A true hero is one of distinguished courage, admired for their brave deeds, noble and one who does not fear death. Beowulf, set in the Anglo-Saxon time period, was an epic that told the story of a legendary hero, who seized all obstacles as if he were immortal. Up until the end of Beowulf's life, he constantly wanted to be the hero. However, his mortality was exposed by his death. Beowulf in many ways exhibited all the qualities and characteristics needed to be a true hero. Heroes, whether from the Anglo-Saxon time period or present day, all share the characteristic of their willingness to die, in an effort to accomplish a true act of heroism. Several critics argue that through Beowulf’s superhuman strength, generosity, loyalty, bravery, and …show more content…
Beowulf had fought in many battles and had returned triumphant from all except for his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf defended himself by explaining the reason he lost a simple swimming match against his opponent Brecca, “Lucky or not, nine was the number, of sea monsters that I killed” (Beowulf 307-308). Not only had Beowulf swam for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea monsters in the depths of the ocean. Beowulf was also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, by ripping off Grendel’s arm with his bare hands. "He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder, snapped, muscle and bone split and broke, Beowulf had been granted new glory" (Beowulf 815-819). Beowulf defeated Grendel’s mother as well, after she sought revenge for her son’s death. Beowulf was the only human that possessed the strength to lift the Giant’s sword. He used this ability by beheading Grendel’s mother head, sending her to eternal death. “Then he saw, hanging on that wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons, but so massive that no ordinary man could lift” (Beowulf 1556-1560).When Beowulf sliced her head off, he carried it around effortlessly, but it took four men to carry it back to Herot. This strength was a key aspect of Beowulf's …show more content…
Beowulf's uncle, King of the Geats, sent Beowulf as a messenger to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risked his own life for the Danes, who never asked help from anyone. “I’ve never known fear: as a youth I fought in endless battles” (Beowulf 2511-2512). He realized the dangers of the tasks given, but feared nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had served as King of the Geats for fifty years, he went to battle for the last time and fought a horrific dragon that frightened all of his people. “Their words brought misery, Beowulf’s sorrow beat at his heart: he accused himself of breaking God’s law, of bringing the Almighty’s anger down on his people” (Beowulf 2327-2330). Beowulf blamed himself for letting this misfortune happen. Although old and tired, Beowulf defeated the dragon in order to protect his kingdom. Even in death, he wished safety for the Geats by appointing Wiglaf to be his successor. Beowulf chose someone that he trusted fully to keep the peace within his