Beowulf Hero Quotes
Beowulf
The character in the poem Beowulf by Burton Raffel who I think is the most important character in the story is the hero himself, Beowulf. He is a classic anglo-saxon hero in every way; he exemplifies all the characteristics a hero should have. For example he is brave, strong, and fearless, which is why he is the perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon hero.
First he is brave, throughout the poem he shows how brave he is with all of his stories that he tells to the king to prove his worthiness, Also it says in the poem (line 273-277) “A monster seized me, drew me swiftly towards the bottom, swimming with its claws tight in my flesh. But fate let me find its heart with my sword.” This show how Beowulf is like a god on earth. He can do things that no other man …show more content…
would dare to do like swim across the oceans and fight sea monsters on the way.
Another example says (line 191–193) “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to…” This quote is when he is preparing to fight Grendel and Beowulf is saying that he is going in without a weapon because he is worried the people may call him weak. Also this reflects the Anglo-Saxon belief in heroism, Beowulf cares more about honor and what others think of him than he own safety, also he has godly features that make him better than the average man. Like in my first quote when he was dragged into the ocean, and ended up killing the beast. Another characteristic that is displayed by Beowulf throughout the novel is his great strength. For example in the poem during his fight with Grendel it says (467-470) “ He twisted in pain and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke.” This is during his battle with Grendel when Beowulf tears the monsters arm right
off with his own hands; this is a great example of his god like strength because he made a vicious monster look like nothing. This battle showed Beowulf’s true strength and heroism and made everyone worship him after this battle. Also it displays the Anglo-Saxon belief in the selflessness of heroes. During that battle he went in un-armed and alone as his men watched. Beowulf didn’t want them to get hurt and battled the monster by himself which is part of what made him a hero.
Beowulf could be compared to many modern day movie characters as well. For example in the new superman movie it is about a man with other-worldly powers like super strength and the ability to fly. Even though Beowulf can’t fly they share many qualities, for example they are always putting their lives on the line for the safety of others, also people worship them for what they can do and what they have done for other people. So some traits of the Anglo-Saxon hero are still alive today like bravery and strength. The Anglo-Saxon traits that define a hero relate to my life as well. The reason is when I think of a hero I unknowingly think of many Anglo-Saxon traits of a hero. For example I always think of a hero as someone with a special gift or talent who always puts the good of the people before his own well being. This is what Beowulf’s traits include also most people think of heroes as better than most people for what they do and what they can do. Like how the people worship Beowulf in the poem after his battle and victory.
The character in the poem Beowulf by Burton Raffel who I think is the most important character in the story is the hero himself, Beowulf. He is a classic anglo-saxon hero in every way; he exemplifies all the characteristics a hero should have. For example he is brave, strong, and fearless, which is why he is the perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon hero.
First he is brave, throughout the poem he shows how brave he is with all of his stories that he tells to the king to prove his worthiness, Also it says in the poem (line 273-277) “A monster seized me, drew me swiftly towards the bottom, swimming with its claws tight in my flesh. But fate let me find its heart with my sword.” This show how Beowulf is like a god on earth. He can do things that no other man …show more content…
would dare to do like swim across the oceans and fight sea monsters on the way.
Another example says (line 191–193) “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to…” This quote is when he is preparing to fight Grendel and Beowulf is saying that he is going in without a weapon because he is worried the people may call him weak. Also this reflects the Anglo-Saxon belief in heroism, Beowulf cares more about honor and what others think of him than he own safety, also he has godly features that make him better than the average man. Like in my first quote when he was dragged into the ocean, and ended up killing the beast. Another characteristic that is displayed by Beowulf throughout the novel is his great strength. For example in the poem during his fight with Grendel it says (467-470) “ He twisted in pain and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke.” This is during his battle with Grendel when Beowulf tears the monsters arm right
off with his own hands; this is a great example of his god like strength because he made a vicious monster look like nothing. This battle showed Beowulf’s true strength and heroism and made everyone worship him after this battle. Also it displays the Anglo-Saxon belief in the selflessness of heroes. During that battle he went in un-armed and alone as his men watched. Beowulf didn’t want them to get hurt and battled the monster by himself which is part of what made him a hero.
Beowulf could be compared to many modern day movie characters as well. For example in the new superman movie it is about a man with other-worldly powers like super strength and the ability to fly. Even though Beowulf can’t fly they share many qualities, for example they are always putting their lives on the line for the safety of others, also people worship them for what they can do and what they have done for other people. So some traits of the Anglo-Saxon hero are still alive today like bravery and strength. The Anglo-Saxon traits that define a hero relate to my life as well. The reason is when I think of a hero I unknowingly think of many Anglo-Saxon traits of a hero. For example I always think of a hero as someone with a special gift or talent who always puts the good of the people before his own well being. This is what Beowulf’s traits include also most people think of heroes as better than most people for what they do and what they can do. Like how the people worship Beowulf in the poem after his battle and victory.