If Beowulf Is A Hero

“Beowulf” is known as the oldest piece of literature to exist. This piece of literature has been passed down for many generations until it was finally written down. Making it the oldest piece of literature ever recorded and still used in english classes all over the United States. In this epic poem, Beowulf (described as the hero) comes from a different country to save people for the evil monster (Grendel). After defeating Grendel he is later called to defeat Grendel’s mother who has started to attack the village to avenge her son's death. Which of course he does with ease, then ends up going back to his country to rule the Geats. The real question that every reader needs to ponder is, “If Beowulf is really a hero?” Personally I believe that
Beowulf is a hero for saving so many people’s lives from the monsters that attacked the village.
A hero can be described in many different words like courageous, brave and even strong.
For some people comic book heros come to mind when they hear the word hero. For others they think of police officers, firemen, and soldiers. A hero for me is someone who will run into unknown danger to help others. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the word “hero” is defined as, “A person that is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” Beowulf was fearless. He came from a different country to help a village get rid of Grendel, a monster that has been killing and eating people. In all honesty, who would actually risk their own life to face a monster who has been eating people? The odds weren't really on Beowulf’s side considering that he was unknown to many. As far as they knew he could have been a random person (which he sort of was), but they were desperate. To their shock Beowulf actually defeated Grendel. On numerous occasions he risked his own life, when fought Grendel, Grendel's mother and a dragon. He was also clever as described many times in the poem. In his first battle with Grendel he tricks him into thinking that Beowulf was asleep. He used his brutal strength to ripping Grendel's arm (causing him to bleed to death). Beowulf didn't need a weapon to kill Grendel and Grendel’s Mother (tried to use a special sword but was knocked away from Beowulf) instead using his strength and
cleverness. Some people may argue that he isn’t a hero at all. The reason for their opinion is because at the ended of the poem he wanted to die with gold around him. But who can blame him for his last request? Even though he had super strength and other abilities that others didn’t have, he was still human like everyone else. Making him have to see what he died for and his treasure for the last time that he would ever get to see it. In conclusion, Beowulf is a hero to the villagers and people he saved. He fits the definition of a hero because he was admired for his brave acts throughout the poem. Even though at time it seemed that he was just in it for the fame, he truly helped other like a hero.