Beowulf Is A Hero

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Beowulf fulfills the role of a hero in the epic Beowulf. Throughout the poem Beowulf shows high amounts of honor, loyalty, and bravery that all tie in with him fulfilling the role of a righteous hero. He is always ready to do whatever it takes to do good whether it risks his own life or not. These characteristics are shown when he slays the monster Grendel and his mother. Not only does it show how he is a hero but how his hero characteristics are able to help him be a successful ruler among his people. As a ruler Beowulf was still willing to fight and sacrifice his life for his people when they were attacked by a dragon. One of first times the monster Grendel is mentioned Beowulf already starts to show his hero characteristics. …show more content…

The sword Beowulf uses to fight his mother doesn’t work well and being the heroic savior, he is, he uses bravery as an ally and uses his hands once again until finding a magic sword forged by giants. He cuts the monster in the neck ending his second heroic battle and proving himself a worthy hero. A worthy hero shows loyalty which Beowulf shows when taking the task to defeat the monsters. He promises Hrothgar that he would protect his people. 50 years later Beowulf becomes a ruler but a ruler that is fair and loyal. His most heroic moment comes from him as the ruler of his people. Before every battle Beowulf makes sure all of his men are taken care off. He shows that he genuinely cares about other people not just himself and what he wants. They are attacked by a dragon and Beowulf himself steps up ready to defend his people and what he stands for. For example, “Inspired again by the thought of glory, the war-king threw his whole strength behind a sword stroke and connected with the skull” (Beowulf 2677-2680). This is Beowulf allowing himself to behave in a heroic and courageous manner by keeping thought of his great reputation. The thought of fame and glory kept him going. Beowulf doesn’t live to tell the story but his legacy goes on after his battle with the dragon is over and everyone is safe as they

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