What Is Beowulf A Hero

Heros are praised members of society, but that view can easily change if the hero steps over the fine line separating being a hero, and being boastful. Beowulf’s position on that line is questioned in the epic poem, Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel. The poem tells of Beowulf, a great Geatish warrior, facing three monsters that threaten the vikings. Beowulf is a hero because he risks his life for the sake of others, doesn’t give up, and fights even though there’s a good chance he might lose. He proved this in his battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. In viking society the ultimate prize is getting a song written about the warrior in question. Beowulf had to prove his worth many times in order to get this honor. Beowulf
In the years after Beowulf’s famous battles against Grendel and his mother, Beowulf became the king of the Geats, his own people. For years he reigned over Geatland and kept those people safe, until one day a dragon threatened his people after a slave stole a gold cup from the dragon’s treasure pile in order to repay his owner. Beowulf was old by that time, and it was very questionable whether or not his old age would be too much for him. “His soul sensed how close fate had come, felt something, not fear but knowledge of old age. His armor was strong, but his arm hung like his heart. Body and soul might part, here; his blood might be spilled, his spirit torn from his flesh.” (2419) Beowulf knew that he was going to die fighting the dragon, but chose to do it anyways. His life was not as important to him as protecting his people. The reason why the dragon was terrorizing the Geats was because of a slave who felt the need to steal in order to make his master happy. All the monster wanted was to get revenge on the thief, and since that was not possible he took his anger out on the Geats. Beowulf, knowing this, could have chose to offer the slave up as a peace offering to the dragon, and not risk his own life in the process. But Beowulf, being the hero he is, chose to fight the dragon, doing anything to protect his people, even if it meant dying himself. “For the first time in his life that famous prince fought with fate against him, with glory denied him. He knew it, but he raised his sword and struck at the dragon’s scaly hide.” (2573) Beowulf’s ultimate act of heroism was choosing to end his life along with that of the dragon terrorizing his people. Nothing would stop Beowulf from destroying anything that threatened society.

Hero is not an easy title to reach. There can be many acts of heroism, but they all need to add up to the final