Beowulf Heroic Traits Essay

First of all, some of the early pieces of British Literature in the Anglo-Saxon period have great and traditional demonstrations of heroic qualities like in the epic Beowulf. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic that is about the heroic of deeds of Beowulf's life. One example of Beowulf's heroic traits can be seen when Beowulf hears about Grendel, and he, "Has a ship built to carry him and his followers to Hrothgar's aid" (Italicized Summary pg. 30). Considering that Higlac is Beowulf's relative, he travels across a considerably large distance just to rid Hrothgar of his monster, and he even had a ship built just for this dilemma. Another example of this is when goes to help his uncle and Beowulf states, "'My lord Higlac/ Might think less of me if
Grendel's mother even stabs Beowulf, but her, "Stabbing blade was blunted/ By the woven mail shirt he wore on his chest./ The hammered links held" (Canto 22 l. 420-422). As a result of her fail attempts to kill him, Beowulf eventually kills her. Beowulf's bravery helped to prevent any more harm from coming to the people of Hrothgar. Another example of Beowulf's nobility is when Beowulf, "Ruled in Geatland,/ Took the throne he'd refused, once,/ And held it long and well"(Italicized Summary pg. 41). Considering Beowulf's refusal to the throne once before, this acceptance to rule was part of his duty. To clarify, Beowulf didn't even want to be king before his father stepped down. However, he had to accept this rule for certain reasons: because of a power vacuum that would occur and a potential tyrant could rule if he refused again. In both situations the people of Hrothgar lose, and they could be put into a potentially oppressive state. Therefore, Beowulf had to accept the title as king because it was his responsibility to rule in the first place. This acceptance demonstrates his empathy towards the people's need and his
484 - 488). Judging from Beowulf's boast he means to not only protect his kingdom and people but to also protect his honor. Beowulf showed that he is both determined to carry out his duty to his people. Once Beowulf engages the dragon in battle, Beowulf, " Fell back; its breath flared,/ And he suffered , wrapped around in swirling/ Flames --a king, before, but now/ A beaten warrior. None of his comrades,/ Came to help him his brave and noble/ Followers; they ran for their lives, fled/ Deep in a wood" (Canto 35 l. 566 - 571). Consequently, Beowulf defeats the dragon and is fatally injured when he delivers the final blow. Beowulf isn't even concerned that his comrades had abandoned him, but he is concerned with finishing his final labor of his legacy. Beowulf could've given into death's persuasive embrace, but he had a responsibility to uphold. That last duty to himself was his final labor, and with Wiglaf's help, he finally finished it, too. Even though Beowulf was old and his strength and sword had failed him, He still had a final duty to fulfill, and his tenacity and determination helped him to finish his