Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Hero

E. Talbot Donaldson commented on Beowulf saying “ Courage is the instrument by which the hero realizes himself ”. In the reading of Beowulf, an epic poem, the heroic gestures of Beowulf symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Although Beowulf is a great epic poem, Beowulf is more of an Anglo-Saxon hero based off his bravery, loyalty, generosity, and his friendship with others. Through the reading, Beowulf uses his heroic characteristics to defeat the monsters that tyrannized the Danish king and his people. Beowulf sacrificed his life to save the people from the beast that has been terrorizing them. The reading gives thorough explanation as to why Beowulf is a Anglo-Saxon hero.

The first characteristic of an Anglo-Saxon hero is bravery. Beowulf in the poem shows his bravery right from the start when he takes off on his journey to defeat Grendel. “ Then he tested his strength against mine, / Hand to hand. His pouch hung / At his side, a huge bag sewn / From a dragon’s skin, worked with a devil’s / Skill” (Beowulf

Beowulf in the story is always being generous and friendly. “ When the sun had returned, the Danes’ / Great king poured out treasure, repaid me / In hammered gold for the bloody battle / I’d fought in his name” (Beowulf 358-61). Beowulf shows one important part of friendship when he is repaid for his bloody battle he fought in Hrothgar’s name. The fact that Hrothgar and Beowulf are so close that Beowulf can fight in Hrothgar’s honor so he does not have to fight. Beowulf is also very generous in the fact that he gave gifts to many people. For example, “ And Beowulf gave Welthow’s gift, her wonderful / Necklace, to Higd, Higlac’s queen, / And gave her, also, three supple, graceful, / Saddle-bright horses; she received his presents; / Then wore that wonderful jewel on her breast” (Beowulf 429-33). Beowulf is generous in the way he recognizes everyone and gives through his own