualities from the start. Having rid Denmark of its problems and demons, Beowulf is ready to enter a new phase of his life. Hrothgar, who has become his mentor and somewhat of a father figure to the young man, also begins to advise him on how to rule wisely and efficiently.
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.
Whether they are deployed or serving in the United States, the pressure of protecting his/her country comes with the territory. The poem, Beowulf, connects with such conflicts by telling of the battles Beowulf faces throughout his life. Beowulf does not let the danger of battling Beowulf stop him, much like soldiers do not let the dangers of the battle field stop them from going to war. This is seen in the poem when Beowulf proudly states: “And may the Divine Lord/in His wisdom grant the glory of victory/to whichever side He sees fit.” (lines 685-687). Through this quote, the reader sees Beowulf’s bravery as he is about to face the monster Grendel.
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).
Siegfried, like his barbarian ancestors, was brawny; this made him an excellent and courageous fighter. Siegfried grew up being famous amongst his people for his strength, being without blemish, and for how fair he was. Siegfried was a prince so he had a formal education in reading and writing, but he also was trained in sword fighting, spear throwing, survival training, and horseback riding. “The most stately women held him in their love; with the zeal which was his due men trained