Why Is Beowulf Be Considered A Hero
Rya Freij
Mr. Hamas
English Honors 3
20 November 2013 The Undercover Wulf
Beowulf, the Old-English epic poem, is characteristic of its Nordic-Germanic roots as a tale of a great Scandinavian hero Beowulf, who saves a neighboring kingdom from the wrath of the destructive, blood-thirsty monster, Grendel, and eventually becomes the king of his own people, the Geats. Closely related to modern day tribal and gang customs, it is questioned as to whether Beowulf should be considered a hero. He proves to be a great warrior and protector by killing three terrorizing beasts, a provider by bringing back great treasures from each of his exploits, and faithful by always looking out for his tribe and fighting in their honor. The true question …show more content…
Even today, the meaning of this word translates into the same category of definitions. A hero now is considered for the brave things they have done and selflessness that they possess. The narrator's portrayal of Beowulf is nothing but heroic from his first mentioning, where he is described as "[The] mightiest man on earth," (97), "The noble warrior," (314), and "The man whose name was known for courage, the Great leader," (340-341). Anglo-Saxon warriors had to be stoic, and they had to appear fearless at all times. This relates to Beowulf because both showed no fear or sorrow. He kept his word and did not complain, no matter how impossible their tasks seem. Also in the article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists explains, “The foe is granted full honor as a fighting man and defender of his home soil and values.” Honor is one of the main characteristics in a hero that is presented to the world today, so how is tribal mentality different than the mentality than a hero? Actions of a person describe whether a person is considered a hero, not their …show more content…
They are narrow minded, irrational, and closed to outside interference. They move and respond as a group. They tend to be very basic, killing anything that threatens their closed group. The article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists written by Steven Pressfield explains, “Tribes prize loyalty and cohesion.” Beowulf valued a sense of community and camaraderie. Anglo-Saxon and tribal behavior and goals are quite similar. After Beowulf passes away, Wiglaf announces that there will not be “peace or pact-keeping of any sort from the Swedes,” (2922-23) because that was what Beowulf wants. He does not wish to see his empire that he made crumble into oblivion. This also represents the revenge, which is a main part in the tribal culture. “Any insult to honor must be avenged,” (Pressfield, 2011, pg. 1). Swedes had been insulting and harassing the Geats for a while by then, so with Beowulf gone, it was time for the team to take revenge. Just like modern heroes today. Heroes know when to take revenge for the loved ones that they have lost but in the right way. Beowulf took the lives of the monsters out of revenge and for the safety of everyone that surrounds him and the people that he cares
Mr. Hamas
English Honors 3
20 November 2013 The Undercover Wulf
Beowulf, the Old-English epic poem, is characteristic of its Nordic-Germanic roots as a tale of a great Scandinavian hero Beowulf, who saves a neighboring kingdom from the wrath of the destructive, blood-thirsty monster, Grendel, and eventually becomes the king of his own people, the Geats. Closely related to modern day tribal and gang customs, it is questioned as to whether Beowulf should be considered a hero. He proves to be a great warrior and protector by killing three terrorizing beasts, a provider by bringing back great treasures from each of his exploits, and faithful by always looking out for his tribe and fighting in their honor. The true question …show more content…
Even today, the meaning of this word translates into the same category of definitions. A hero now is considered for the brave things they have done and selflessness that they possess. The narrator's portrayal of Beowulf is nothing but heroic from his first mentioning, where he is described as "[The] mightiest man on earth," (97), "The noble warrior," (314), and "The man whose name was known for courage, the Great leader," (340-341). Anglo-Saxon warriors had to be stoic, and they had to appear fearless at all times. This relates to Beowulf because both showed no fear or sorrow. He kept his word and did not complain, no matter how impossible their tasks seem. Also in the article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists explains, “The foe is granted full honor as a fighting man and defender of his home soil and values.” Honor is one of the main characteristics in a hero that is presented to the world today, so how is tribal mentality different than the mentality than a hero? Actions of a person describe whether a person is considered a hero, not their …show more content…
They are narrow minded, irrational, and closed to outside interference. They move and respond as a group. They tend to be very basic, killing anything that threatens their closed group. The article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists written by Steven Pressfield explains, “Tribes prize loyalty and cohesion.” Beowulf valued a sense of community and camaraderie. Anglo-Saxon and tribal behavior and goals are quite similar. After Beowulf passes away, Wiglaf announces that there will not be “peace or pact-keeping of any sort from the Swedes,” (2922-23) because that was what Beowulf wants. He does not wish to see his empire that he made crumble into oblivion. This also represents the revenge, which is a main part in the tribal culture. “Any insult to honor must be avenged,” (Pressfield, 2011, pg. 1). Swedes had been insulting and harassing the Geats for a while by then, so with Beowulf gone, it was time for the team to take revenge. Just like modern heroes today. Heroes know when to take revenge for the loved ones that they have lost but in the right way. Beowulf took the lives of the monsters out of revenge and for the safety of everyone that surrounds him and the people that he cares