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.
This characteristic provides help to decipher if the hero is epic based on a timeline. The hero is introduced in the midst of turmoil, at a point well into the story: antecedent action will be recounted in flashbacks. This means that you don’t get to know the character until some time after everything begins to unravel. For example in the poem Beowulf , Beowulf isn’t introduced until twelve years after the killings began. The story states “In his far-off home Beowulf, … Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror” (lines 109-112). This means that because Beowulf lives far away from Hrothgar it took awhile for the news to reach him. The quote relates to the characteristic because it shows how it took time for Beowulf to know
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The hero establishes his nobility through single combat, honor coming from being vanquished by a superior foe. This characteristic is introduced two times. One example would be when he fought the dragon. The story states “I feel no shame, with shield and sword / And armor, against this monster” (lines 673-674). Beowulf leveled the playing field by using a shield, sword, and armor, without which he would have no chance. Another example would be “that the monster’s scorn of men / Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. / Nor will I. My lord Higlac / Might think less of me if I let my sword / Go where my feet are afraid to” (lines 167-171). Being an epic hero can be awesome, but also very
This shows how fearless and unbreakable Beowulf was. The quote literally says hisspirit would not break, meaning no matter how hard he was pushed, there would always be a fight still left in him. Beowulf shows many other heroic characteristics by demonstrating insane amounts of strength. He is relayed as very strong because “nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here; unless I am mistake, he is truly noble” (Beowulf 244-251). Not only does his strengthmake him seem super awesome, but also the fact that he is admirable.
When most people think of a hero, they picture a typically strong man with courageous actions and noble qualities. As people read Beowulf, they will begin to realize that Beowulf is the exact figure of what a hero should be. From defeating Grendel to helping the kingdom, Beowulf continues to show his heroic acts. If it weren’t for him, Grendel would have destroyed the kingdom. Beowulf’s strength, courage, and nobility proves that he is a hero.
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
Beowulf the Epic Hero Beowulf is a thrilling, daring, and exhilarating epic poem of the past written by an anonymous author in a single manuscript passed down through many generations. Being the protagonist of the poem, Beowulf is also a noble role model. He shows the true qualities of an Anglo-Saxon epic hero through various acts of courage, strength, and loyalty. Beowulf proves himself to be an Anglo-Saxon epic hero by being courageous.
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 attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good
An Epic Hero is a character who’s legendary or heroic actions are central to his culture, race or nation. Beowulf and Odysseus both share some of the seven hero traits; for example being superhuman, fighting monsters and going on a quest. They do not exhibit the exact same traits or in the same way, for example the intervention of the divine world, but they both demonstrate the qualities of an Epic Hero. Both Beowulf and Odysseus prove they are superhuman. Beowulf is able to take down Grendel and Grendel’s mother.
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”
The Webster's definition of a hero is “A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities”, this also happens to be one of the qualifications of being an epic hero. There are many things that can be used to compare and contrast Beowulf as an epic hero and a modern day hero, but you’ll find that the human idea of a hero was primarily the same in 700 CE as it is now although the job descriptions of hero’s have changed. In today’s time a person is usually considered a hero if they help the public good, like a police officer, soldier, firefighter and so on. In Beowulf’s time a person was considered a hero if they were a great warrior. When looking at the characteristics of what makes Beowulf an epic hero and the characteristics
An epic hero is someone who is characterized commonly on their nobility and bravery. However ,there are more attributes epic heros can posses. For example Odysseus, the protagonist in Homer's retelling of “The Odyssey”, shows many forms of excessive arrogance and pomposity. After conquering Troy, Odysseus and his men set off on their way home.
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
This trait shows courage because it shows that beowulf is very powerful just by his strength alone without no weapons. To sum it up beowulf won over his fame by showing that he will never fear anyone and believing only on
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.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
As stated before, an epic hero is a person who is courageous and honorable. Odysseus is one of