...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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...story Beowulf, he was considered a hero because he was brave and stood up for himself. Consequently, in the Iliad, Achilles was seen as a hero by many for the battles he fought. People do not understand that there is more to it than just saving a person from danger and defeating bad guys to be a hero. Some people believe to be considered a hero, they must have the courage and be brave. In both the Iliad and Beowulf, the characters exhibit heroic qualities such as strength, bravery, and be independence. Beowulf showed his strength when he fought Grendel’s Mother. In the quote “If weapons were useless he’d use his hands, the strength in his fingers. (line 489).” For example, this means that Beowulf would continue to show how strong he is with or without a weapon. To have strength means to be strong and be able to put up a fight. In the Iliad Achilles shows strength when he encountered Hector. In the quote “Achilles drove his point straight through the tender neck, but not cutting his windpipe, leaving Hector able to speak and to respond (line 166).” Additionally, this means that Achilles used his strength by putting his sword through Hector tender neck and by putting up a fight. To have bravery means to not be afraid and...
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...of a hero? Well, Beowulf has quite a few characteristics like strength, bravery, and a sense of justice, and during the poem and while in the battles with the three monsters he shows that he has these characteristics. In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf, he shows that he has strength, bravery, and a sense of justice throughout the poem, and during his battles. First of all, Beowulf shows strength throughout the epic poem by going to fight Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. An example of Beowulf show’s strength is “That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder.” (325-327). In other words, this means that Grendel has never met a normal human so strong that he could use his bare hands to rip off Grendel’s arm during the battle between the two of them at herot. Another example Beowulf shows strength is when he was fighting against Grendel's mother “Then he saw, hanging on the 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 it’s carved and decorated length. He drew it from its scabbard, broken the chain on its hilt, and then savage,...
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...comes from the mind and spirit. Bravery means being able to make difficult decisions and face challenges no matter how scary or challenging they are. Being strong in one’s spirit first is important to showing a brave quality because having a strong spirit first and belief in good outcomes is the first step towards success. In the epic poem Beowulf by an unknown author, the protagonist Beowulf demonstrates J.R tolkens quote about bravery “it is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit” through the numerous obstacles he goes through as well as the battles he faces with the antagonist’s Grendel’s mother...
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...older. However, overtime the definition of a hero has changed simultaneous with the values, morals, and challenges of humanity that now a day hero’s face in everyday life. The the story of Beowulf, Beowulf himself is thought to be the hero of the story. The pagan hero appears to have certain characteristics such as bravery, loyalty, and altruism, which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how most modern day heroes like soldiers in the Army show equal qualities as Beowulf....
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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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...person who is giving everything they have to defend his or her people, heroes will rise when needed. The stories of Beowulf, Achilles, and Aeneas provide the reader with an example of what society of that time viewed a hero as and how they can compare with one another. Homer’s Iliad shows the reader whom ancient society believed a hero to be. It was written in a time when society relied on those strong enough and brave enough to rule the people. This was perfect for the character, Achilles, because in the Iliad he is described to be “godlike” (Iliad, 131) and “swift-footed” (Iliad, 121) suggesting he had superhuman traits such as strength and speed. These qualities worked to his benefit in battle and give him the “Hero” title he deserved. His story tells of his success on the battlefield and his defeat over Hector. Even though Achilles was seen as a hero to his people, he was not always emotionally sound. Achilles once gave up his wife, Breseis, to stop the god Apollo from sending a plague upon the Greek army. When the plague stopped, the battle roared on but Achilles did not participate. He was angered that his wife and prized possession was taken from him. It was not until his best friend, Patrocius, was killed that Achilles, out of complete fury, joined back in the battle to kill any Trojan standing in his way of revenge. His acts of solitude and revenge show where Achilles lack of devotion was to his people. He fought to protect them but his pride and reputation clouded...
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...story of Beowulf represents what qualities a hero should embrace. Many heroes are portrayed as men with god-like gifts, or born half god; Beowulf is simply born strong, courageous, brave, and selfless. He does what good he can do where he can. His mood and tone are always that of someone doing the good deed, for the sake of the deed itself. In the film Beowulf, filmed in 2007, the hero still retains some of his virtuous qualities but in a smaller form. Beowulf still comes to Hrothgar’s to repay his father's debt, however, in the film Beowulf gives lust, and is clearly attracted to Hrothgar’s Queen. In the book, Beowulf does not think twice about the queen. His virtues keep him from drifting off task, as he is simply there to kill the monster, which plagues the Danes. The film may not have meant to, but does portray Beowulf as prideful concerning his achievements. A portion in the story addresses Beowulf’s swimming race with Breca. In the film, Beowulf is matched in strength with Breca and claims he was saving his strength for the last loop. In the book, Beowulf makes note that he and Breca were tied, and neither could beat each other. Unferth challenges whether or not Beowulf can even beat Grendel, because of his loss of the swimming race. Beowulf’s response in the book shows his maturity and a level head. Though he is young he manages to answer very calmly, traditionally Beowulf would have had rights to challenge Unferth, despite having this opportunity Beowulf declines...
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...Beowulf/SGGN Essay Beowulf, a strong and courageous king, willing to defend his people and his honor at any given moment, was the definition of an epic Anglo-Saxon hero. He conquered his enemies with strength and power and ruled over his people with wisdom. From the 7th century, in which Beowulf was written, to the late 14th century there was an evolution in the type of heroic characters that were portrayed in epic stories. You can see this change in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Gawain, a noble knight of king Arthur, was humble and full of integrity. Although claiming to be the least of Arthur’s knights he was well respected across the land. He was a man of his word and a true representation of a chivalric hero. Both characters in these stories were brave and daring and shared some heroic qualities but they held individual traits as well that made them distinct and one of a kind. Beowulf is depicted in the self titled poem to be adventurous, brave, strong, determined, and willing to take any challenge. The poem focuses on three main battles that help the audience determine his character; his fight against Grendel, his victory over Grendel’s mother, and his defeat with the fire breathing dragon. In these confrontations you can understand that he was a hero, a guardian, and a protector. He rescued those in need by conquering whatever was threatening them. One example is shown when Beowulf is introducing himself to King Hrothgar. He says, “ I battled...
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...true hero does not fear death itself, but will risk everything for what he believes to be right, moral and just. Epic heroes are defined as a person who has superhuman qualities and embodies the values of a society. Epic heroes possess a strong love for their community, fearless of death, and they are loyal to an individual or a cause. The epic poem Beowulf, written by Burton Raffel, depicts the life of Beowulf, the most heroic person during Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is fearful of no monster and seems to conquer every obstacle as if he were immortal. He possess many of the characteristics that make up an epic hero including: courage,physical strength, loyalty,confidence, and wisdom. During Anglo-Saxon times, tales were often told about epic heroes who put their own lives in danger for the greater good. These stories about fearless and honorable warriors provided the common people with a sense of security and provided lessons to young men that they should display honor in every act. Beowulf willingly put himself in danger when he accepted the challenge of fighting the monster, Grendel. He did this only to help the Geats and out of loyalty to the Danes. His actions defined his life and are recounted throughout the epic poem. Beowulf was never afraid of death. Before every battle he would explain his death wishes and request that his assets be delivered to his people. "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Hilgar" (Beowulf 18). Beowulf boasts about...
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...true hero does not fear death itself, but will risk everything for what he believes to be right, moral and just. Epic heroes are defined as a person who has superhuman qualities and embodies the values of a society. Epic heroes possess a strong love for their community, fearless of death, and they are loyal to an individual or a cause. The epic poem Beowulf, written by Burton Raffel, depicts the life of Beowulf, the most heroic person during Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is fearful of no monster and seems to conquer every obstacle as if he were immortal. He possess many of the characteristics that make up an epic hero including: courage,physical strength, loyalty,confidence, and wisdom. During Anglo-Saxon times, tales were often told about epic heroes who put their own lives in danger for the greater good. These stories about fearless and honorable warriors provided the common people with a sense of security and provided lessons to young men that they should display honor in every act. Beowulf willingly put himself in danger when he accepted the challenge of fighting the monster, Grendel. He did this only to help the Geats and out of loyalty to the Danes. His actions defined his life and are recounted throughout the epic poem. Beowulf was never afraid of death. Before every battle he would explain his death wishes and request that his assets be delivered to his people. "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Hilgar" (Beowulf 18). Beowulf boasts about...
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...Heroes Beowulf is a very brave and courageous hero. Many people have different thoughts as to what a hero is. We all have one hero, be are they a real hero? In Beowulf, the character Beowulf is the hero to almost everyone in the story. A hero is someone you believe can do anything to save you or anybody. A hero is your role-model. Beowulf is a role-model because he is brave, aggressive, and boastful. He saves other characters and does almost everything he can to make everything okay. Beowulf is a hero. In the book, Beowulf embodies the ideal of Anglo-Saxon in many ways. He is very courageous and brave. He can do anything he puts his mind to because he is very brave. He wants to die with glory. He is an important national figure because he is a hero to so many people. What makes him boatful is that he is confident in himself; he doesn’t give up on anyone especially himself. Beowulf is brave because he is a thane (lord), he is a mighty warrior. For example, when he kills Grendel, they fought single hand-to-hand combat and Beowulf wasn’t afraid. Today’s heroes are different from the heroes in Beowulf because fictional heroes now have powers, they don’t only kill. Non-fiction heroes are usually someone who saves a life or do all they can to try. “Heroes risk life and limb to help others” (Eagly). Heroes in the past were also someone who risked their life, or did something life changing. Now-a-days, a hero is so much more and more known to everybody. “Heroism consists of...
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...Beowulf In the epic poem “Beowulf”, Beowulf was a hero. Beowulf was a prince. Beowulf was a follower and the strongest of the Geats, greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world. Beowulf heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded that he’d go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was needed. (Line 110-111, pg.42) Beowulf came from Sweden. Beowulf and his men sailed over the sea to the land Danes to offer help to Hrothgar. They are escorted by a Danish guard to Herot, where Wulfgar, one of Hrothgar’s soldier’s, tells the King of their arrival. Hrothgar knows of Beowulf and is ready to welcome the young prince and his men. I have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping with enemy’s blood. I drove five great giants into chains, chased that entire race from the earth. I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one; death was by errand and the fate, they had earned. (Line 153-157, pg.43) That I alone Beowulf had keep by his men, and may purge all evil from this hall. I hid behind some broad bidden shield; my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monsters. God had to decide, who will be given to death’s cold grip. The monsters flight fastened those Claus in his fists till they cracked, clutched Grendel closer. The infamous killer. (Line 283-285, pg.47) Beowulf, Ecgtheow's son, is strong in mind and body. He is born a true hero...
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...always demonstrates the embodiment of the ideals of the creating culture. Historical events and social conditions of different cultures cause different attributes to become valued in leaders. These cultural values are reflected in both the actions of a hero and in the heroic motivations. This paper focuses on the heroes of the Iliad, the Aeneid, Beowulf, and The Song of Roland and examines how historical events and cultural circumstances shaped the portrayal of the heroes in these works. Sabiduria, vol.1,1 Hero as a Reflection of Culture 1 Every culture has heroes. In works of literature, is an individual to be admired and emulated, and because of this he is the embodiment of the greatest virtues of the culture that created him. The ideals of every culture were shaped by the social conditions of the time and therefore different attributes became valued. To different degrees, the hero in a work is a result of not only the culture from which the hero comes, but also the culture of the author. Cultural values are reflected in both the actions of a hero and his motivations. As heroes, Achilles, Aeneas, Beowulf, and Roland reflect the values of the societies that created them. One of the oldest works of ancient literature is Homer‟s Iliad. Homer‟s works are dated to between 900 and 750 B.C. (Krieger, Jantzen and Neill 106). Although the events of the Iliad take place during the Greek Bronze Age, the culture portrayed in Homer‟s works is that of Greek Dark...
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...Nick Bailey Professor Scott Keeton English 2110 11 October 2015 The Story of the Man, the Hero, and the Legend: Beowulf Beowulf is one of the most important stories in all of literature. It’s a tale of a man who challenged beasts, and rose to the likes of a god, but still had time and age catch up to him, and cause his fall. It’s a classic tale of the hero’s journey to fame and glory, of a man who truly went above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve the lands he roamed. It’s tale is a classic one, one that’s been cited countless times throughout the ages, but its unique approach towards hubris and character study makes it one of the most memorable in all of fiction, and one that must be analyzed to be truly understood. The story of Beowulf stars the main character, Beowulf, and follows him on his journey to defeat Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, a dragon, and, at a far deeper level, his own mortality. The story begins with Beowulf being seen as a hero of legend, and a boaster; he often shows this through recounts of his stories of greatness in the past, like his swimming race with Breca, of his superhuman accomplishments and stupendous deeds. Despite that, he is defend his honor from those who wish to diminish it, as he once told to Unferth, a warrior who tried to belittle his accomplishments against Breca. “"The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen and courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity...
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