Sedrianna Knight Mr. Richards English IV, 1st Period February 02 2023 Beowulf essay What makes Beowulf an epic hero? Beowulf is a demi-god hero who was introduced in the midst of turmoil when people need him the most. He agreed to help Hrothgar, since Grendal was the main cause of their suffering. He travels to Hrothgar to prove that no villain is stronger than him and to prove that he is the hero he claims to be. The hero gets introduced in the story when the villain has caused enough disruption to the town. oIn the epic poem it states “in his far -off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater and stronger …show more content…
Grendel is the enemy in the epic that Beowulf must kill. The poem states “ So Grendel ruled, fought with righteousness, one against many, and won; so Herot stood empty, and stayed deserted for years, twelve of grief for Hrothgar,”( line 59-64). This quote represents the evilness and powerfulness that Grendel possessed he killed for 12 long years not caring about the pain and suffering he was leaving behind. This relates to the epic hero characteristic because the quotes show how Grendel is evil and that a hero of the people will have to arrive soon , so that Grendel is put to an end. The epic poem also states “ his eyes gleamed in the darkness, burned with a gruesome light,” ( lines 405-408). This quote is saying that Grendel is so evil that you can see the darkness in eyes. No one in Hrothgar was strong enough to face and kill Grendel so they had to ask for Beowulf to come and kill him. Grendel’s power and darkness was just not mangable for anyone, but …show more content…
The epic poem states “ wait, for me close by, my friends we shall see, soon who will survive this bloody battle, stand when the fighting is done no one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster no one could try,” (lines 679-685). This quote shows how the hero steps up to slay the all mighty dragon that no one was able to kill but him. Beowulf tells his men to stay behind so that he could do it on his own. Beowulf was doing something that all hero’s do, which is giving his opponent a fair fight and seeing who comes out on top.The epic poem states “ He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s answer,” (lines 570-574). The direct quote is another example of how Beowulf protects people without needing help. The both quotes stated before prove how Beowulf is a hero and continues to prove it throughout his
We have heard of those princes' heroic campaigns.” (1-3) These lines show that courage is seen as a type of greatness. If Beowulf would have not been blessed with the courage that he has, the kingdom would not have viewed him the same way as a hero. It takes a lot of courage to be brave enough to stand up to a demon that has been terrorizing a kingdom for twelve years. Luckily, Beowulf had this courage and defeated Grendel which made him a
In the “Beowulf” selection of the epic, the protagonist, Beowulf, is introduced as a cunning, crafty and courageous character since he refuses to use a weapon in the battle against the monster, Grendel, and insists on having a fair battle: “My lord Higlac/Might think
It also gives an example of when Beowulf speaks his mind like a hero. “…Unferth, if you were as keen or courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity” (590-593).Beowulf has just been criticized by unferth; as a result Beowulf reaffirms himself against unferth claims. This quote supports my claim by giving a representation of Beowulf speaking his mind no matter what others may think. Beowulf could have easily just ignored the comment or even cower behind the words that were
Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/
One well known literary character, Beowulf, easily finds this widespread recognition as a hero across these boundaries and in the face of conflict. The tale of Beowulf, which itself is rooted in the Anglo-Saxon and pagan view of a heroism,
Grendel is described as a “shadow of death” who “hunted in the darkness” (74). Using a metaphor to compare Grendel to a shadow, the author depicts Grendel as invisible and therefore impossible to understand or tame. Since Beowulf and his men cannot pinpoint exactly where Grendel is or what Grendel looks like, their imaginations make him more powerful than reality, which probably causes Grendel to seem omnipresent. Moreover, the image of the “shadow of death” alludes to the Psalmist’s words in the Bible concerning the Devil, essentially making Grendel the same entity. In addition to his shadowy appearance, Grendel’s hunting style contributes to his characterization as evil.
Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless).
Madisyn Ortolano Mr. Richards English IV January 31, 2023 Beowulf Paper Beowulf is an epic hero in many ways. He fights monsters and dragons, but he believes in a fair fight, he is a demi-god, he has to fight alone, he has a magical weapon, and he is introduced in the middle of turmoil. Beowulf possesses all the characteristics and more which makes him an epic hero. Now let's dive into reason one.
Beowulf is a strong heroic hero who shows honor,selfless,courage. Beowulf is a strong heroic hero in a way because heroes are protectors and he protected his people of his town. So he is a hero in fact a strong one and a loyal one. There is lots of ways he shows loyalty one i can show is “I had a fixed purpose when i came to sea as i sat in the boat with my band of men I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in attempt in the fields clutches i shall fulfill my purpose prove myself of proud deeds or meat my death her in the mead-hall”(pages 632-639).I chose this quote because it shows that beowulf would give his head for his people. I think that beowulf wanted to die for his king after all that is the reason
“Throughout the epic narrative, the emphasis is placed on the solitary nature of the hero’s task. Beowulf appears to live and fight alone” (Fisher). He became the savior of the Danes and the Geats because he saved the people from great
Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens.
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
This is the beginning of Grendel falling directly into the role that the dragon said he would need to fill. Grendel’s murderous tendencies completely reflect the monstrous side of his personality and the more he kills the more he grows insane, separating from rational, humanistic thought. “I am swollen with excitement, bloodlust and joy and a strange fear that mingle in my chest like the twisting rage of a bone-fire... I am blazing, half-crazy with joy” (168). It is clear that, by the time Beowulf arrives, Grendel has embraced the fact that he is required to be evil, despite the fact that he previously claimed he would oppose that destiny.
Emily Festavan Mrs. Morris English Advanced 12- 6th period 4 December 2017 Beowulf is Not a Hero Beowulf is characterized as a hero but he uses these qualities wrong making him not a hero. An epic hero is supposed to have seven traits such as: noble birth, strength and courage, warrior, adventure, heroism, humility, and faces supernatural. Beowulf possess these traits but his actions do not show him as a hero. What Beowulf says and does speaks louder than him just being characterized as a hero. Beowulf is not a hero because he is conceited, seeks pride and self-glorification, and thinks he is more superior than others.
Alexander Hamilton once said, “There is a certain Enthusiasm in liberty that makes Human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” Beowulf is an epic poem in which the main character Beowulf did acts of service, but he fought for those who couldn’t fight. The overall theme of good versus evil in Beowulf had Beowulf dealing with challenges that no ordinary man would be able to handle unless they were a true epic hero. Throughout the poem Beowulf proves to be an epic hero by his strength, bravery, and sacrifice.