Beowulf: A Hero

A well-respected, honored leader is a person that everyone strives to be. It is a type of person that everyone can look up to, try to emulate, and look in times of distress. When Beowulf decides to fight the dragon many thought he made the right decision for himself, but he was no longer able to defend his people which he knew it was time to pass on the leadership. Beowulf had no greed and did not desire any gold or riches. Also Beowulf shows great leadership in many ways by taking risks, and never fearing death.

Unlike most kings his takeover of the kingdom did not come from heredity directly but because of the people's choice, and for the people he continues to fight for, even until death. Because of his bravery, his leadership, and his commitment this encouraged the movement from hero to a king. Each king through out the story was known for their good works among the people and all of the battles that they have accomplished. "So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.

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.

Therefore, throughout the story Beowulf is presented as the ultimate hero; demonstrating the strength of thirty men in his grasp while also using his powerful insight to avoid unnecessary conflict. His surreal strength and wisdom allow Beowulf to accomplish great feats within his time. He not only saves the land of the Danes form the terrorizing monsters but serves and protects his own people as well. Despite his heroic qualities, his humanity is proven by showing his eventual downfall; expressing that even the greatest heroes cannot live forever. Beowulf’s heroic qualities can only hold him above the rest until fate takes its toll and he too becomes defeated.

An example of Beowulf showing bravery is when he goes to slay the dragon even though all his men abandon him. He realizes that the dragon is more powerful than he is, but he will still not back down. In line 1493, he says “Not one foot’s space will I flee from the monster,” thus showing his true bravery by not giving up to the more powerful foe. One more heroic characteristic of Beowulf is his strong sense of duty. This means that he is always devoted to his people, his king, and their security.

Probably for the honor and glory that people will give them. Now that we know my definition of a hero, we can take a closer look at the Beowulf's life to determine if he is a hero by my standards. We first encounter Beowulf when he hears about the troubles the Danes are having with an evil monster named Grendel. Beowulf, knowing that this evil monster might be able to kill him, voluntarily packs up some stuff, gathers some of his men, and leaves the Geats to go help the Danes. When Beowulf arrives to Danish king, he is peacefully invited to the mighty mead hall.

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.

This meant that men had to be strong fighters capable of protecting and avenging their people. In the epic, Beowulf certainly has a reputation for strength. In his initial boast to Hrothgar, he proclaims that “all knew of [his] awesome strength” after seeing him “boltered in the blood of enemies” (418). However, the reader is not expected to take his word for it. Being the quintessential warrior, Beowulf demonstrates superior and perhaps superhuman strength throughout his battles.

Beowulf understood that the key to being a great leader was selflessness, which is also why he chose Wiglaf, son of Wexstan, to be his successor. In Beowulf’s time of greatest need Wiglaf was the only selfless warrior that came to Beowulf’s aid. Even in death, Beowulf understood all the qualities of a great leader and saw them in Wiglaf. There is no question that Beowulf was a great leader. His fearlessness, selflessness, and faith in God all aided in shaping him into the great warrior and the great king that he was.

Every battle he entered he knew he was either going receive glory or die. Beowulf, with his superhuman strengths decided to be a Good Samaritan and fight for Hrothgar. Risking his life for the Danes to have the glory of their land being free from intruding monsters. Before the battle with Grendel’s mother Beowulf says, “ wisest of kings, now that I have come to the point of action, ask you to recall what we said earlier… if I should fall and suffer death while serving your cause, would act like a father to me afterward. If this battle kills me, take care of my young company… with Hrunting I shall gain glory or die” (73-74).