Essay on Beowulf The Ultimate Hero - 1705 Words

A hero is one who places himself or herself at risk for another by performing great deeds of courage. In the epic poem Beowulf, the character of Beowulf is clearly a hero. Not only is Beowulf a hero because of his physical strength, but he also gives the glory to God. Beowulf is the ultimate hero who put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. Beowulfs heroism can be seen when he takes 14 of the bravest in his land to go help Hrothgar. Hrothgar was Beowulfs fathers close friend who had been plagued by attacks for twelve years that threatened an entire kingdom.†¦show more content†¦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... (19-20) That night, even after hearing of all of Beowulfs heroic defeats, the warriors still feel that no man on earth will be able to stand up to the evil Grendel carries. Beowulf will either defeat Grendel or die in the process. Let me live in greatness...and courage, he says, or here in this hall welcome...my death. Beowulf awaits the arrival of Grendel then goes on to defeat him and sends him back to the fen to die. Hrothgars speech to Beowulf is more than an expression of thanks. For he states: Let me take you to my heart and make you my son too... When a heroic deed is done such as Beowulf has done, it is common practice for them to accept you into their family. Once again, the influence of Christianity shows in Hrothgars speech to Beowulf. It was the Almighty who sent Beowulf and it was with the Lords help that Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel. Hrothgar wants to make it known throughout the world that Beowulf is the strongest manShow MoreRelatedBeowulf As An Ultimate Hero933 Words   |  4 PagesEmon Nguyen Mrs. Hunter English 12 19 September 2017 Beowulf: the archetypal (ultimate) hero Archetypal heroes are found in many literary works, and in varied forms. In literary terms, a hero (male) or heroine (female) is defined as a character that goes against adversity, has great strength, courage, bravery, and who makes unselfish sacrifices, usually for the greater good. The Collins English Dictionary defines â€Å"archetypal† as a perfect example of something. Archetypes in literature was firstRead MoreExamples Of The Epic Hero Of Beowulf846 Words   |  4 PagesThe Ultimate Hero What does it take for one to be considered an epic hero? According to dictionary.com, â€Å"an epic hero is defined as a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events.† The unknown author, an Anglo-Saxon poet, of the epic poem Beowulf reveals that Beowulf was easily the most legendary hero of all time. In this heroic poem, Beowulf accomplishes many great achievements and is affected by a handful of great events. Beowulf is the grandestRead MoreThe Characteristics Of A Hero In The Epic Of Beowulf746 Words   |  3 PagesBeowulf Essay A hero in the modern world is hard to define and in some places even harder to find. Stories such as Beowulf are continually told in order to help define what a hero should / could be. Heroes in these stories possess traits such as bravery, great strength, or great cunning. However, while a true hero needs some of these traits they don’t define that person as a hero. What defines someone as a hero is daring to go and do what ordinary men wouldn’t in order to save innocent lives, knowingRead MoreThe Hero’S Quest Is Commonly Divided Into Three Groups:1273 Words   |  6 Pages and the Return. Each group has its own steps that a typical epic poem’s hero would follow on his quest. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the unknown author uses several steps of the Hero’s Quest to make Beowulf seem like a typical epic hero that follows the Hero’s Quest. The first step of the Departure is the Call to Adventure; this is the point in the hero’s life when he is informed that he will have to go on a quest. Beowulf experienced The Call to Adventure when heard of Grendel’s attacks on HeorotRead MoreEssay on Good and Evil in Beowulf1042 Words   |  5 PagesThe story of Beowulf was probably composed in England sometime in the Eighth Century AD, and written down circa 1000 AD, by a literate scop (bard) or perhaps a Christian scribe who was possibly educated in a monastery. The poem was created in oral tradition and was transferred to writing over time. It had its roots in folk tales and traditional stories until some very talented poet put it in something very near to its current form. The poem was more than likely performed for audiences at courtRead MoreThe Hero’S Quest. The Hero’S Quest Is Commonly Divided1248 Words   |  5 Pages and the Return. Each group has its own steps that a typical epic poemâ€℠¢s hero would follow on his quest. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the unknown author uses several steps of the Hero’s Quest to make Beowulf seem like a typical epic hero that follows the Hero’s Quest. The first step of the Departure is the Call to Adventure; this is the point in the hero’s life when he is informed that he will have to go on a quest. Beowulf experienced The Call to Adventure when heard of Grendel’s attacks on HeorotRead MoreBeowulf As A Heros Journey1624 Words   |  7 PagesFor Beowulf to retain its relevance after a journey from single surviving manuscript to famous epic poem, one can assume its star role is filled by a character extraordinary. The poem’s hero, Beowulf, strikingly resembles many renown principal characters. It would be an uphill battle arguing against him joining the likes of Hercules, Jesus Christ, and many more in their ÃÅ"bermensch status. Based on his words and actions, it is painstakingly clear that Beowulf is an archetypal hero; someone who sharesRead MoreBeowulf And The Heros Journey Analysis740 Words   |  3 PagesJourney. The Belly of the Whale, which usually occurs during the hero’s departure, happens muc h later in both Beowulf and Spider-Man. In Beowulf, that part is represented in the scene when he is in the lake fighting Grendel’s mother. â€Å"Squatting with her weight on his stomach, [Grendel’s Mother] drew / a dagger, brown with dried blood, and prepared / to avenge her only son. But [Beowulf] was stretched / on his back, and her stabbing blade was blunted / by the woven mail shirt he wore on his chestRead MoreThe Ideal Hero in Beowulf1090 Words   |  5 Pageswhether or not Beowulf is an ideal hero, one would have to understand the definition of an ideal hero, and then the decision and whether he has any flaws within this understanding can be made. Beowulf identifies many traits to allow the reader to make his own assumption on this epic poem. According to the dictionary, â€Å"a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities† (dictionary.com?) is the proper guideline to determine if a character is an ideal her o or not. Read More Beowulf: A Hero Essay782 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf: A Hero Beowulf is a hero during the Middle Ages because of his generosity, strength, power, and courage. A hero is one who places himself or herself at great risk while performing acts of courage. Beowulf is a hero that put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. He has heroic and superhuman qualities. He must prove his worthiness of a superior warrior. He is recognized for his strengths and power of protecting his people. Beowulf is faced with three forces to fight, Grendel (a monster)