...literature, and his name was Beowulf. There are three overarching characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon heroes within the epics written of the time, and those are the hero’s boast, the hero’s superhuman abilities, and lastly the hero’s selflessness and bravery. I believe that the Anglo-Saxon characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon hero are shown through Beowulf, and he displays his glorious boasts, his amazing superhuman abilities, and his heroic moments of bravery and selflessness, because of his efforts shown in the text against his times of opposition. Anglo-Saxon heroes were known for their infamous boasts, Beowulf being a prime example of such. In the beginning of The Coming of Beowulf, Beowulf arrives before the king of the Danes, Hrothgar, and as such he must prove himself worthy to take on the task of defeating Grendel. Beowulf boasts of his accomplishments to that very king. Beowulf speaks of himself defeating the race of giants and driving five into chains, diving into the ocean at...
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...to mind when thinking of a hero include: superhuman abilities, courage, and selflessness. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf displays all of these heroic traits. While some could argue that Beowulf is not a hero due to his desire for glory, his heroic qualities outweigh this one fault. Overall, Beowulf’s effectiveness as a hero can be seen through his courage and selflessness to take on extraordinary monsters and his superhuman ability to take on these creatures. The story begins by introducing a community and a monstrous creature that plagues the citizens. The creature, Grendel, is exceptionally power as he is able to kill thirty warriors with little effort: “He slipped through the door and there in the silence snatched up thirty men, smashed them unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies” (4). This would surely scare most men but not Beowulf. Beowulf welcomes the challenge and prepares to fight him as soon as he hears about the creature: “In his far-off home Beowulf, … heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out” (6). Beowulf’s readiness to fight Grendel exemplifies his courage and selflessness. The fact that Beowulf lives in a far-off land further...
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...A hero is described as someone who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. In the poems of “Beowulf’ and “Head of Humbaba” both have epic heroes, Beowulf and Gilgamesh, but these two heros do not have the same intentions for the battle(s) they fight. “Beowulf” originates from sixth century Denmark and Sweden, Beowulf, from the geats, is from the Sweden and the city of Heorot is in Denmark. Many of the characters in Beowulf are thought to be real although, Beowulf himself might not be. The manuscript was found to be from 1000 A.D, although the author was thought to have written the poem between 700 AD and 750 A.D. is believed to be from Northumbria. “Beowulf” is an example of a literary artwork, told...
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...A person becomes a hero when they put other people's well being before their own. In the epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf states that he wants to rid evil from wherever it lurks, not just to protect himself or his people. Beowulf travels to Denmark to help Hrothgar and the Danes rid their country of an evil monster, despite the fact that Beowulf was under no obligation to do so. When Beowulf and his men get to Hrothgar's country, Beowulf delivers a speech to Hrothgar in which he tells Hrothgar to take care of the men who have journeyed with him and to send his belongings to King Higlac if he dies trying to defeat Grendel. Beowulf made two requests to Hrothgar in his speech, Hrothgar is to take care of Beowulf's men if he is to die and Hrothgar shall send Beowulf's belongings to Higlac, neither request demands Beowulf gain any acknowledgment or recognition. Beowulf is a distinguished hero because he is selfless, brave, and...
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...true heroes can be ordinary human beings where “saving the day” becomes a risk and where something valuable may get lost. Although heroes receive recognition in response to their success, sacrifice contributes more to heroism because, it portrays selflessness, courage,...
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...Anglo- Saxon hero, Beowulf, most perfectly fits into this category and truly defines what it means. At all times, Beowulf is never afraid to put his life on the line for the sake and protection of his people, which helped him gain approval from the people of his area. Throughout the course of the adventure and journey, Beowulf exemplifies what it means to be an epic hero showing loyalty, courage, intelligence, and selflessness in his efforts to save his people and achieve immortality. Beowulf proves that he is a great Anglo-Saxon epic hero through his loyalty. Loyalty was held paramount by...
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...In the anonymously written epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf’s meaningful status as a hero and his ability to display honor in what he does is due to the fact that he is heroically able to exhibit the virtues of loyalty, courage, and friendship. The exceptional loyalty and faithfulness of Beowulf is shown through his allegiance to Hrothgar, king Hygelac, Wiglaf, and to the Geats. In fact, Beowulf is heroically willing to sacrifice himself if it means that he “[proves himself] / [...] and [fulfills] his purpose” of killing Grendel and assisting Hrothgar. (636-37). Along with his loyalty, Beowulf’s bravery is a quality that underlies the entire story, as it is a guiding virtue that ends up saving Hrothgar and his people. Beowulf’s fatalistic view of life and death is what makes up his courage in the face of danger, and it is a code of honor that Beowulf evidently takes very seriously....
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...christian beliefs. For example, Beowulf thinks that instead of grieving over the death of a friend, they should seek out revenge. Gold and gift-giving resembles praise and appreciation for someone. For example, when Hrothgar gives Beowulf gifts after defeating Grendel. Also, when Beowulf receives the sword Naegling or Hrunting as a gift of bravery and triumph. Additionally, Beowulf gives a golden gift to Wiglaf before he dies for his bravery for staying in battle with him and not running away like the others. The poem Beowulf shows very important female roles in the story. For example, Wealhtheow doesn’t just serve the men at her husband’s barty, but she also reaffirms social norms and customs. Grendel’s mother also...
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...The epic story of “Beowulf” is a story about Beowulf, the man who is the true definition of bravery and heroism. This story recaptures Beowulf's quest as he destroys monsters that terrorize the kingdom of Herot and the people who subside within it. Throughout the story vivid imagery and detailed monologue help upholds the story to an epic quality. But, for for it to truly to be an epic it must have a few needed elements such as references to god and battles between good and evil. A moment in Beowulf that truly captures this epic mentality can be found near the end of the story. Beowulf is out of his youth and is living in his old age as king. He along with some of his geats are set up outside the cave, where a diabolical dragon awaits to destroy anyone in sight. Beowulf stands up and begins his great final speech to his geats, unweary what there future holds.(2510-2510) This moment adds so much momentum to the story and so the way it embodies Beowulf as a story and a character. This moment shines above the rest and fully demonstrates the elements of bravery, self-sacrifice, and overall heroism. Of all the things Beowulf is, Beowulf is the true definition of bravery. He demonstrates this in many different ways through the text but it is the most apparent in his...
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...in the great epic, Beowulf? In this thrilling tale, Beowulf, a mighty warrior, defeats both a demon and a dragon in the service of others. While many today display reserve in their abnegation towards others, sacrifice hold just as much honor today as it did in Beowulf’s time. Modern opinions of who one should die for differ significantly from Beowulf’s. First, he saved a kingdom of complete stranger, risking death in the process. Additionally, as his final act, Beowulf slayed a dragon, giving it’s gold to his subjects to help them prosper. In stark contrast, most people today have only a few close friends and relatives who they would suffer for. Most deem sacrifice for a stranger abnormal, meant only for the most saint-like among us. Why do so many of us withhold our selflessness when Beowulf...
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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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...emotional connection with the reader and teach a moral value that will leave a lasting imprint on the reader. 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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...Taylor Armendariz Mr. Ryan English 4 9/20/17 Beowulf The epic Beowulf is by an unknown author. It is an epic about a warrior named Beowulf, who helps king Hrothgar defend his land against an ogre named Grendel. Another story by an unknown author is the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It is a romance about a green knight who goes to a dinner party and desires to play a game. Both Beowulf and sir Gawain show bravery, courage, and strength in all that they do. Beowulf’s bravery is certainly not in question throughout this epic. From his victory over Breca in a swimming contest, to his final fall as a glorious king defending his kingdom, we see that bravery is an important aspect of his life. We see some of this bravery when...
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...Beowulf vs. Achilles “They were combat causalities, brave men and women who risked their lives to safeguard our freedom. And they paid for our liberty with their lives” (Cannon). So many people die for the freedoms that the American person values. As society grows and becomes different the true heroes are becoming less recognized. What modern day people would say about today's heroes would be far from the brave, and courageous war soldiers. A very long time ago, there were two brave and courageous warriors, Beowulf of Denmark and Achilles of Greece. These two individuals reached the highest expectations and excelled at successfully leading their people in battle. Both amazing leaders and determined fighters, but they came from different backgrounds,...
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...Geats, fourteen in all, and led them down to their boat”(118-123). He automatically become the leader of a group of men who are known for being courageous and good warriors which helps make him more of a hero in the eyes of the people in the village later on in the poem. The men he has in his crew are a reflection of how people should view him, as a brave and strong individual who is meant to lead people. The poem shows the readers that Beowulf intended on saving King Hrothgar and his villagers from a monster that was hell bent on destroying their livelihood. As soons as he lands in the land of the Danes he took charge and told the guards who he and his men were. After meeting King Hrothgar he told him of his successes fighting against evil...
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