Beowulf: A True Example Of An Epic Hero
An epic hero is somebody who has superhuman qualities, who shows the values of his society, and who is bigger and larger in life. Beowulf is a true example of an epic hero; his whole journey is about him crossing a large body of water and comes across many challenges along his way. During his journey, he shows off so many of his superhuman qualities that he had. There are also a lot of examples of how Beowulf embodies the value of his society, he is larger than life and shows his superhuman strength by battling Grendel. Beowulf paints a picture of the three important morals of its time: being a leader, bravery, and honor.
A well-respected leader is somebody that everybody attempts to be. Everyone looks up to that leader and looks at him/her
in times of when they are suffering. Beowulf portrays all of these examples in the epic novel. In the story, Beowulf defeats Grendel, the enemy of Hrothgar and his people. When his deed is performed, Hrothgar does not only hold a part for a plenty amount of days in Beowulf’s honor, but he also rewarded him with several riches (45-46). But Beowulf had no desire for the gold’s and riches that Hrothgar handed to him, so he decided to give all to his king.
Beowulf demonstrates bravery in everything he does. Before he even faces the Grendel, Beowulf “took off the helmet and handed his attendance / the patterned sword” (672-673). This quote is talking about how Beowulf decides that he doesn't want this battle to be any way at all easy, so he puts away his swords and helmet. A little while after, Beowulf says, “When it comes to fighting. “I count myself / as dangerous any day as Grendel” (677-678). These reckless actions that he makes demonstrate his courage and how he isn’t afraid to have a challenge, and that is what makes him appear heroic.
Beowulf is honorable when he comes to him helping others when they need aid and fighting their battles for the, but I think the incident best shows how he is honorable, and that is when he returns to Geatland after Hygelac died, and Hygd asks him if he could take the throne in preference to her young son, she fears that the foreign powers will see the Geats as weak if they have a king that is a child and then will attack them. Beowulf then refuses to take away the boy of his inheritance, but then says that if those outside powers think that, then they can deal with HIM! Even though it seems like no one would have thought of Beowulf badly if he had taken the throne, but he actually had thought badly of himself. His idea of honor is stricter than what most people of the people around him, rather unusual for the place and timing.
In conclusion, Beowulf is characterized as an honorable, brave, and fearless warrior that has an unbelievable amount of physical strength and a resourceful leader. Without him being a leader, brave, and honorable, the whole story would have been different. The dragon would have messed up the village and no one would be able to save people who lived in that village from the horrific monster. Without him showing off his characteristics, the epic tale of Beowulf would not be the same.
A well-respected leader is somebody that everybody attempts to be. Everyone looks up to that leader and looks at him/her
in times of when they are suffering. Beowulf portrays all of these examples in the epic novel. In the story, Beowulf defeats Grendel, the enemy of Hrothgar and his people. When his deed is performed, Hrothgar does not only hold a part for a plenty amount of days in Beowulf’s honor, but he also rewarded him with several riches (45-46). But Beowulf had no desire for the gold’s and riches that Hrothgar handed to him, so he decided to give all to his king.
Beowulf demonstrates bravery in everything he does. Before he even faces the Grendel, Beowulf “took off the helmet and handed his attendance / the patterned sword” (672-673). This quote is talking about how Beowulf decides that he doesn't want this battle to be any way at all easy, so he puts away his swords and helmet. A little while after, Beowulf says, “When it comes to fighting. “I count myself / as dangerous any day as Grendel” (677-678). These reckless actions that he makes demonstrate his courage and how he isn’t afraid to have a challenge, and that is what makes him appear heroic.
Beowulf is honorable when he comes to him helping others when they need aid and fighting their battles for the, but I think the incident best shows how he is honorable, and that is when he returns to Geatland after Hygelac died, and Hygd asks him if he could take the throne in preference to her young son, she fears that the foreign powers will see the Geats as weak if they have a king that is a child and then will attack them. Beowulf then refuses to take away the boy of his inheritance, but then says that if those outside powers think that, then they can deal with HIM! Even though it seems like no one would have thought of Beowulf badly if he had taken the throne, but he actually had thought badly of himself. His idea of honor is stricter than what most people of the people around him, rather unusual for the place and timing.
In conclusion, Beowulf is characterized as an honorable, brave, and fearless warrior that has an unbelievable amount of physical strength and a resourceful leader. Without him being a leader, brave, and honorable, the whole story would have been different. The dragon would have messed up the village and no one would be able to save people who lived in that village from the horrific monster. Without him showing off his characteristics, the epic tale of Beowulf would not be the same.