Burton Raffel
Ever since the beginning of story telling there have been many stories depicted of the perfect hero, a hero who follows society’s rules. These fictional heroes were worshipped like gods, and that is why many have dreamed of becoming an epic hero; bathing in the glory and the fame that comes with it. Burton Raffel has translated one hero’s story that is traced all the way back to the early sixth century in the epic poem Beowulf. Throughout the poem he has been depicted as an epic hero due to the involvement of gods, superhuman strength, and heroic ideas.
One of the major theme that constantly resurfaces is the intervention of gods. The reason “[Grendel] never dared to touch King Hrothgar's glorious throne [as a result of it being] protected …show more content…
Whereas “[Beowulf] quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that [ he would] go to that famous king, [he] would sail across the sea to Hrothgar” (113-115). Beowulf exhibits that he is selfless. He is selfless since he is going to another country to protect the citizens from Grendel. Beowulf had ordered his followers to “ go to [Grendel] as [they] are, in [their] armor and helmets, but leave [the] battle-shields, and [the] spears” (131-134). Beowulf demonstrates bravery due to the fact that he tells his men to leave their weapons behind as they approached the mead-hall. This shows that he never exhibits fear when facing danger. Especially when Beowulf says that “[his] hands alone shall fight for [him], struggle for life against the monster” (172-174). Beowulf is honorable since he fights Grendel without a weapon considering Grendel does not have a weapon. Therefore, Beowulf symbolizes heroic ideals that have been established in any epics ever written.
The idea of being an epic hero has inspired many over centuries. Heroes being depicted as upstanding citizens who follows society’s rules. They are also known to go above and beyond to protect others and the values they represent. These fictional people are worshipped like gods, giving many people hope or a model they have to fit. In Burton Raffel’s translation of the epic poem Beowulf, it depicts him as an epic hero. Throughout the epic poem he has been depicted
One of the major theme that constantly resurfaces is the intervention of gods. The reason “[Grendel] never dared to touch King Hrothgar's glorious throne [as a result of it being] protected …show more content…
Whereas “[Beowulf] quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that [ he would] go to that famous king, [he] would sail across the sea to Hrothgar” (113-115). Beowulf exhibits that he is selfless. He is selfless since he is going to another country to protect the citizens from Grendel. Beowulf had ordered his followers to “ go to [Grendel] as [they] are, in [their] armor and helmets, but leave [the] battle-shields, and [the] spears” (131-134). Beowulf demonstrates bravery due to the fact that he tells his men to leave their weapons behind as they approached the mead-hall. This shows that he never exhibits fear when facing danger. Especially when Beowulf says that “[his] hands alone shall fight for [him], struggle for life against the monster” (172-174). Beowulf is honorable since he fights Grendel without a weapon considering Grendel does not have a weapon. Therefore, Beowulf symbolizes heroic ideals that have been established in any epics ever written.
The idea of being an epic hero has inspired many over centuries. Heroes being depicted as upstanding citizens who follows society’s rules. They are also known to go above and beyond to protect others and the values they represent. These fictional people are worshipped like gods, giving many people hope or a model they have to fit. In Burton Raffel’s translation of the epic poem Beowulf, it depicts him as an epic hero. Throughout the epic poem he has been depicted