Beowulf Literary Analysis Greed 
Logan Mullins
CP English IV
Final Draft
30 September 2014
Beowulf Literary Analysis One might believe that Beowulf is nothing but a greedy, self-centered man with an oversized ego. When one looks closely and truly pulls apart the story of Beowulf they see Beowulf for he truly is, and selfish is not anywhere in the realm of what this man really is. Beowulf, rather than greedy and egotistical, is a true hero, who is loyal and altruistic. Beowulf is a true hero. He fought to protect his crew and everyone who depended on him. He courageously fought Grendel and then Grendel's mother directly after. Even though it is apparent that he wants the fame and honor that comes with defeating these two evil beasts, he never really does ask for anything in return. Regardless, the fame and honor that comes from fighting these monsters is more than well deserved. In the process of battling Grendel and his mother, he saved countless lives and took the fate of the people of Herot into his hands alone. After battling Grendel's mother, Beowulf states, "my life was almost lost fighting for it" (1655), as he risked his life battling her. The fact that Beowulf would risk his life to save others shows selflessness and heroics, and without Beowulf, many lives would have been lost as the text states that, "only Beowulf would risk his life in that lake" (1468-69). Not only putting his life at risk, but putting his life at risk without using weapons to help himself really shows the true heroics of Beowulf. Another factor that makes Beowulf and ideal hero is the fact that he fought a monster such as Grendel with nothing but his strength. Beowulf had "stripped off his mail shirt, his helmet, his sword hammered from the hardest iron, and handed all his weapons and armor to a servant" (671-673). Only a true hero like Beowulf would fight without the protection of his armor. Beowulf's will to only fight Grendel alone with his strength shows the characteristics an ideal hero. Beowulf's ideal hero
CP English IV
Final Draft
30 September 2014
Beowulf Literary Analysis One might believe that Beowulf is nothing but a greedy, self-centered man with an oversized ego. When one looks closely and truly pulls apart the story of Beowulf they see Beowulf for he truly is, and selfish is not anywhere in the realm of what this man really is. Beowulf, rather than greedy and egotistical, is a true hero, who is loyal and altruistic. Beowulf is a true hero. He fought to protect his crew and everyone who depended on him. He courageously fought Grendel and then Grendel's mother directly after. Even though it is apparent that he wants the fame and honor that comes with defeating these two evil beasts, he never really does ask for anything in return. Regardless, the fame and honor that comes from fighting these monsters is more than well deserved. In the process of battling Grendel and his mother, he saved countless lives and took the fate of the people of Herot into his hands alone. After battling Grendel's mother, Beowulf states, "my life was almost lost fighting for it" (1655), as he risked his life battling her. The fact that Beowulf would risk his life to save others shows selflessness and heroics, and without Beowulf, many lives would have been lost as the text states that, "only Beowulf would risk his life in that lake" (1468-69). Not only putting his life at risk, but putting his life at risk without using weapons to help himself really shows the true heroics of Beowulf. Another factor that makes Beowulf and ideal hero is the fact that he fought a monster such as Grendel with nothing but his strength. Beowulf had "stripped off his mail shirt, his helmet, his sword hammered from the hardest iron, and handed all his weapons and armor to a servant" (671-673). Only a true hero like Beowulf would fight without the protection of his armor. Beowulf's will to only fight Grendel alone with his strength shows the characteristics an ideal hero. Beowulf's ideal hero