The Anglo-Saxon time period is marked with trials of courageous men sacrificing themselves for the sake of others in battle. By defeating the egregiously violent monster Grendel, Beowulf not only becomes a true Anglo-Saxon due to his bravery, but he demonstrates the Anglo-Saxon value of fame.
The poet displays Beowulf’s bravery through his actions and words throughout the epic story. When Beowulf encounters a fearsome dragon, the poet mentions that “He [Beowulf] had scant regard/for the dragon as a threat, no dread at all/of its courage or strength” (Beowulf 2347-2349). Beowulf, had such confidence in himself that he believed he could defeat a dragon by himself. He wanted to do it by himself and believed so strongly in that, he told the Danes they were not allowed to fight with him. The Danes then realized, how brave he was; “Great king. They have seen my strength for themselves / Have watched me rise from the darkness of war/ Dripping my
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During this time period, there was no communication other than word of mouth. One would have to do something memorable to be boasted about. Beowulf’s many victories in battle earned him such glory, showing that he is the ideal man in the Anglo-Saxon society. In fact, the poet even includes a Danish coast guard’s reaction to seeing Beowulf. Beowulf is described as “... truly noble. This is no mere /hanger-on in a hero's armour” (Beowulf 250-251). Even though the guard had not heard stories of Beowulf, he was still able to recognize the “look” of a hero. Beowulf came across as noble, not just some poser in a hero’s armor. The defeat of the monster and the way it was boasted about, is very pertinent to the poem. The poet makes it clear that Beowulf’s triumphs shape him as a character, and dedicates lots of time to having Beowulf gloat. The confidence of himself and his successes allow his fame to spread all around the country because the stories have been
Heroism is shown throughout the poem. Beowulf was heroic in the fight with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. “Behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster…” (lines 172-174). In those lines, Beowulf is saying he will fight Grendel alone and without any weapons. “Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong…” (line 633).
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).
Prior to the battle, Beowulf is preparing to fight the dragon and proclaims,
We are all held in a single honour, the brave with the weaklings. A man dies still if he has done nothing, as one who has done much.” (9.318-320). Similarly, Beowulf, a bold and fearless warrior, gains fame after he defeats formidable monsters. With great pride, Beowulf continues to pursue glory during his life and finally faces his lifetime enemy, a dragon.
As king, Beowulf stepped up and fought the malevolent dragon in his last battle. In his last boast he uttered, “ I’ve never known fear, as a youth, I fought endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” (62). Beowulf was very confident for the circumstances.
They had confidence and courage to win the battle in the name of Beowulf. The author’s perception of courage displays that good will always outperform evil. In conclusion, “Beowulf” illuminates characters and their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage.
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).
Beowulf is a historical poem that was made in the 8th century. Beowulf has taught many people in the world that we should always fight and succeed when it comes to our obstacles. Beowulf is a story that is mostly fighting the people that Beowulf fights for is his king and allies after all he is a strong warrior.he fights lot in the story and someone he fight is grendel a evil monster he fights and dies as a loyal soldier. Beowulf is a wonderful book that poems admiration and loyalty in every way possible. Beowulf was a strong warrior to show how he was i have this quote directly said by beowulf himself”If death does take me send the hammered mail to Higlac and return the inheritance i had from hrethel l and he from wayland fate will unwind
The poem beowulf is known for a strong creature that protects Herot from Grendel also challenged to a dragon to show his techniques. In the poem beowulf there is many different themes one theme that beowulf uses is courage. Beowulf shows that he does not fear anything and can overcome
Beowulf reveals an act of arrogance throughout the epic poem Beowulf; therefore, it makes him an irrelevant hero. Beowulf claimed “that he needs no weapons and fears none” when fighting the monster. Stating that he can defeat a monster with his bare hands makes Beowulf very boastful. This quality of boastfulness expresses Beowulf’s thoughts on heroism. He only did heroic deeds for his desire.
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.
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 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.
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/
He did carry the ways of a Anglo-Saxon which were honesty, kindness,loyalty, and honor. But all of that was soon covered up with his prideful thinking. Beowulf came to the aid of the king Hrothgar and his people willingly, knowing he could solve the king’s problem. Beowulf succeed in killing the monster getting fame , glory, and riches. Although Beowulf brought along his mighty warriors he persisted that they stay and watch him defeat the monster named “Grendel’’ all alone.