In the Anglo Saxon Epic Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf is a warrior with extreme determination which aids him in gaining glory and fame. However, this proves to be problematic because this extreme determination also leads him to take instantaneous action without thinking of the consequences. Unfortunately, this behavior results in his fatal death.
Determination is the firmness of purpose. Beowulf shows examples of his strong determination over and over. For example, when Beowulf "heard how Grendel filled the nights with horror"(197) he becomes determined to go and set sail to meet the king to gain glory and fame. "Would sail the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was needed."(200-201) In this quote the words "would" and "now" are essential because they portray the willingness and immediate response from his determination. Beowulf volunteers willingly and quickly, calls for a boat to meet the king as soon as possible in order to go after Grendel. Without any hesitations, Beowulf did not expect any dangers, let alone death, but rather glory and fame. .
This attribute of willpower is seen again when Beowulf hears of Grendel's mother. Hearing of her vicious attacks, Beowulf suddenly becomes determined and "he leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone's answer" (1493-1494). This implies Beowulf's determination to kill Grendel's mother without thinking, planning, or rationalizing with anyone. He ends up diving in the lake to battle until death to gain glory and fame. Beowulf specifically leaped in to the lake, not jumped or dove, but leaped. Leaping is a form of spontaneous action taken by courage or faith. Beowulf did not wait for anyone's answer; he did not patiently wait for advice, but by his own faith and determination he leaps into his decisions. Surely, the powerful purpose and resolve is evident in the character of Beowulf. .
Therefore, as a result of this determination within Beowulf, "Beowulf and fear were strangers; he stood ready to dive into battle.
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. Beowulf goes to seek the dragon in his lair. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... "Fifty winters pass, Beowulf, now an old man, faces his final task:"(that was not my Quote). " Together Beowulf and the young Miglaf kill the dragon, but the old king (Beowulf) is fatally wounded." ... Beowulf taking his last few words to the young Miglaf, the last of Beowulf's family, the new king. ... Beowulf's tower. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... This imagery shows Beowulf's superior strength. ...
In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, there are battles between Beowulf himself and several different monsters. ... Loyalty is present when Beowulf chooses to fight the monster for king Hrothgar who had done Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, a great favor. ... Fate comes into play here when Beowulf defeats and unknowingly kills her son. ... The glory belongs to Beowulf because he defeats her, too. ... As fate would have it, the previously victorious Beowulf is put to the test one more time. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Beowulf is also a courageous warrior capable of overcoming many obstacles. ... Beowulf was the king of his land for fifty years. ... Beowulf did things that no other man would do. Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
Beowulf's selflessness and bravery are shown frequently when he battles Grendel. Beowulf shows no signs of retreat and accepts death as it may come. ... Another quality exhibited by Beowulf is his bravery. ... Beowulf displays a sense of strength throughout his life. ... Beowulf's intentions are to protect his people, so fear cannot intervene. ...
Beowulf- The Great of the Greats In the 8th century people were looked at by their character. Each person had important traits, which were very important traits that were admired back then. Some of these traits that were intelligible, they also had to be very honorable and do things fair. The wa...
Beowulf is unlike any other epic hero in the manner in which he fights. ... No sword could hurt Grendle so Beowulf would have beat him by hand alone. ... Beowulf shows his loyalty throughout the story. ... Beowulf showed he is the exact opposite. ... It is easily seen how Beowulf is a great leader. ...
Beowulf also has confidence in his skills as a warrior and as a leader. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In the epic poem, none equaled Beowulf's skill as a warrior or as a leader of men. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Regardless of the fact that he smote Grendel bare handed, Beowulf admits a dragon is a formidable foe indeed, so a decision is made to unsheathe Hrunting Beowulf's mighty blade. ...