Courage and Beowulf Essay Example
Andrew Nairooz
Mrs. Fontanilla
English IIIA
Oct 18 2010
Beowulf
Beowulf is a universal example of what a hero is. In the epic, Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, the main character encompasses all of the ideals that make a legendary hero who they are. For this reason, the Anglo-Saxon story has carried on for many centuries. Beowulf’s virtues make him a leader and one to look up to. Among Beowulf’s many valuable virtues was fearlessness, strength, and selflessness. Fearlessness has two “positives”. It unsettles humans, as well as, makes one not afraid of the slightest thing. “And armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which one of us wins. My heart is firm,” (636). Beowulf’s will to stand in front of a fire-breathing dragon, shows his fearlessness and not only does he stand without an ounce of cowardliness, but he also gives his fellow warrior, Wiglaf, the courage to fight. “I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ones killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they earned” (250). The quote represents Beowulf’s fearlessness towards death and fate. He believed that his fate was to instill death upon those who deserved it and he had no fear of death himself. Strength was one of Beowulf’s key assets. His strength made him very respectable among his people. “In his far-off-home Beowulf, Higlacs follow and the strongest of Geats-greater and stronger then anyone anywhere in this world.” (110). The quote tells how strong Beowulf is and because he is so strong, he has many followers. “May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that monsters scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none.” (261). Along with physical strength, comes mental strength. The quote explains how Beowulf’s physical and mental strength is all that is needed to overcome the monsters he faces. Beowulf’s strength was one of his key assets.
Mrs. Fontanilla
English IIIA
Oct 18 2010
Beowulf
Beowulf is a universal example of what a hero is. In the epic, Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, the main character encompasses all of the ideals that make a legendary hero who they are. For this reason, the Anglo-Saxon story has carried on for many centuries. Beowulf’s virtues make him a leader and one to look up to. Among Beowulf’s many valuable virtues was fearlessness, strength, and selflessness. Fearlessness has two “positives”. It unsettles humans, as well as, makes one not afraid of the slightest thing. “And armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which one of us wins. My heart is firm,” (636). Beowulf’s will to stand in front of a fire-breathing dragon, shows his fearlessness and not only does he stand without an ounce of cowardliness, but he also gives his fellow warrior, Wiglaf, the courage to fight. “I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ones killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they earned” (250). The quote represents Beowulf’s fearlessness towards death and fate. He believed that his fate was to instill death upon those who deserved it and he had no fear of death himself. Strength was one of Beowulf’s key assets. His strength made him very respectable among his people. “In his far-off-home Beowulf, Higlacs follow and the strongest of Geats-greater and stronger then anyone anywhere in this world.” (110). The quote tells how strong Beowulf is and because he is so strong, he has many followers. “May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that monsters scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none.” (261). Along with physical strength, comes mental strength. The quote explains how Beowulf’s physical and mental strength is all that is needed to overcome the monsters he faces. Beowulf’s strength was one of his key assets.