...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...
Words: 647 - Pages: 3
...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 display of epic heroism is his unselfish...
Words: 1408 - Pages: 6
...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...
Words: 1236 - Pages: 5
...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,...
Words: 770 - Pages: 4
...world would consider you an everyday hero. However back in the time of Beowulf, a hero is portrayed as a strong and courageous super human. And while ancient and modern hero archetypes may serve a purpose in literature, they do not accurately reflect what it means to be heroic in real life. Old stories and modern films use implied metaphors, the hero cycle, and are usually influenced by culture. Whereas a real life hero is not bound by a writers ideas, and acts on their own. In almost every heroic story or film the hero encounters a challenge. These challenges can be thought of as metaphors for heroes in real life. Beowulf goes through many challenges throughout the book, but a notable one is when he goes to Grendel’s mother’s lair. When he “sank though the murky waves for hours, and at last he saw the mud of the bottom” (570, 574) he goes through a challenge. This challenge is a great example of a metaphoric challenge. The water symbolizes all the things he must go through to get to his goal, the bottom. Also he was sinking for hours. This amount of time also shows that no matter how far away the goal seems, it’s always reachable in some way or another. A second instance of this is when Beowulf kills Grendel’s Mother and “her body fell to the floor, lifeless […] Beowulf rejoiced at the sight.” (642, 645). This illustrates that when completing your goal as a hero, you are rewarded. In this case Beowulf is rewarded with pleasure and the knowledge that the people in Hrothgar’s...
Words: 1058 - Pages: 5
...Beowulf: The Mother Poem Beowulf is an important work of the Anglo-Saxon culture. In the poem it depicts Beowulf as a famous hero, full of endless courage and infinite strength. Through his vigorous journeys, he encounters many treacherous obstacles and monsters, but never feels distress. As leader of the Geats, he shows superb leadership skills, taking pride in both his and his peoples’ name. Nonetheless, he boasts about his achievements and heroic battles that he has encountered. The author’s style differs from that of any other due to the unique kennings being used throughout the poem. The tone interchanges throughout the entire work; gives countless numbers of kennings, and has graphic imagery. Beowulf, the “mother poem” of England, explains the import values of diction, tone, imagery, and style, it also informs us about the Geat culture and characteristics of honor, kinship, and courage....
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...Beowulf Essay To be a hero in Anglo-Saxon literature and culture one must be a warrior. In the Anglo- Saxon culture a hero had to be intelligent, valorous, prideful and most importantly strong. Fighting for glory and fighting for his people until death was the duty of a hero. The hero had to be willing to face these odds and Beowulf portrayed this. Beowulf is the perfect example of an epic hero because of his prideful actions and willingness to take on fighting the strongest monster and the other hard deeds. "The seafarers used to say, I remember, who took our gifts to the great people in token of friendship-that is fighting man in his hands grasp had the strength of thirty other men. I am thinking that the Holy God, as a grace to us Danes in the West, has directed him here against Grendel’s oppression. Thus good man shall be offered treasures in return for his courage. " (Line 377) Strength is essential to be being an Anglo-Saxon hero. In these lines we can see Beowulf has massive strength if he has strength of thirty men in his arms. "I have not in my life set eyes on a man with more might in his frame than this helmed lord. He's no hall fellow dressed in fine armor, or his face belies him; he has a head of a hero." ( Lines 247) It is clear that physical appearance is essential to being a hero because it is important that you look the part. Even if Beowulf was not the greatest warrior it is always best to act and look the part so he could give the people hope. But...
Words: 820 - Pages: 4
... In Burton Raffel’s old English epic tale translation, Beowulf goes on a journey fighting monsters, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and even a dragon. Beowulf’s horrific fight with Grendel was one of his first acts of heroism in the story, grabbed Grendel’s arm with a strong grip and soon ripped it from the socket, Beowulf mounts his arm as a trophy on the wall of Heorot. Grendel fled the scene to escape, wounded in his den of misery. Grendel’s death made all of the Dane’s boast, the heroic Beowulf has served them well. When the morning came and crowds came to Heorot to witness the death, no one felt any mercy, nor sorrow for Grendel’s death. Hrothgar thanks Beowulf well, giving him gold and treasure, even telling him he is “ like a son” to show his gratitude. All of Herot is very content with the fact that Grendel is now slain....
Words: 565 - Pages: 3
...Authority and power are two of the most important reasons why boasting in Beowulf was so vital. When the characters in Beowulf are constantly acting in a bombastic manner, it is because they want to brag about their family lineage and large achievements they have accomplished. Oral tradition is a large component that keeps bragging relevant. Beowulf practically tells a resume of all the monsters he has slain and how he has never been defeated by them. In the epic poem, Beowulf competes in a swimming competition with his friend Brecca. Halfway through the competition, dangerous sea monsters come to attack them but Beowulf decides to stop and defeat them so his competitor can swim safely. In result, he loses the race but compensates by vaunting how he acted so bravely and with valor. This technique is what gets Beowulf climbing up the social ladder. Listeners of boastful oral tradition are to take it with a grain of salt. These stories are exaggerated but it does not mean that acts of heroism did not happen. In order to make ones achievements more important, they had to be exaggerated or else they would have been forgotten. It is easier to remember incredible stories rather than small insignificant ones. In result, oral tradition is easier to pass down because the stories are easier to remember. Oral tradition is popular in cultures and are verbally transmitted through songs, folktales, chants, or in this case, a poem. Traditions in culture are passed down through art. During...
Words: 431 - Pages: 2
...occupation by hosts of Germanic tribes. Detailed throughout the literature that still exists in our modern world, it is possible to trace links between the English language and its development throughout different cultures and historical time periods. The study of the development of the English language has been used to represent the specific ideals and notions that pertain to particular cultures throughout history. Anglo-Saxon poetry express its cultural identity and values that underpin Anglo Saxon society, through ancient texts such as Beowulf exploring notions of heroism and servitude. Middle English literature such as The Millers Tale, unmasks the inner feudal system that deciphers the hierarchal structure within Middle England. The Holkam bible through both visual representation and literature highlights the Biblical understanding at the time and cultural barriers that were associated. The Miller’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer is an example of Middle English poetry that represents the societal structure of the time through language. The Miller’s Tale expresses the hierarchal structure in Middle England through denoting each individual characters social standing within society. The Miller’s Tale entails the story of a carpenter who falls in love with a juvenile/adolescent girl (“Of eighteteene yeer she was of age”); a love triangle develops between three men and a woman, further digressing into a story of humor and irony aimed to satisfy the upper class. Geoffrey Chaucer depicts...
Words: 2176 - Pages: 9
...Hero A hero is one who places himself or herself at great risk while performing acts of courage. Not only is Beowulf a hero because of his physical strength, but rather than basking in the resulting glory, he gives the glory to God. Beowulf is the ultimate hero who put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. Beowulf's heroism can be seen when he takes 14 of the bravest in his land to go help Hrothgar. Hrothgar was Beowulf's father's close friend who had been plagued by attacks for twelve years that threatened an entire kingdom. Beowulf did not have to offer Hrothgar's kingdom help, but does so because he wants to uses his God given strength to the best of his ability. As soon as Beowulf heard of the troubles in this land he set sail immediately. Beowulf continues to show his thankfulness by thanking God for giving them safe travel across the sea. Beowulf is lead to Hrothgar and offers him is services. Beowulf is asked by the warriors to tell of his past defeats while eating in Hrothgar's palace. Beowulf is already a hero to the people of this land for he is about to rid them of their enemy. As an ultimate hero, Beowulf decides, to be far, he will not use weapons in his battle against Grendel since Grendel reputedly does not use them. "I do not consider myself a lesser fighter than Grendel does himself; therefore I will not kill him with a sword, and deprive him of life in that way.... No, this night we two will abstain from swords..." That night...
Words: 1233 - Pages: 5
...Pamela Katrina G. Lim July 21, 2014 9-Patriotism ENGLISH “Life Learnings from Beowulf” Our greatest strength comes within ourselves not from other means. It’s not from using harmful weapons. Thus, bravery is more than facing danger, it’s about knowing your strength and using it wisely for your advantage. These are just one of the values executed and shown in the folk epic “Beowulf”. This folk epic is marked by the true definition of bravery and heroism. Each character possesses different personalities that will also leave a lesson unto us. Qualities that will serve as life-lesson to the reader. Firstly, Beowulf exemplifies the true traits of being a hero. A hero is someone who is completely unselfish, who will willingly help someone in need, who doesn’t aim for popularity or any recognitions, rather for the safety of the people in his kingdom or place. It is more than wielding a sword, it is using your brain together with your heart. Beowulf’s action is considered as a true act of heroism. Grendel’s heart on the other hand is full of hatred and anger. He is considered weak. In the real world, those people who live with jealousy and hatred to others are considered weak as well for they can’t appreciate life’s true beauty thus, they don’t treat themselves as special. Considering all of these, they are the ones who are not contented. We must appreciate ourselves for we are unique and that’s what makes us special. Grendel’s mother shows her unconditional...
Words: 521 - Pages: 3
...Beowulf’s Actions: Heroism or Duty? In a historical poem named Beowulf, we see people of Danes living in a fear of a powerful monster, Grendal. No one seems to be able to defeat him until a hero warrior named Beowulf sails from Geatland and kills Grendel. From the very beginning of the poem Beowulf stands out as a fearless, “the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful” (line 196). He is not afraid of anyone or anything and he is also not shy about showing off all his success. He mentions all the accomplishments he had when he was younger and he goes to a great detail describing his fight with the sea monster, Breca. At the moment when we can see Beowulf crosses path with Unferth, his character really stands out in comparison to Unferth’s coward and jealous nature. Even though Beowulf comes across as a brave and strong warrior who later becomes a beloved and well respected king, there is a part of the story that makes me question his motifs. I wonder: Were his actions an act of heroism or was it his duty? After arriving in Danes, Beowulf meets with the king, Hrothgar. Based on their conversation, we can assume that they are not complete strangers. Hrothgar admits knowing Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow. There is something Hrothgar said during their meeting that raises a question. Lines 470 - 473 read: “Finally I healed the feud by paying: I shipped a treasure-trove to the Wulfings, and Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance”. In my opinion, the phrase “oaths of allegiance”...
Words: 1253 - Pages: 6
...and the Green Knight and Beowulf, the heroes are Sir Gawain and Beowulf. Sir Gawain and Beowulf show these qualities in many ways, even though there are some ways in which they differ, when talking about heroic acts they are very similar. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are strong warriors. In Beowulf, Beowulf was known for fighting monsters and anything that would try to harm his people. He shows his strength and courage when Beowulf went to fight Grendel. For example, “Fastened those claws in his...
Words: 588 - Pages: 3
...Circumstantial Hero: An Analysis of Heroism The word hero commonly provokes the image of a superhuman in one’s mind. A power stance coupled with a cape beautifully flowing in the wind somehow makes up a hero who is bigger, stronger and overall greater than the average man. However, if one looks beyond this fictional description, he can find the more realistic qualities of an everyday hero. These real-life heroes tend to be people who are brave and courageous; they take action when action is needed for the greater good of their surrounding people. With this being said, it is ignorant to declare one singular definition of heroism as every person, community, culture, and generation can classify a hero in a very different way. The qualities and characteristics of a hero are entirely circumstantial, and therefore are forever in flux. One of the many heroes of American history is Rosa Parks, often referred to as “the first lady of civil rights.” Many know Parks as a hero due to her act of defiance in 1955....
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
