Beowulf continues to thank God for giving him a safe trip there. Beowulf goes to Hrothgar and helps him. Beowulf is already known as a hero in the kingdom because he got rid of there enemy. The warriors were worried to hear what he did and what he was going to do to Grendel. Beowulf went through his plan in his head like any good athlete would before a big game.
Duncan finally states that “I have begun to plant thee and will labour to make thee full of growing.” Macbeth is being referred to here as a seed that’s full of potential and with Duncan’s help could flourish and blossom into something magnificent. Again this shows the amount of respect that Duncan has for Macbeth. In addition to his high birth Macbeth has some very positive qualities. One of which was his undying bravery. A soldier describes Macbeth as “Brave Macbeth…Like valour’s minion.” The soldier is implying that Macbeth only works for honour and loyalty.
This character is brought upon conflicts and challenged by inhuman creatures that threaten his existence and the perseverance of his culture. Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf battles three monsters. The adversaries and their conflictsare an allusion to the war against the fall of the Anglo-Saxon society, their values and morals The first beast he encounters is one described sinisterly as a dark, lurking devilish creature that hates humans and their qualities; and feasts on human flesh, terrorizing the Mead Hall of the Danes. This creature of the night is confronted by Beowulf in a graphic battle on which the herofights with courage as his only weapon. With little struggle, the protagonist rises as a victor in a symbolic fight against the disintegration of his society.
He travels far and wide, telling tales of his exploits and undertaking new challenges in the name of his king. Beowulf is a hero because he puts himself in harm's way for the benefit of others. Beowulf's first heroic exploit is his selfless defense of Heorot from the rampages of Grendel. Although Heorot is not his own hall, Beowulf is willing to protect its people and possibly die in the attempt. Upon arriving in Heorot, Beowulf announces, "And so, my request...is that you won't refuse me, who have come this far, the privilege of purifying Heorot.” (Lines 427-431).
The most unbelievable scene was the battle with Grendels mother. The first supernatural feat, pulled off by Beowulf, was right when he jumped into the water before the battle started, “For hours he sank though the waves; at last he saw the mud of the bottom.” (pg 47, line 452) Even though Beowulf did have super human strength, he still had lungs and had to breathe. Beowulf sank hours though the lake to find Grendels mother and try and kill her. Not only did Beowulf sink for hours into the lake, but once Grendels mother find Beowulf, she grabs him and carries him to her battle hall where they fight. After they fought, Beowulf then swims all the way back to the surface wearing; all his metal armor, carrying Grendels head as proof he is dead and a Viking sword, all while still holding his breath.
Achilles is confident too and glad to feel whole again. He is full of high spirits as he prepares his sword for battle. While the future seems suspended (p 211), the chorus-like narrative (as in a Greek tragedy) relates through a dramatic flash-forward sequence (p212-14) how fate will take its course (p212). Killing and revenge will trouble the life of his son, Neoptolemus, whose shame at slaughtering Priam so mercilessly shows the warrior ideal as a heavy burden, a problematic legacy passed from father to son. Not every fight will lead to enduring tales of “glory”.
Once in a swimming race Beowulf had been attacked by a sea monster and had to save himself. He slew the monster and eight other seas beasts. He also says, “I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they had earned” (Beowulf 176-180). Beowulf uses his past heroic deeds and his confidence to convince Hrothgar why he is a fit opponent for Grendel the monster. Furthermore; Beowulf reaches his lowest point in the hero cycle when he’s faced with three numinous phenomenons.
Because of the sins of his forefathers, specifically Cain who killed his brother Abel, Grendel and other descendants of Cain were banished by God. The beast Grendel lives alone in a dark, cold cave. Night after night he hears the Danes loudly celebrating in the mead hall and it drives him mad with rage and envy. He slaughters the Danes because of this. So at the root of his attacks are the very human emotions of sadness, isolation and envy.
To have such awe inspiring powers so as to gain the trust and respect of your men to the extent that they would indeed take greater pleasure in their deaths than that of their leaders is truly incredible. This is the recognition point for the reader in which he or she can truly tell that Beowulf was a true hero to many people. Not only had Beowulf become a figure of fame in his life, but he had obtained the ultimate honor: Beowulf had become a legend, and, in that, Beowulf would forever continue to be a hero and to demonstrate his talent for generations to come as he had successfully saved his people, the Geats and the
The best example of Behold epic heroism is when he tells the story of his swimming challenge with Breca. Beowulf is challenged to a competition with his friend Breca, they swim through terrible water and storms all while fighting terrible sea monsters.