In Beowulf, the author surveys the heroism of Beowulf throughout his valiant exploits. Beowulf is the archetype of an epic hero; distinguished with extraordinary strength and skills, Beowulf proves to be powerful, loyal, and courageous. He set a noble example for all human beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and selflessness.
Beowulf exemplifies his heroism through his devout loyalty to his lord Higlac. In the beginning of the story, Beowulf hears of the nights of terror caused by Grendel. "In his far-off home, Beowulf, Higlac's follower, and the strongest of the Geats heard how Grendel filled nights with horror- Beowulf, respecting his lord's request, attempts the extremely dangerous feat to rescue Hrothgar and his people from the grips of Grendel. "My people have said, the wisest, most knowing, and best of them, that my duty [is] to go to the Dane's great king and request that I may purge all evil from this hall." Accomplishing the seemingly impossible task and fulfilling the promise to Hrothgar, Beowulf proves he is loyal and worthy of his classification as an epic hero.
Beowulf also exemplifies yet another universal heroic trait: selflessness. He fought valiantly against Grendel and his mother with little regard to his own life. In his battle to liberate Hrothgar and the people Heorot, he realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. "In his clash with the fire-drake [Grendel], Beowulf lays down his life, thereby blessing with fresh energy the ideal of courage for which he dies." Moreover, Beowulf shows great leadership by sacrificing himself for the benefit of others. "That night Beowulf and his men take the places of Hrothgar and the Danes inside Herot. While his men sleep, Beowulf lies awake, eager to meet with Grendel." Beowulf sacrifices his own need for rest to preserve the safety of his men. He continues this selflessness even in his old age, as he once again risked his life for the security of his kingdom in his battle against the dragon.
In "Beowulf, heroism and fame are two of the most important thing to the people all through the poem. ... Heroism is also a big difference in the works. ... There is also similarities in heroism in Grendel and in "Beowulf" as it is contrasts. Heroism plays a big part in the works. ... In "Beowulf", Beowulf showed tremendous heroism by going to fight Grendel. ...
Beowulf has the traits of a perfect hero. The poem explores his heroism in two separate phases: youth and age. There is, however, a clear division between his youthful heroism and his mature heroism as an aged king. ... He is just as solidly rooted in the heroic code as Beowulf is, but his experiences with both good and bad fortune have caused him to develop a more reflective attitude toward his past heroism, which is simply just a part of the process of aging as well. Hrothgar's reflections on heroism and leadership, which take into account a hero's entire life span rather than just...
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". ... Fighting fierce battles against monsters is more proof of his epic heroism. ...
Beowulf was a man of admirable feats. ... To further define his heroism, Beowulf kept the arm as a trophy of his victory. ... Though the trip was difficult, Beowulf was persistent in his quest. ... As a token of his deed, Beowulf took a jewel-studded sword from the cave. ... But despite this, his tremendous heroism remained. ...
Ultimately Beowulf is defeated. ... Beowulf uses no weapons. ... Because Beowulf has boasted of his great heroism and strength and he was so successful in defeating Grendel, he must continue to protect the Danes against evil. ... Old English heroism has been a popular subject for centuries. The epic of Beowulf is a fine example of the story of a man who exemplified great heroism. ...
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. ... Beowulf's strength is a key trait of his heroism. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
It puts Beowulf against Grendel and Grendel's mother and in the end Beowulf comes out on top. ... While both The Odyssey and Beowulf examples of heroism, Beowulf's acts of being a hero actually fit the description of a hero more than Odysseus. ... The main theme that was in both The Odyssey and Beowulf is heroism. ... One other theme in Beowulf is Christianity and fate. ... Beowulf also puts his trust in God also. ...
