Theme Of Courage In Beowulf

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Beowulf’s Courage

As a person walks the journey of life through the peaceful valleys and momentous mountains, there are many character traits that will help him on his way. One of the greatest character traits to help him on his journey, is the trait of courage. Courage is the fortitude and stamina that a person has to overcome difficult circumstances. Courage helps a person to face even the toughest trials in life. Beowulf, from Beowulf translated by Charles W. Kennedy, shows great courage through his trials as he fights battles with ferocious creatures and explores deep under water caverns.
First, Beowulf shows his courage as he battles the beast Grendel. Grendel, a fearsome monster of great power has been raiding and killing the people of the Scylding realm, and for “Twelve winters’ time the lord of the Scyldings had suffered woe, sore affliction and deep distress” (Beowulf, 12). Beowulf, a thane from Geat Land, arrives by ship to help destroy the creature Grendel. While all his warriors slept, Beowulf stayed awake and waited for Grendel to attack (14). As assumed, Grendel at...

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