What is power? In science, power is the rate work is done. In politics, it is the amount of influence or authority a person has over a group of individuals. In life, power may mean just how strong someone is. In summary, there are many different types of power. However, what exactly makes someone powerful? Is it the amount of loyal followers they have or the way the carry themselves through life? Throughout the years, there have been many different kinds of rulers whom have wandered the Earth. Some were gifted their leadership, and others have forced their way to the top. Some kept the peace, while those not fit to rule only brought discord. In “Beowulf”, Beowulf is a warrior who is favored by his people to take the thrown after their king was killed from an attack. In the epic poem “Beowulf”, the ambitious mentality, courageousness, and confidence of Beowulf grant him an absolute powers that others lack. …show more content…
When battling Grendel’s mother, Beowulf’s weapon and armor began to fail him after “she ripped and … clawed at him”, leaving him defenseless to the “water-witch” (71). Any sane person would have retreated to fight another day, but Beowulf’s wish for fame and glory motivated him to find an alternative way to continue fighting. Also, even though others left him for dead, his power to overcome the impossible left everyone in awe, granting him even more respect than he already had. Did Beowulf expect the new fame? Most likely, since it was his main motivation. Additionally, if Beowulf did not have this mentality, he may have been another Hrothgar who only sat in his “glorious throne, protected by God” and waited for the help to willingly come to him instead of searching for another’s land help
even as a weak old man, he chooses to be selfless. He could have just been satisfied with his success in his older battles, but he picks honor over comfort. Beowulf knew that he probably wouldn’t make it after this battle, but he was content with his achievements for his people. He left to face the dragon, and when they arrived, his men betrayed him. (Beowulf 87-88).
The Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines power as possession of control, authority, or influence over others. Having the ability or capacity to change the future has been around longer than we can admit to imagine. Power comes in different shapes and forms , anything or anyone can have it. Even just having things can show and have power like how the Firefighters in Fahrenheit 451 carried these intimidating flamethrowers with immense heat. The people feared these firefighters and manipulated them into thinking books were evil because books had knowledge and creativity which held an even greater power.
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
Wherever human beings are accumulated together in large numbers, they need leadership. Even a school needs a principle to mentor and escalate the school’s rank. Armies need generals to lead them to a courageous victory. Civilians need governments, captains of industry and intellectual leaders of thought as well. However, There are characteristics common to most great leaders that can be picked out.
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).
Bravery and courage are interchangeable words used to describe the mind of a person who faces difficulty and pain without fear, according to Dictionary.com. Bravery is displayed all throughout the heroic tale of Beowulf, named after its protagonist Beowulf. Knowing that Grendel was a very dangerous character, Beowulf chose to offer up his services to halt the terror being caused by Grendel. No one had to seek him out; rather he came on his own accords simply for the good of these people living in King Hrothgar’s kingdom. He put himself in dangers way even though he no real tie to these people, and not asking about any sort of payment before going out on the hunt.
Beowulf is no longer concerned about saving the kingdom, since he’s gained a taste of fame, he is becoming greedy with
Throughout the poem, Beowulf fights three different monsters and in each of these situations he chooses to begin the fight without their help. He enters into combat with his men by his side, but when the actual fighting begins he defeats the monsters with very little help from them. Beowulf’s strength and physical prowess was unlike any other man in comparison to his height and incredible grip. Furthermore, Beowulf can be categorized as an outcast based on his personality traits. The main character is set apart from the other warriors because of his courage and humility.
In the beginning, Beowulf was introduced as a young and powerful warrior whose heroism is defined by his great strength.
This is an example of a rushed decision, and if Beowulf was king he could have left his people helpless against
Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable
Power is the ability to actor do something in a particular way. People who have too much power and abuse it, and turn their power into a negative power. Fear and tyranny are abused by people with power creating a negative effect on society. Leaders with a huge rule of power will abuse their role as a leader by creating a fearful environment.
"Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes, ancient kings and the glory they cut for themselves, swinging mighty swords." These verses were words sung over and over, by singing poets all over ancient Europe. They were sung in the presence of kings and warriors. They are the beginning lines of the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of monsters, dragons, kings, warriors, battles, life, death, and the virtues of a hero.
Some would say power is the ability to control a group and have them become your followers while maintaining a strong leadership role. The two books, Animal Farm and Lord of The Flies use power through the two main chiefs of the novels. The book Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is about a group of animals that declare a rebellion against the owner of their farm. They take the farm over, and make Napoleon, the main character who is also the dictator of the book, take leadership of the farm. On the other hand, the book Lord of The Flies, by William Golding is about a group of boys who are stranded on an island with no adults.
Beowulf is one of the oldest and most well-known epic stories throughout the world. The main character in this story is Beowulf himself. Beowulf is a true and epic hero, who ultimately loses his life while trying to protect the he cared for. Beowulf was a man of great strength, which allowed him to defeat monster and make him the hero that he was. He did not have this strength on his own accord, but was assisted with some divine intervention.