... Why do certain character traits make some villains, while those same traits make others heroes? Many people may say that it depends on how the character uses the traits, which is very true. The background of the character determines how the character will use whatever special powers they have. In the epic poem of Beowulf, there are many events where supernatural strength is used by not only Beowulf himself, but as well as Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a few other characters throughout the poem. The story starts off with the battle with Grendel, and both Beowulf and Grendel have supernatural strength, and so does Grendel’s mother. Beowulf and Grendel are both larger than life and they are both strong, and they have supernatural strength. In this poem, Beowulf does what is best for his people. He defends them and he eventually becomes king and is praised very frequently for his heroic duties. That is mainly what makes Beowulf larger than life, or what some may call famous. He takes care of his people and in exchange they take care of him. Grendel is an enormous, creature that was a decedent of Kane and he had been holding Denmark hostage for 12 years before Beowulf arrived. years. His demeanor is what really made him an outsider and people didn’t accept him. Beowulf’s first battle was with Grendel. The twelve foot beast rudely interrupted a celebration in the Hall that King Hrothgar had built for his people to come and fellowship with each other. Grendel was well known for...
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...great traits that make them standout from the rest of the people in a story. With the epic hero possessing many traits, it shows why they are the chosen one. In Beowulf, the epic hero is Beowulf. In the story the character Beowulf portrays the trait of being capable of deeds of great strength and courage. He portrays this by killing Grendel, killing Grendel’s mother, and killing the sea monsters. Beowulf characterizes the trait of having strength and courage by killing Grendel. During the colossal fight, Beowulf is able to rip off the shoulder off Grendel, and hangs them up in Geats. A quote from the story to support this is, “A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering Forced on...
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...| The main character in the epic poem “Beowulf”, whose legendary and heroic actions are central to the Anglo-Saxon culture, is Beowulf. Beowulf is a hero who embodies the ideal characteristics in the Anglo-Saxon culture; these characteristics all come together to make up an epic tale. He possesses the virtues, traits and beliefs that were respected in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf displays these virtues in his own actions and words during different circumstances throughout the tale. Beowulf was "the strongest of the Geats" and also "greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world". Beowulf is shown to be the strongest among the strong. Physical strength was very much envied by the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf could slay the greatest monster of all, Grendel. Beowulf killed Grendel; Grendel had never come to such a match among a stronger person "That shepherd of sins soon found that never before had he felt in any man other in all the earth a mightier hand-grip”(565-570). This shows the physical strength that Beowulf embodied. Beowulf was fearless of all opponents and fought to defend his fame and glory. Beowulf did not need to tell anyone that he was fearless; he showed them how fearless he was. Beowulf needed no sword or shield to protect him from Grendel when he killed Grendel with his own hands " And I give you pledge, She shall not in safety escape to cover, To earthy cavern, or forest fastness, Or gulf of ocean, go where she may. This day with patience endure...
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...Real Hero: Beowulf vs. Grendel The story of the famous battle between Beowulf and Grendel are told in two stories in The story of Beowulf by an unknown author and Grendel by John Gardner. The story of Beowulf is told in 3rd person by someone recounting the events and Grendel is told in a 1st person view of Grendel himself. There is lots of controversy whether which of the two is the real hero, so here is the gist of both stories for you to decide: There is a small town full of people that is being tormented by a monster who comes only to kill and bring terror among the people, the attacks continue and after a short while comes a famous warrior named Beowulf. He comes to defeat the town’s monster to save the people and end the mindless killings of Grendel. Both stories result in Grendel being killed and Beowulf being praised for his actions and he eventually becomes a great, fair king that all the people adore and love. The Anglo-Saxon definition of a hero is typically a man who is strong, brave and an intelligent warrior. They had to be willing to fight to the...
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...Beowulf Beowulf is a story about a hero who takes on challenges and has a lot adventures. He lived during the Anglo-Saxon period. The character Beowulf embodies the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs. The traits the he embodies from the Anglo-Saxon society are strength, bravery, honor. Beowulf displays strength a lot throughout the story. He especially shows it when he fights Grendel. "I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield,the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend." Beowulf makes his fight with Grendel more interesting and heroic by...
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...“A Selfish Hero” Many people recognize Beowulf as the hero of Anglo-Saxon times. Judging by his amazing resume of feats and strengths, this is not hard to believe. Beowulf exemplifies the traits of a perfect and valiant hero, or so it seems. However, Beowulf, written by an unknown author, illustrates the great length the character goes through to succeed. Beowulf does anything in his power to prevail, leading him to become a selfish individual. Examining Beowulf's speech, thoughts, and actions, it becomes evident of the selfish hero within. Firstly, Beowulf's speech proves that he would do anything to prevail, illustrating his inflated ego. Although defeated in some battles, Beowulf manages to carry out every mission in order to justify his loses and make himself look successful. Unferth, who attempts to criticize Beowulf’s battles says, "Then winter churned through the water, the waves ran you as they willed, and you struggled seven long nights to survive. And at the end victory was his, not yours” (22;6;248-51). However, upon hearing this, Beowulf accuses Unferth of being drunk in order to make people believe he never understands what he says. "Ah! Unferth, my friend, your face is hot with ale, and your tongue had tried to tell us about Brecca's doings” (22;6;263-65). After hearing this, people are lead to believe Beowulf never takes this criticism seriously, for Unferth‘s drunkenness hazes his rationality. Thus, Beowulf makes Unferth, appear envious, while making himself...
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...The story Beowulf is about a courageous warrior and his battles against evil. The tale of Beowulf inspires as it takes the audience to the land Herot where King Hrothgar’s wealthy mead hall is attacked by Grendel who is a monstrous descendant of the biblical outcast, Cain. The mighty warrior, Beowulf, travels from his home land to defeat the beast and the beast’s mother who tries to avenge him. Beowulf prevails against the demon monster and his wicked mother because of his heroic manner and determination against evil. More disputes with tumultuous threats against his people arise. Beowulf strikes triumph over the evil forces because of his unwavering honor and bravery. The tale of Beowulf is portrayed in a motion picture film and a book written in modern english. There are many differences and little similarities between the movie and the book. This epic piece of literature has lived on through many ages because of the examples of selflessness, courage, leadership, and loyalty....
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...The key character in the poem Beowulf, is a heroic and a legendary character whose actions are embodied to the Anglo-Saxon culture. As a hero he has the accepted and the most ideal characteristics that are accepted in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The tale revolves around these characteristics to make up an epic tale. Beowulf is moulded to possess the virtues, traits and beliefs that were highly respected and requires in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Therefore, is displayed to have these virtues in his own actions and words during different circumstances in the tale. Reading Beowulf brings out lots of similarities with many pieces of literature from the Ancient Greek and the Modern literature. The Beowulf carries is similar to many Greek dramas that focused on a protagonist who was turned out to be a tragic hero. There was an element of belief in the gods who had super- human powers and had unique and ultimate special skills of their own, and overcame unsurmountable problems. However, in Beowulf, there is no Greek or Roman gods, but there are other supernatural beings defined as monsters that exist and are difficult to win over. Beowulf is extra-ordinarily strong, agile, and super intelligent. He is portrayed as one who overcomes many obstacles and was able to kill Grendel and his mother and the others in the sea. In addition, the wide character list and meaningful names is similar to those of other types of literature of the early eras. The story of Paradise lost opens in hell. Satan...
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...Emanuel Dozier ENG271WEB Dr. Willis 4/22/13 Beowulf: Epic Heroism There are many answers people will give if they were asked the question what makes a good hero. If myself were asked what makes a good hero, my answers would simply say courage, morality, honor, strength, unselfishness, and loyalty. Reading all of the works this semester; analyzing the characters traits of heroism, without a doubt the poem Beowulf displays the most epic heroism of all the works from reading this semester. David Aaron White said it best in his article; “In the poem Beowulf, one's value as a hero is built on what he has done, and what he will do or the good of other people” (Literary analysis: Heroism as portrayed in Beowulf). Compared to the others the character Beowulf, he represents the true qualities that myself look for in a hero. It’s not even close to me; also his faith in God and knowing that he is in control shows his tremendous character that a lot of people would love in a hero. Beowulf defines heroism, from his bravery, honor, strength, and unselfishness to put others lives before his, and in terms of positive morals he fits that description perfectly. In the epic poem Beowulf, “Much of this epic poem is dedicated to conveying and exemplifying the heroic code which values such attributes as strength, courage and honor.” (Beowulf and the Heroic Code). Beowulf heroic ways in the story cannot be ignored he had several amazing heroic displays in the story. Beowulf’s first...
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...supernatural beings. Comparing Beowulf to Percy Jackson based on their culture and heroic characteristics involving bravery, leadership, strength, personality traits, fighting style, and their motivation to fight. Focuses on the two different aspects of heroism as defined by Greek and Anglo Saxon culture. Beowulf and Percy Jackson share the heroic traits of leadership skills, superhuman strength and bravery. Beowulf is the leader of the Geats,...
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...Grendel Comparison The epic tale of Grendel lays out a foundation that enables readers to notice comparisons between some of the stories major characters. Hrothgar, King of the Danes and Beowulf are two characters that have similar traits, though they come from different backgrounds. Hrothgar and Beowulf both have a desire to provide a safe lifestyle for their people. Hrothgar is a respected king who has great authority over his land. Likewise, Beowulf also has authority in his land though he gains it because he is recognize as the mightiest man on earth. Though, they are introduced in the story at different times, both Hrothgar and Grendel ultimately have to solve the same problem of facing Grendel. Moreover, each man is loved and respected by those of their native lands. In response to that, each man shows a positive expression towards their people as well. Hrothgar is a caring and generous ruler who just wants the best way of life for his people. That is a primary reason as to why Hrothgar has the Herot built. This mead-hall becomes a place for feasting and entertaining among the noble people of the land. When Grendel attacks the Herot, Hrothgar tries all that he can possibly do even in his old age to protect what was his. Grendel explains the courageouness and power that Hrothgar once had when saying, “I dismissed it, thought of it afterward only as you remember a tree that fell on you or an adder you stepped on by accident, except of course that Hrothgar was more to...
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... Various stories of heroes, like Beowulf, are very similar and they all have the same basic elements: personal connection, cultural connection, and universal connection. The universality of heroes and myths are demonstrated through different story elements. To the modern reader, heroes...
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...Dominic Bowen Beowulf Archetype Hero essay Within the tale of “Beowulf” four character traits can be found which define the Anglo Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and thane. According to page 23 of the “Beowulf” introduction, “a relationship based less on subordination of one man’s will to another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only afterlife a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is...
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...Within the tale of “Beowulf” four character traits can be found which define the Anglo Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and thane. According to page 23 of the “Beowulf” introduction, “a relationship based less on subordination of one man’s will to another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only after life a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and perform...
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...Alexis Perry Block: 1 Evil is a common trait in human nature that we cannot escape because it is too strong for us to overcome the temptation on a daily bases. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the actions of many of the main characters reflect how revenge seduces us to make decisions that have negative impact not only on us but the people around us. Because seeking revenge more and more destroys us, the nature of evil is revenge. After spending most of his life in the dark doing nothing with his time, Grendel strives to deprive the people of Herot of their happiness. The grandfather of Grendel, Cain was banished so along with Grendel and his parents were banished as well, as a result it made him feel alone and isolated. Being alone made him a monster in only on the outside but the inside as well. “…A powerful monster, living down in the darkness, growled in pain, impatient as day the music rang…” This quote shows the impact on how being lonely change someone. It lead Grendel to snatch up thirty men, smashed them, and take them way. Grendel’s choice to focus on his pain and become self-absorbed leads directly to his violent actions. Instead of cowering in grief, the mother seeks revenge upon Beowulf for what he did to her son Grendel. She takes the king’s right hand man and Beowulf’s trophy. Something that he believes that is rightfully his. When his mother visit Herot, she carries off Grendel’s arm, which Beowulf hung high from the rafters. This indicates that Grendel’s mother...
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