Theme Of Heroism In Beowulf
Beowulf is a literary masterpiece widely considered as one of the most important epics in old English literature. In 3182 lines, it does not only depict an adventurous story headlined by a hero that faces horror, death, and danger to save those of his own kind, but it also presents the reader with an insight into the Anglo-Saxon culture and life.
One of the main themes exposed on this epic is heroism. Beowulf, character whom receives the same name as the title of the story, displays various degrees of heroism as he fight various foes through the misty world of the British past. Thus, Beowulf correctly embodies and portrays those characteristics attributed to true hero.
Beowulf first introduces the reader to a world displaying one of the basic concepts and building pillars of humanity, good vs. evil. In this world, Beowulf plays the role of the good and turns into a hero that defeats the supernatural evil. To …show more content…
This results in his obliteration, thus turning him into a martyr, a concept often associated with heroism.
Another insight illustrated in the old English epic is the one of fame and fate. This notion, originating from old pagan beliefs, is often associated with heroism. Heroes often sought for fame as they battled against fate, which was otherwise believed to be grotesque and negative. We can clearly see this behavior in Beowulf, who, above all, wished to be remembered in fame(411-425), and whose dying wish was for his ashes to be put in a monument on a hill by the sea, so that sailors all over the world used him as a guide.
Beowulf successfully shows an insight into a world that would otherwise be unknown to the contemporary human. By encompassing the concepts of supernatural power and fame vs. fate, and defining the good vs. the bad, it accomplishes portraying heroism in a context defined by pagan believes and Nordic
One of the main themes exposed on this epic is heroism. Beowulf, character whom receives the same name as the title of the story, displays various degrees of heroism as he fight various foes through the misty world of the British past. Thus, Beowulf correctly embodies and portrays those characteristics attributed to true hero.
Beowulf first introduces the reader to a world displaying one of the basic concepts and building pillars of humanity, good vs. evil. In this world, Beowulf plays the role of the good and turns into a hero that defeats the supernatural evil. To …show more content…
This results in his obliteration, thus turning him into a martyr, a concept often associated with heroism.
Another insight illustrated in the old English epic is the one of fame and fate. This notion, originating from old pagan beliefs, is often associated with heroism. Heroes often sought for fame as they battled against fate, which was otherwise believed to be grotesque and negative. We can clearly see this behavior in Beowulf, who, above all, wished to be remembered in fame(411-425), and whose dying wish was for his ashes to be put in a monument on a hill by the sea, so that sailors all over the world used him as a guide.
Beowulf successfully shows an insight into a world that would otherwise be unknown to the contemporary human. By encompassing the concepts of supernatural power and fame vs. fate, and defining the good vs. the bad, it accomplishes portraying heroism in a context defined by pagan believes and Nordic