Beowulf faced a tougher task defeating Grendels mother. Beowulf encompasses all of these traits of an epic hero and more. Although Beowulf is blessed with great strength and can fight off demons with just his bare hands, an epic hero also must have a weapon he can call his own, which is why he has a magical sword only he can use to slay the beasts that threaten his homeland. People had a great love for Beowulf’s bravery and looked up to him. He is the nephew of the king of the Geats and the son of a great warrior. Bravery beyond compare, superhuman intelligence, strength or skills and a driving desire to find success. Because of the rise in crime in the Twentieth Century, there are many things to fear such as getting mugged, robbed, raped, killed, or even just getting lost, but none of these compares to fighting gigantic sea-monsters and vicious beasts. Throughout this epic, Beowulf is seen as a hero to many and a major threat to the evils he encounters. He had many attempts to kill the dragon, but the dragon was stronger than he thought. Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people, even though it means his own death in the end. Thesis Topic Sentence X3 Examples Commentary Academic vocab Transitions Concluding sentence A Perfect Example of an Epic Hero Beowulf, a significant epic hero … After this victory, King Hrothgar graciously and dutifully thanks Beowulf for his acts of valor and rewards him with great treasure. Similarities Between Mean Girls And Bully, Literary Analysis Of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Character Analysis Of Night In Night By Elie Wiesel. He embodies the values of his culture, has superhuman capabilities, goes on a quest, has a big victory, an epic nemesis, becomes king, and has a big burial. Beowulf is a great example of the epic hero. Shortly thereafter, Grendel s mother comes to Hrothgar s kingdom in search of revenge. Also, during that time Christianity and pagan views were popular. Beowulf’s uncle is the king of the Geats so he is sent to help kill Grendel. The Anglo-Saxon code reflects much of the code of Chivalry, the code of the Samurai, to the modern-day code of just doing good. The criminal knew he had not met in this middle-earth another with such a grip (ch. For instance, “If the dragon is the right end for Beowulf… then Grendel is an eminently suitable beginning. What does it mean to be a hero? Beowulf shows his bravery and courage by refusing to use weapons against Grendel. Once again we see that because Beowulf is such a great hero and beloved of Jesus, he can do the impossible and dive into the swamp and practically swim like a fish. So nobody will ever forget the great Beowulf and the legacy he left behind, he tells his troops to “construct a barrow/ …on the coast” in his honor, so it will be “…a reminder among [his] people—/ so that incoming times crews under sail/ will call it Beowulf’s Barrow” (l. 419-424). Beowulf is a great epic hero because he performs many brave deeds such as risking his life for the greater good of society and is significant and glorified by all people. Although these traits were valued much longer ago, devotion, strength, and courage are still important to many of us today. Beowulf: The True Characteristics Of An Epic Hero 624 Words | 3 Pages. He must have known that Beowulf s quest for everlasting glory would lead to his downfall. During his swim match with Breca, Beowulf dressed in full armor, was attacked by nine sea monsters and killed them all. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head-on even though he or she may die in the process. He journeys across the ocean to help save Hrothgar and the Danes(110-124). Epic heroes usually exemplify traits most admire in their societies, and Beowulf is no exception. A few great examples of the Anglo Saxon epic hero are the literary characters in Beowulf, "The Wanderer," and The 13th Warrior. The hero is valiant, strong, noble, and mighty, a legend in his own time and loyal to his leader Hygelac. They have a reverence for G-d and for the values of their society. Beowulf says, “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster” (ll.169-174). He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. His mind was flooded with fear-but nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip. But dying as a noble person, as a leader, and a courageous man is what made Beowulf the hero that he was. Imagine watching a monster eat your friends, and then come after you. A typical epic hero has super strength, courage, devotion, loyalty, a strong sense of justice, a primary weakness, a love of glory, and they are usually champions of freedom. Brit Lit. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil (Vivone 9/27/99). In this epic poem, Beowulf performs these many brave deeds because he has so much courage. First, Beowulf shows that he will do anything for fame, glory, and the greater good of society. An example of a wonderful epic hero would be Beowulf, but that\'s from my point of view. He was under God first and King’s second. Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can … It is rare to see any woman in epic poems taking on the role of a hero. Beowulf’s many battles are examples of how he is an epic hero. In Beowulf’s early life, he swam for five to seven days with his companion Breca, killing sea monsters by night. Despite some differences, there are many similarities between the ancient Anglo-Saxon hero and the modern hero, making Beowulf relevant to this day. Why? He goes on behalf of his father because he knew deeply that his father was very loyal to Hrothgar. Copyrights (c) 2021 All Rights Reserved. Beowulf is set in the Anglo-Saxon society, a time when war was common between people trying to conquer different kingdoms in England. They have a noble birth and show great bravery. Beowulf: Epic Hero When Beowulf fights Grendel and Grendel’s mother, he is immortal. This shows the strength and bravery of Beowulf. Beowulf also has charming abilities when it comes to speaking or influencing others, like how he woes the king when he first arrives to the land of the Danes. In my mind, this is another instance of his overconfidence. A few great examples of the Anglo Saxon epic hero are the literary characters in Beowulf, "The Wanderer," and The 13th Warrior. Good Ole’ Epic Uncle, Beowulf Another example is when before his battle w/ Grendel, Beowulf prayed to God. It was “the space of a day,” before he could see the bottom of the mere (Burlin 121). Beowulf, The Epic Hero His actions toward Grendel show that he is willing to help others. We have heroes amongst our lives everyday, from saving a life to simply helping someone out. He always battles his enemies with pride. In Anglo Saxon times, Beowulf is considered a well known epic hero. Hrothgar, who we are told by the poet was a wise old king, says that Beowulf would make a great king in the future, and for such a young warrior, he is around 20 years old, he is very wise. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil. Some of Beowulf’s most important traits as an epic hero include bravery, loyalty, honor, superhuman physical strength, and the willingness to risk his life for the greater good. Epic heroes, at least in the Homeric tradition, are often demigods -- or part god. At this point, Grendel was afraid of who this man was. Beowulf is the ultimate example of an epic hero who risks his life countless times for the good of others. Or is it someone of great nobility? An epic hero, an Anglo-Saxon hero, a modern-day hero; A hero is is often defined by certain qualities, looked upon traits. Beowulf was a fierce warrior who battled many supernatural foes. Beowulf’s next battle was against Grendels mother, the hideous monster from the fiery lake, where he was dragged to battle her. Then he reached for Beowulf. The battle with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon display an array of fantastic elements. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. Beowulf’s physical strength is revealed to the reader through his amazing feats and his unbelievable battles with mystical creatures. Flashcards. For this society, these heroic deeds … Although these are fictional obstacles of great feats, they are still scary to think about. Some of these traits are; selflessness, wisdom and physical strength. Beowulf had a band of mighty men, willing to die for their leader, and this in turn gave Beowulf much power, which also gave him more confidence, which helped his courage to finish off the ravenous beast they call Grendel. The attributes, mentally strong, bravery, and a strong love for his people are what make Beowulf become such a powerful, epic hero. Another heroic characteristic that Beowulf possesses is that he is not afraid to die. Beowulf is a prime example of an archetypal epic hero—past and present—because, The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Beowulf explores what it means to be a hero in Anglo-Saxon society. His physical strength, bravery, and wisdom set him apart from all other warriors. ” He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. The mighty one arose. During the battle, all of Beowulf’s men deserted him except one, Wiglaf. And he is on the alert for wrongs to be righted. Meaning that the hero had to be either a king, prince, knight, or some other high-ranking person in society. He did that with his physical strength, belief in God, and the battle with the dragon. Beowulf was said to have “the strength of thirty [men] in his mighty handgrip” (Bloom 11). So is Beowulf a hero? Beowulf performs many brave deeds that no normal human being would dare try. Heroic Values In Beowulf. But Grendel was a monster that was eating his men and Beowulf was not taking that too well. People felt that all of the great deeds that he had done made him deserve glorification. Then, suddenly, he becomes mortal and falls to the dragon (Klaeber xxiv). Beowulf is an epic hero with special qualities, challenges, and supernatural help that are needed to defeat a monstrous creature, Grendel. Mrs. Deetlefs We have heroes amongst our lives every day, from saving a life to simply helping someone out. But fate let me find its heart with my sword, hack myself free; I fought that beasts last battle, left it floating lifeless in the sea” (ll.286-291). Grendel has terrorized Herot for twelve years. Fittingly enough, Beowulf s sword even got a name, for it is by his sword that he earns his eternal fame and glory. In order to be a hero in an epic poem, there were certain qualities you had to possess. He would take any risk to defeat his enemy and to gain glory. surrounded by warriors, a mighty band of men. Through this, it is evident that he possesses courageous traits. Regardless, he always paid homage to Jesus before and after every task he accomplished. A good example is Beowulf from the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf is a prime example of an Anglo-Saxon epic hero because he showed bravery, loyalty, friendship, and the Anglo-Saxon idea of afterlife. Beowulf’s first battle was against Grendel, the monster from the swampland who wanted nothing but gruesome destruction against Beowulf and his people. Even before he picked up the giant-hammered weapon, he had his own sword, Hrunting, that he used to fight his foes in previous clashes. “The Anglo-Saxon period stretched over 600 years, from 410 to 1066…” (BBCHistory), was a culture that, characteristics of an epic hero range from unfathomable strength and courage to simply being a good person. He leaves this treasure to his comrades back home, demonstrating his integrity, yet he still has one more wish before he dies. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf’s heroism. Even with the enormous amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that fate will work its magic no matter what and he could be killed at any point in his life. It is because of his great need for fame that he dies at the hands of the dragon leaving behind the Geats in a state of near chaos and panic. Even when he dies, he … National Hero- recognized as a hero in their own country. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. Examples Of The Epic Hero Of Beowulf. For a female warrior, in regards to what the poet says about women, she is particularly vicious and determined. Dying for the well being of his fellow warriors made him not only a hero but an excellent meal for big momma Grendel. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. He was not an aggressive king who was constantly seeking other lands to take over, nor was he a pushover that other kings would easily overcome. Grendel had defeated Grendel, leaving him to flee and die alone. Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind. W. P. Ker, a nineteenth-century critic, asserts the dragons are commonly fit for fables and contain more of a fantastic nature than Grendel does. Later on, when he is already around 50 years old, a Geatish slave arouses an ancient dragon by taking one of his pieces of treasure. The battle with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon display an array of heroism expressed by Beowulf. People looked up to Beowulf because he accomplished many things that they had never seen anyone do before. Too much time was spent on the details of the dragon in this epic poem (Klaeber xxi). An epic hero is one who portrays the beliefs of the society in which the tale is depicted. “When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when, traits of an epic hero are having noble lineage, travelling to vast settings, being capable of great feats, showing nationalism and pride, being an excellent warrior and finally, showing humility and pride. Finally, it came time for Beowulf the battle the mighty Dragon who would become Beowulfs toughest test. Compared to his people of Herot, Beowulf had supernatural capabilities. He has no need for air he is a hero. To find courage in a person these days is hard to come by. Conquering all evil, Beowulf leaves his people safe, while he dies next to Wiglaf in excruciating pain. An Epic Hero, an Anglo-Saxon Hero, a Modern-Day Hero. xoshannon_ Terms in this set (6) Is significant and glorified. What makes him so great is his fear nothing attitude, as well as his nobility and leadership. 4). A second heroic quality that Beowulf possesses is that he performs many brave deeds. His dedication to the people was shown when he was not a member of the clan he still fought for them. The epic hero often battles for good, or accomplishes a set of tasks to complete an important goal. His bravery and strength surpass all mortal men and his loyalty and the ability to think of himself last makes him admired by all. Beowulf had slain Grendels’ mother. It is then assumed that Beowulf is fighting desperately for his life. 3). Once he is in Grendel’s mother’s mere, Beowulf remains underwater for more than a day (Burlin 120). Grendel is a monster, who occupies a human-like form; he is devilish and is a descendant of Cain. Beowulf performed many brave deeds, risks his life for the greater good of society, and is very significant and glorified by all people. In my mind, the smarter and wiser thing to do would be to assemble a group of a young able-bodied warrior and have them deal with the dragon, come to a realization that he is not the same man he was when he was 20 years old battling Grendel and Grendel s mother. Beowulf was a great Anglo-Saxon hero and is still read and taught about today. As was common in the literature up until recently, Beowulf s mother was not named as well as Grendel s mother. Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. He is similar to Satan because he is superhuman in size and strength and is hostile towards man. They cannot find his body and turn back. He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome. In Beowulf, marvelous elements are everywhere. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sent down to Earth in its time of need by God’s hand. Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong, and with his shield at his side, and a mail shirt on his breast, strode calmly, confidently, toward the tower, under the rocky cliffs: no coward could have walked there (633-636, 53). Beowulf exhibits these qualities in the Old English epic poem named after him. Perseus, son of a mortal woman and the king of the Greek gods, Zeus, managed to beheaded Medusa, the Gorgon with snakes … While he may not spring to mind, Beowulf perfectly emphasizes heroic qualities-those of an epic hero. He fulfills most of the requirements to be considered an epic hero. An epic hero, such as Beowulf, is a type of hero coming from centuries old tales and poems from the Anglo-Saxon period. The epic hero usually battles for accomplishments to a set of tasks to complete important goals. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking for help from no one. For example, when finally the adventures band of warriors finished the journey over the sea; the first thing Beowulf did was thank God for their safe journey. Browse the database of more than 2500 essays donated by our community members! Beowulf had purged the hero clean and he was happy. Anglo-Saxons were a warrior and seafaring culture and the result is that they loved tales like Beowulf because of his bravery and warrior-like demeanor. I believe there is more to being a hero than just being strong or intelligent. Beowulf is described as an epic hero because, Beowulf is a character that exudes the qualities of an epic hero. Beowulf is not a fool or perfected with superior physical strength. Beowulf’s physical strength, bravery, and wisdom characterize him as an epic hero. This weapon never let him down in battles before Grendel’s mother, and whenever he would “[swing] his sword/ his ring-marked blade…/ The iron [would sing] its fierce song” (l. 04-206). Retrieved March 11, 2021, from, https://essayscollector.com/examples/beowulf-epic-hero-essay/. When it is time to fight the dragon everyone becomes afraid and runs off to the forest and hides, while Beowulf sticks around with Wiglaf and fights off the dragon, never fearing the threat of death. Unfortunately, like all great epic heroes, he was fated to die. His heroic qualities were courage, loyalty, wisdom, boasting, and p… He was a hero to many people. He wanted to be buried with his treasures and that of the dragon. “I come to proffer my wholehearted help and counsel. Shed welcomed him in her claws (454-458, 47). When Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster’s neck with a giant sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ” We have done this work of valor against the strength of an uncanny foe. Write. There are additional examples of the use of fantastic elements in Beowulf. With the aid of only twelve Geatish warriors, Beowulf leaves the land of the Geats to go and face the deadly Grendel. Beowulf is the ultimate example of an epic hero who risks his life countless times for the good of others. He earned everything he got, and he was not afraid to die. People glorified his name because of his bravery to stand up for them. Iron Man is one example of a modern day epic hero. Beowulf: Epic Hero An epic hero, an Anglo-Saxon hero, a modern-day hero; A hero is is often ... Beowulf, The Epic Hero. Before Beowulf attempted to rid the land of Grendel, men tried to slaughter him, “but their points could not hurt him, the sharpest and hardest iron could not scratch at his skin” (48). From the moment Beowulf’s hands met with Grendel’s claws, the monster “Knew at once that nowhere on earth/ Had he met a man whose hands were harder” (l. 42-43). This shows Beowulf’s strength, courage, and fearlessness. I can show the wise Hrothgar a way to defeat his enemy and find respite” (line 277-280). He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people’s welfare before his own. On the same note, Beowulf shows loyalty in the very beginning of the story when he willingly wants to help Hrothgar. Out from the marsh, from the foot of the misty hills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred, Grendel came, hoping to kill anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot. Achilles led the Greek army to success during the Trojan War to reclaim Helen for his brother Menelaus. Beowulf was said to have “the strength of thirty men in his mighty handgrip. beowulf had to go on a journey to save heorot. However, he does come across some trouble in the form of Grendel s mother. Beowulf’s great courage and will to fight helps him to take down the dragon. Created by. Beowulf spends most of his time battling brutes and hellions, but remember why he does risk his life to kill these monsters; to protect his people he has a fiery loyalty to, and to create a legacy that will be passed down for eternity. Beowulf knows that this may very well be his last heroic quest, however, he does not ask his men for help. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Although he was from being a modest warrior, for he was anything but modest when it came to his great deeds of valor on the battlefield, he did credit, Jesus, for every success he has come across. Beowulf’s heroic qualities are further exemplified by the use of fantastic elements. Throughout the poem, Beowulf relied on God to get through hard times. In the epic poem of Beowulf, Beowulf, a young Geat. Beowulf has definitely helped the Danes and his own people the Geats in their victory over evil by killing Grendel, his mom, and the dragon. To begin with, Heorot is a fantastic mead hall that Hrothgar constructs for his warriors to celebrate in. deadline 3 hoursWriters: ESL, ENLRefund: Yes, Payment methods: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, DIscover, Prices start at $12Min. Beowulf partook in many supernatural battles and events. Beowulf has the traditional characteristics of an epic hero. Write an essay in which you consider how he fulfills the requirements of an epic hero. Beowulf satisfies all of these requirements. Beowulf kills Grendel by first watching his attack. Beowulf died not soon after and left his orders with Wiglaf. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. Thirdly, Beowulf is very significant and glorified. During this poem Beowulf has exhibited similar values of Anglo-Saxon warriors which are honor, loyalty, strength, courage, risk taking, and help their people to survive. In an epic, it is usually found that the hero often determines the fate of a nation or group of people. He who served his people by defeating the harmful monsters had given his life for his people. Well, Beowulf is pretty much a glory hog, if he kills this dragon, even if he dies in the process, he will die a heroic death and will be remembered for all times. On numerous accounts, Beowulf involved himself in many challenges such battling Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon to prove himself as a hero. In the Anglo-Saxon folk epic Beowulf, he uses strength, skill, and a little help from the gods to defeat a series of deadly and monstrous foes.Beowulf’s honor, courage, and prowess in battle mark him as one of literature’s great epic heroes. In the epic poem, “Beowulf”, Beowulf was the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to brag about all his achievements. Then, Beowulf uses his dagger and “quickly cut the beast in half, slit it apart” (107). Thus far, Beowulf has killed two man-like monsters. Beowulf came willingly to help the Danes, which was an unusual occurrence in a time of war and widespread fear. According to Webster’s dictionary, “brave” refers to having courage, and a “deed” is an intentional act. However, besides the fact that Beowulf was of noble lineage and that he was a great warrior, he has some other noble qualities. The battle with the dragon was described as fierce and at one point the lord of the Geats is not too confident about being victorious in battle with the dragon. Finally, Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother, and her blood melts his sword (Bloom 16). Beowulf was a prince and a warrior who was a hero among his people of Herot. Before dying, however, Beowulf succeeds in killing the dragon. An epic hero is the central figure who has superior qualities and risks personal danger to pursue a grand quest. Although originally untitled, it was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. Fantastic elements are supernatural or superhuman events that cannot be explained and that exist beyond nature. Beowulf is a very brave and courageous person always putting his people before himself. An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem. They display great intelligence and resourcefulness. Analysis of Beowulf as an Epic Hero The definition of a hero from ancient times to the present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In the beginning of the reading, Beowulf faces a rude and self-absorbed being with the name of Grendel. 14th Nov 2014 Yes, I believe he is. When Beowulf has failed to kill the dragon, “with all his strength, [he] smashed the gray blade into the beast’s head. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, but wounded as he was could flee to his den, his miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh, only to die, to wait for the end (340-344, 43). These are all outstanding examples of Anglo-Saxon epic heroes because they all came Beowulf always had a guide or guides to go with. Wisdom in Beowulf’s life is evident in his journey to Denmark and his reign over the Geats. Beowulf single-handedly carrier thirty suits of armor from the battlefield in Frisnia and swims with them through the North Sea and the Skagerrak to Geatland, a distance of five hundred miles (120). He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous, and helpful person. Even though he is famous for his massive strength, he has other attributes that are noticeable other than his strength. Even though Beowulf was eventually slain in battle, he died never knowing defeat. Beowulf is truly an epic hero, because of his wisdom, strength and bravery. The values of the Anglo-Saxons, who would have read and admired this poem, included loyalty, bravery, and honor. shows an epic characteristic of courage. Beowulf is an unordinary man who is a fierce defender in battle. The poem is a prime example of a literary epic, focusing on the heroic quest of its title character, Beowulf, a Scandinavian warrior. Grendel attacks only one night; one time he grabs thirty people and takes “his slaughtered feast of men to his lair’ (Bloom 10). Dragons are more often seen as fabulous monsters because they do not exist as part of the environment (62). When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with no difficulty, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to Heorot. First of all, you had to be male. He does in fact face Grendel and rips his arm clean off his body, but not before one of his men is devoured by the creature. He does not give up though! Beowulf is one of the most popular examples of an epic hero. Beowulf is about to attempt to use a weapon although they were useless against her; “then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy sword… but so massive that no ordinary man could live its carved and decorated length” (72). So therefore this is what makes Beowulf one of the greatest hero s in literature. After Beowulf had served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to fight a dragon that is frightening all of his people. Beowulf epitomized the persona of an epic hero. A hero is often defined by certain qualities, looked upon traits. 961 Words | 4 Pages. Beowulf is an epic hero. The reader must remember not to ask questions about how anything described are possible. Like most epic heroes he is fated to die, but not before Jesus grants him one last great act of greatness to insure him that his name will live on forever. The character is admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. deadline 6 hoursWriters: ESLRefund: Yes, Payment methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Prices start at $11Min.
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