"The victory, for the proof, hanging high/ From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster's/ Arm, claw and shoulder and all" (Raffel 486-488). In Beowulf, a heroic warrior, Beowulf, takes on monsters and demons. He shows his amazing strength and bravery to earn the loyalty of his people, fighting for them up to the day of his death. To most Beowulf would be considered to be a hero. However, Bewoulf's traits and actions conflict with today's idea of what a hero is. Although considered a literary hero during the Anglo-Saxon period, Beowulf would not be considered a literary hero in modern times.
Based on Anglo-Saxon values and ideas, Beowulf would be considered a literary hero during that time period. The Anglo-Saxon idea of a hero is to be bold, strong, and fearless, as well as to symbolize meaning to his people. In an essay written by Yee Ling Lam, he compares the differences between modern heroes and heroes of the Anglo-Saxon period. Lam states that "in Anglo-Saxon culture and literatures, the characteristics of a hero are to be bold, strong, fearless, loyal and [show] indifference to pain" (Yee Ling Lam). Heroes during this time period were simply elevated humans born with these qualities. Literary heroes were not just simply bold, strong, fearless, loyal people though, they also had meaning behind them. The Columbia University Press defines an epic hero in literature during this time period as someone who "embodies national, cultural, or religious ideals and upon whose actions depends to some degree the fate of his people" (Columbia University Press). During the Anglo-Saxon time period heroes were more than just characters in stories, but, in a way, reflected the Anglo-Saxon culture. Anglo-Saxon heroes are bold, strong, fearless warriors, that reflect the Anglo-Saxon culture.
Beowulf characterizes the Anglo-Saxon's idea of a hero. Whenever his people call upon him, Beowulf always shows confidence and bravery.
This movie was based on a book called Eaters of the Dead, which, in turn, was based on Beowulf. ... In "The Wrath of Grendel", the hero and his foe square off in a bare fisted brawl. ... The weakened Buliwyf prepared for once last battle. ... Both heroes perish immediately after their final battles. ... On the surface, Beowulf and "The 13th Warrior" are two very different epics. ...
This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... Here Unferth speaks to Beowulf to ask if he was the super strong brave warrior who challenged Brecca to a swimming match. ... Wow he accomplished all that with out being called an epic hero yet. " Beowulf carries Grendel's head to the king Hrothgar...." ... The hero killed to his limit and can no long wield his sword but triumphs once again like the phoenix rising out of the ashes one last time. " Have the Geats build a tomb.... Here at the waters edge, high on the spit of land, so sailors can see this tow...
Hrothgar was a good king and wished to celebrate his reign by building a grand hall called Heorot. ... Beowulf a Geat warrior decided to help the Danes. ... Once at Hrothgar's throne, Beowulf introduced himself as a hero who can crush water sprites, among other things. ... Beowulf proved himself to be a good warrior by being able to fight with words and swords equally well. ... In conclusion, Beowulf is a hero because he uses his skills and courage. ...
Throughout the poem, the people must depend on the loyalty and generosity of Beowulf and his warriors to defend them from evil. ... Lawrence writes that, although Beowulf is the hero of the poem, his eagerness to take a challenge is a symbol of his downfall, pride. ... If Beowulf would have backed down for some reason, his reputation as a good warrior and loyal man, would have dwindled a lot. ... Once Beowulf has defeated Grendel, the people of the community sing praises to him and give him many gifts. ... Grendel's mother wants revenge for her sons" death, and when the Danes hear of this...
Hieatt, Beowulf is an epic hero. ... Once again, the influence of Christianity shows in Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf. ... Here Beowulf once again shows the traits that makes him a true hero. ... These actions are examples of what separates a hero from a great warrior. ... Beowulf can be called the ultimate hero because he put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. ...
Beowulf, the fearless king of the Geats, the bestial human-being who had once slain the ferocious Grendel and his atrocious dam, the legend with superior strength, was called upon once again to perform the unimaginable deed. ... This almighty warrior knew that he could not let atrocity leak havoc on his people. ... The first head was called Cinex, known for strength and power. The second head was called Django, known for his deceitfulness. ... Beowulf was not only a hero but a legend. ...
This epic takes place in a time where loyalty is one of the most important traits that a hero, or any warrior for that matter. ... The fact that he wants to level the playing field while fighting Grendel shows a lot about Beowulf as a man, and as a warrior. ... It is that heroic code that Beowulf lives by that makes him the warrior he is. ... Once it is rightfully his turn to sit on the thorn, Beowulf becomes king. ... There was no one stronger, or braver for Beowulf to call to help slay the dragon because he was the strongest of all. ...
This epic takes place in a time where loyalty is one of the most important traits that a hero, or any warrior for that matter should have. ... The fact that he wants to level the playing field while fighting Grendel shows a lot about Beowulf as a man, and as a warrior. ... It is that heroic code that Beowulf lives by that makes him the warrior he is. ... Once it is rightfully his turn to sit on the thorn, Beowulf becomes king. ... There was no one stronger, or braver for Beowulf to call to help slay the dragon because he was the strongest of all. ...
Later, once again, the anonymous writer uses two epithets to make allusion to God and the Devil, giving out a clear example of Christian symbolism (pairs of necessary opposites). This time he calls God the "keeper of his Soul" and utilizes "a murderer" to refer to the Devil. ... Another important epithet is the one used by the Dane's King while Burgos-Galindo 2 referring to Beowulf, "best of warriors." Right after, in an attempt to call upon Beowulf's attention, the old King uses irony to tell the hero that he will have to return his attributes to the place where they came fr...
