“A hero is a man who is afraid to run away.” Although some people claim their parents or their teachers are their heroes, they are wrong. As opposed to a hero being someone that cares for others, it is someone who is brave, loyal, and strong that refuses to run away from danger. Their bravery draws them towards danger. Their loyalty provides a reason for them to fight. Their superb strength allows them to carry out their insightful plan to conquer their villains. In addition to modern super heroes, Anglo-Saxon super heroes are brave, loyal, and very strong. In Beowulf, an epic poem with an unknown author, Beowulf sets a precedent for all super heroes. As the first documented superhero, Beowulf exemplifies bravery, loyalty, and superb strength. To begin, Beowulf displays bravery throughout the epic poem Beowulf. This is because he is always prepared to …show more content…
This is because Beowulf expresses strong support for his king and a strong belief in his God. First, Beowulf displays loyalty to his king by fighting Grendel using only his hands. Beowulf did so because he believed his “lord Higlac might think less of [him] if [he] let [his] sword go where [his] feet were afraid to.” To elaborate, Beowulf believes that his king might not respect him as much if he uses a weapon, so Beowulf fights Grendel using only his hands. This shows Beowulf’s loyalty to his king, whom he supports his king through his actions. To continue, Beowulf is loyal to his God throughout the epic poem. This loyalty is evident when Beowulf asks God to grant him the request to “alone and with the help of many men, may purge all evil from [Hrothgar’s] hall.” Evidently, Beowulf’s fixed loyalty to his God leads him to help his God fulfill his duty. Additionally, Beowulf thanks his god, the “Ruler of the Earth,” numerous times. Without a doubt, Beowulf displays loyalty throughout the epic poem
Joey Mahop Period 9 Ms. Rad L’s Up For Ya Hittas Loyalty is a major theme not just in Beowulf, but also in today's society . Loyal to those whom they trust is a norm. Many feel as if they have to be loyal in order to feel comfortable in life. In relationships, people are loyal to those who define themselves similar even though they may have many differences.
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
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.”
Beowulf cares greatly for his honor. When he is fighting Grendel, he decides to not use a weapon since Grendel has none. He doesn’t want anyone saying he won unfairly. When being spoken about his fighting it is said, “He, swiftly banished to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes…” (Part 2)
The follower of almighty Beowulf, is “hailing” and praising his leader, to pronounce his true companionship and respect for the “Beowulf.” This exhibits secure loyalty to Beowulf. “My tongue grows heavy and my heart, when I try to tell you what Grendel has
This scene is relevant due to its differing plot from the other two slayings. During the killing of Grendel, Beowulf tears off his arm and ultimately destroys the wretched monster alone and without frivolous weapons. When the duel between Grendel’s mother arises, Beowulf
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.
“No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me of face me he dares” (683-685). This quote shows that he will face Grendel without weapons and just his hands. This makes him very courageous because he's sacrificing his life going against Grendel let alone without weapons things like this in what make people envy him. “If we want to figure out what a symbol might mean you have to use a variety of tools on it: questions, experience, preexisting knowledge” (Foster 107). When reading Beowulf you
Loyalty is one of the strongest themes in Beowulf, and why it is important to express through art. Loyalty is shown from the beginning when Beowulf requests to the assist the Danes from King Hygelac. He undertakes this task because Beowulf’s father was protected by Hrothgar in battle. This shapes the foundation of Beowulf’s loyalty toward him. To express this loyalty, I had many ideas such as
Mythological or Archetypal philosophy has been around for centuries and is used across numerous cultures. Carl Jung, a close colleague of Sigmund Freud, defined the word archetype as “a figure...that repeats itself in the course of history wherever creative fantasy is fully manifested.” Archetypes can come in various forms: characters, images, and situations. Though many different forms of archetypes appear in the tale of Beowulf, specifically, the archetypal character roles of the hero and the outcast are major aspects of the story. The role of the hero is a popularly recognizable element of many stories.
Beowulf had done the unthinkable—he had killed a demon that no warrior of Denmark could have done. This opened several new doors for Beowulf, including one that promised of honor, glory, and riches. Beowulf had achieved his goal of fame, a goal which had created a poem of a hero that birthed and shaped a story to be told even years later. Furthermore, Beowulf’s fame was set in stone by Hrothgar, the king who owed Beowulf his everything, including his thanks. After giving Beowulf the speech to further glorify his prominence, Hrothgar declares, “Glory is now yours/
Loyalty, one of the main themes throughout Beowulf, is an important aspect of the Germanic culture. Loyalty in the Heroic Code is a bond between the king and his warriors; loyalty to the king is first above all, even family in this text. If the warriors lack the loyalty for their king, the urge to protect their king and tribe is diminished. Beowulf’s king, Hygelac, gave him permission to help the Danish king and his people. Beowulf exerts his loyalty to Hrothgar by protecting the king’s people, and killing Grendel.
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.
This is seen multiple times throughout the poem beginning with his quest to kill Grendel. Beowulf personally sought out permission from Hrothgar to help the Danish people. Beowulf was able to help the suffering community; furthermore, he had a chance to receive great recognition for his actions. After defeating Grendel, Beowulf was given the opportunity to receive more glory and once again help Heorot by taking the life of Grendel’s mother. This was an extremely dangerous challenge because he knew her capabilities.
"He gave Herdred all his support, offering an open heart where Higlac's young son could see wisdom he still lacked himself: warmth and goodwill were what Beowulf brought his new king. " This shows Beowulf's loyalty to Higlac his late King, and to his family. Beowulf would not be dishonorable by taking what wasn't rightfully his; he would rather stand by Higlac's son and teach him all he knows. Beowulf is the hero to his King's son and country, by staying loyal and having honor.