"Across the centuries from the England of Bede Beowulf proclaims the ideal of gentleness united to strength, and valor enobled by virtue. It spreads to the modern world in moving accents of honor, of courage, of faith.".
- Charles W. Kennedy.
A translator of Beowulf.
Like many great epics and novels of the ages, Beowulf is based on the triumph of good over evil. Its hero is the epitome of good; Beowulf is strong, brave, and full of virtue. He is the classic warrior; honorable, valiant, and loyal.
Beowulf may represent the ideals of the Anglo-Saxon era, but those same ideals of honor, courage, and faith are prevalent in almost every period of history. In those respects, Beowulf is similar to King Arthur's "Knights of the Round Table" and Odysseus, from Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. Beowulf puts honor and loyalty above all else.
Although he has already performed many great deeds and services before the time the story is set, Beowulf's virtues are first shown when he travels to Denmark, with the purpose of saving Heorot, the great mead-hall, from the demon Grendel. He sets out to repay Hrothgar for helping his father, showing Beowulf's loyalty and faith.
Before Beowulf came, Grendel feasted on those in the mead-hall at night. The demon never used weapons; he slaughtered and ate those who tried to fight him. Beowulf honorably decides that since Grendel uses no weapons, he also shall fight weaponless. "When it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous any day as Grendel. So it won't be a cutting edge I"ll wield to mow him down, easily as I might. He has no idea of the arts of war, or shield or sword-play, although he does possess a wild strength. No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares." (677-685) Beowulf shows tremendous bravery and honor in fighting without a sword or shield.
Beowulf's loyalty is most evident after he has defeated Grendel. After Beowulf fatally wounds the demon, by ripping his arm and shoulder from his body, there is a great celebration in Heorot.
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. ...