In the times of the Anglo-Saxons, it was easy to define a hero as a man who possessed qualities like valor, bravery, and loyalty. Through his actions a hero could show his people he was worthy of their adoration and in turn would return to his people with worthwhile rewards. A hero was first in line to fight for his king, his kingdom, and his people. Present day, I think people like to look back on heroes of old and wish there were heroes today; but I think if you examine things closely, you would see we have heroes around us every day.
Beowulf was made a hero by his people by displaying these very actions. By coming to the aid of Hrothgar in his time of need, Beowulf set himself up to be a loyal soldier. By first taking on the monster Grendel, he proved he was a worthy fighter, willing and able to take down the enemy. When Beowulf fights with Grendel's mother, the sea-hag, he upholds the tradition of avenging for an unpaid death wage, again fighting for the kingdom's sake. And finally, in his later years, as a king himself, Beowulf still shows the bravery that is needed to fight the dragon, even if he is unsuccessful. This brings Beowulf to a heroes ending, a tragic yet noble death, taken by a battle wound, but winning back the treasures of his kingdom. Beowulf represents the quintessential definition of an Anglo-Saxon hero.
In recent times, I think the most obvious of our heroes are the soldiers over seas. With only the threatening possibility of harm to their country, their kingdom, they came to its rescue. They have taken up arms not only to protect their people, their loved ones, but also those who cannot protect themselves. Like Beowulf, they have gone to the aid of a people who could not vanquish the demon alone. They lend themselves to the fight to prove their loyalty to their country and their leaders. I think that modern day soldiers bear the closest resemblance to Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon definition of a hero.
Up until the end of Beowulf's life he was constantly looking to be the hero. ... This is what makes Beowulf a true hero. ... Beowulf was one of the most noble and moral epic heroes. ... Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. ... Beowulf is most definitely an epic hero of epic proportions, and a hero of the ages. ...
Beowulf is a hero to the people in many different ways. ... I believe Beowulf was a great leader. ... I think a hero is someone who tries his or her best to help others. Even when things get ruff, in the end a hero is someone who stuck through it no matter what. In this story, Beowulf was certainly a hero. ...
Beowulf, the hero in this literary piece, did as such, and he ultimately surpassed the qualities of being an epic hero. Accordingly, heroes and epic heroes alike gained the praise and respect of their subjects as well as their enemies. ... Any hero needs strength in order to be of value. ... Beowulf had uncertainty in what he was capable of doing like any hero, for he was a mortal and could be killed. ... All of these seemed unlikely to be accomplished, but as all epic heroes Beowulf completed each task. ...
To most Beowulf would be considered to be a hero. ... Beowulf characterizes the Anglo-Saxon's idea of a hero. ... His traits and actions made Beowulf an Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In Beowulf, Beowulf is the hero and is a well known warrior. ... Beowulf's "noble birth" separates him from modern day heroes. ...
A hero had to be self-reliant, courageous and honorable. ... In the book Beowulf, the hero, Beowulf shows a lack of courage he has under any problem or circumstances. ... In conclusion, the only way a hero can be a true anglo-saxon hero is if he or she follows the nine noble virtues. Many people might still have different thoughts and opinions of Beowulf being a Anglo-saxon hero. However, we should all know that Beowulf is and will always be a hero. ...
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. ... Wow he accomplished all that with out being called an epic hero yet. " Beowulf carries Grendel's head to the king Hrothgar...." ... Showing that Beowulf has now another reason for the role of an epic hero. ... Ok now the thesis was proven that Beowulf could be an epic hero. ...
The title character of Beowulf is on of the earliest examples of an Anglo-Saxon literary hero. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... To the 10th century European reader of Beowulf, the title character is a might hero indeed. ... It can therefore be reasonable to say that Beowulf is one of the earliest examples of an Anglo-Saxon literary hero. ...
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. ... Being a great warrior and a devoted king makes Beowulf the ideal hero for the Anglo-Saxon period. ... Beowulf had fate on his side to make him the most courageous hero of his time. ... Beowulf had fate on his side leading others to believe that he was a great hero. ... Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
