Beowolf: The Perfect Hero

Beowulf has many characteristics of a hero but he also has some defects that make me think that he wouldn’t be considered a hero in today´s world. A hero concept evolves with a culture, Beowulf has many things that the Anglo-Saxons viewed as heroism but he misses many things that are important for a modern hero. A hero has to go in a journey. He has to struggle throughout the story to grow as a character. They generally triumph at the story´s conclusion.

Beowulf displays his characteristics; courage and strength, fame, perserverence, and compassion; which affords him the opportunity to be looked upon as an epic hero. With a lack of courage, not many can accomplish much. As Beowulf travels, his courage not only grows but stands strong. In his journey to Hrothgar's kingdom, Beowulf is faced with many unbearable tasks many men wouldn't dare to go up against, but with Beowulf, he takes those tasks and runs with them. His fight with Grendal not only proves his courage but his strength as well.

To answer these questions, one can look to two seemingly similar heroes, Beowulf and Siegfried, who differ wildly in character and temperament. Siegfried desires to establish and preserve relationships while Beowulf is out for his own glory. Though Siegfried’s modification of the definition ultimately exposes him to betrayal, his inclination to create and sustain relationships aids in solidifying his immortality on earth post-death. At first glance, the two characters presented in Beowulf and The Nibelungenlied share similar qualities of a hero: both Beowulf and Siegfried kill dragons, become kings, and are believed to be unbelievably strong and invincible by their followers. Because they are equipped wi... ... middle of paper ... ...o longer his own hero, but he is a hero for a society.

Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th... ... middle of paper ... ...or a chivalric Knight embodies the battle of the righteous self against corruption. Gawain’s strength comes from his discovery of his own flaws.

Beowulf's character was supported by bravery and integrity. The author almost seemed to describe him as a god in his actions. But I think Beowulf is the real hero because in the story he presents himself with rectitude, stays true to his people and his king, and risks his life for others. Throughout this mythical story, Beowulf is depicted as a hero in the battle between good and evil. Over time, it has been a constant struggle between good and evil.

Beowulf has all of the characteristics that are expected from a hero. I definitely consider Beowulf being a hero because there are no other men who could accomplish all of the things that he did. He is a hero for many reasons, his bravery, generosity, strength, and power.

Odysseus was no ordinary man he was a hero. To say Odysseus had courage means that he (according to the dictionary) used mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Using that definition Odysseus displayed courage in each and every battle he fights on his journey. An action that would have made Odysseus heroic i... ... middle of paper ... ...sposing of all the mockery and shame inflicted without having to kill so many people is heroic in my eyes. Odysseus may have had the help of Gods to win this battle but even without their assistance he would have been a hero in his own right.

From the beginning, Beowulf is viewed as the epitome of a true hero. He may have been somewhat selfish at times and boast about his achievements, but when it really mattered he is there for his people. These traits truly expose the heroic king he becomes. The courage and bravery that the character of Beowulf exemplifies throughout the epic, demonstrates reasons as to why he would reign as a strong king as time goes on. The reader learns quickly how important the act of being courageous is to the epic of Beowulf, as it is made clear in the first lines of the epic, stating, “So.

Beowulf Character Analysis The cocky, fame-seeking main-character, Beowulf, is most known for his preposterous adoration for himself and his strength, which is later magnified by his remarkable defeat of the terror and antagonist, Grendel. Beowulf is depicted as a particularly arrogant, yet strong, young warrior who is loved by some, and loathed by others. A character analysis of Beowulf reveals his spirit of adventure, bravery, and his peers’ views of his arrogance. Beowulf possesses all of the characteristics of the ideal hero. The poem emphasizes Beowulf’s heroism in two separate stages in his life: his youth and in his adulthood.

His heroic image stands out notably because Beowulf is what could be called an active hero while Sir Gawain plays the part of a passive hero, but still a hero nonetheless. Beowulf has one duty: he must fight and win. If he succeeds, he is a hero; if he fails he is simply a failure (except when he fails at defeating the dragon because he has already proved himself and goes with honor, which is different from initially failing). In the last lines of the story the author clearly acknowledges Beowulf’s overall triumph, "Telling stories of their dead king and his greatness, his glory, praising him for heroic deeds, for a life as noble as his name." Sir Gawain on the other hand ...