Beowulf Hero Characteristics

In Anglo-Saxon times a hero was considered someone who would risk their life for others so they may continue to live no matter the cost. Usually the heroes were known for their strength, their love for the greater good, as well they do not fear death in any way, and they have a supernatural ability. Beowulf, who is the hero shows he has an invincible personality and will not let anything get in the way of his goals. Beowulf has many good characteristics of an epic hero. As well as the movie has many good examples as how Beowulf is non-heroic.

There are many things to take into consideration when characterizing a person as a hero. Heros are typically seen as people who accomplish brave deeds and fulfill noble tasks for the greater good of things. In the epic poem Beowulf by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet a hero is revealed. What makes Beowulf a hero is his unbelievable strength and power. He does not get discouraged or let anything stear him away from what he feels needs to be done for the safety of others. In his battles with the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon Beowulf exhibits his strength and will to fight. Beowulf, is loyal to his people and his king. What I feel is the most important quality of Beowulf, though, is his willingness to risk his life for the good

Beowulf, the Geat, helps Hrothgar the king of Danes by fighting against Grendel, the evil monster. Through his remarkably brave, inhumanly strong and incredibly loyal characteristics, Beowulf depicts the adventure of a Anglo-Saxon hero.

There is no question about it, everyone loves a hero. But why are those called heroes classified as such? Why do they receive such a great honor while others are left out in the cold? The answer is simple. Those who are heroes display certain characteristics that the masses find irresistible. They are brave, charming, charismatic, and often handsome. But what drives the hero? In any hero’s story there has to be motivation. Every hero has a reason they start fighting and, eventually, a reason they stop. But this motivation is what will keep them going. The hero Beowulf undergoes many trials, each determining a new motivation and a new milestone in his lifetime.

In an epic there important characteristics: it has to have a hero, involve a demonstration of superhuman abilities, have a large setting, includes supernatural beings that guide the hero, have an elevated style of writing, and is told by an omniscient narrator. Beowulf has all of these characteristics. The hero of the story is Beowulf and he possesses superhuman strength. His strength is so extraordinary that even King Hrothgar knows of it, “marvelous tales about him: a thane, they declared, with strength of thirty in the grip of each hand.” (379-381). He uses this strength to fight Grendel which was a feat that no other man could accomplish, “hand-to –hand is how it will be”(438). Just like most epics, there are supernatural beings that guide or hinder the hero. In this poem, God is on Beowulf’s side and Grendel is monster that Beowulf has to defeat. Unlike the Greek epics, Beowulf has only one God that helps the hero in his quest and that god does not actively participate in the hero’s quest. Hrothgar says, “Now Holy God has, in His goodness, guided him here.”(381-382). God has only lea Beowulf

A hero not only needs to be physically outstanding, but he also needs to have integrity, moral values and needs to act without thinking in his own benefit. 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.

Being a hero can be defined many different ways. Several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. A hero is noted for his or her actions for being brave, powerful, and acting with honor. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows all of these characteristics by defending the Danish king, Hrothgar, and his people. He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.

Throughout history, people have created super heroes in times of trouble to bring hope to people. Anglo Saxon heroes were also created in times of trouble, like the superhero Beowulf. Like modern day heroes, Beowulf exemplifies many characteristics that make them admirable heroes. Beowulf can connect to modern day heroes through his actions shown during battle, and his boasting. Throughout all of Beowulf’s battles, he exemplifies courage, selflessness and loyalty, which makes him similar to a modern day hero.

The Hero BeowulfEvery story has a great hero, someone who is above all mighty yet humble. When talking about the epic poem, Beowulf, one of the oldest pieces of English literature, the main character Beowulf fits the classic hero archetype. What makes Beowulf a hero are not only his traits of strength and might, but also loyalty and generosity. Each of these personality traits put together make him who he is and allow him to be a courageous warrior.To start, one of the most prominent characteristics of any hero is unbelievable strength. This trait is seen in heroes in literature and entertainment all throughout history. Of course, Beowulf is the epitome of the ideal hero, and displays his power and strength many times

Through his many heroic accomplishments, whether it is fighting Grendel, Grendel’s mother, or the dragon, in Beowulf’s defense of the needy and his enthusiasm to sacrifice his life to benefit others, Beowulf has earned the right to be given the name “hero.” Beowulf can be looked at as a man who demonstrates the knightly morality of his medieval counterparts. Beowulf is not only a hero, but also a model to all warriors of that they should aim to be.

Epic battles, terrifying monsters, extraordinary strength, and great leadership; these characteristics and encounters are what make up the epic hero that is Beowulf. The heroism exemplified by Beowulf is defined by many different qualities. Beowulf is truly a hero because he is willing to put himself at great risk for the greater good.

Beowulf being a hero, is a questionable statement because some may have a different definition of a hero. However, I do think otherwise because Beowulf does what an average man does not wish to do or is not strong and brave enough. He also has the qualities of a hero, one being loyalty and he shows this by travelling across the sea to help Hrothgar defeat

Most of us have heard of modern day heroes such as Spiderman, Superman, and the Hulk. Each is a hero to many children. Heroes are introduced to people early on in life usually as fictional characters, but as children grow older their perceptions of heroes alter. The characteristics of a hero are usually based around the ideas of a society or culture. In the epic Beowulf, the main character is thought of as a hero. Beowulf, a pagan warrior and the main character of the epic, shows certain characteristics such as bravery, loyalty, and generosity, which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how modern day heroes show the much of the same qualities as Beowulf.

Superman, Spiderman, and Batman are heroes! They possess the two traits that are needed in western civilization to be considered a hero: wisdom and fortitude. These modern heroes have wisdom and fortitude. Did Beowulf possess these traits? Beowulf shows he is a hero through both his wisdom and fortitude throughout his adventures. Beowulf is a great hero because he possesses both wisdom and fortitude.

A hero is someone that helps others no matter what the situation. There are many qualities that a hero must posses such as bravery, courage, strength, intelligence and honor. These qualities alone are not enough to make a hero. They must also be pure at heart, fight for the good of mankind and only fight when it is to protect the people and not out of revenge. Beowulf is everything a hero should be, but contains a few qualities that a hero should not posses. When Beowulf sailed with his men to Herot he had one goal, to rid the hall of Grendal. Beowulf was under no obligation to destroy Grendal and never asked for anything in return for his services. A true hero would never ask for money or anything of value. He put his life at risk to save the people of Herot, who he didn’t even know, out of his own good nature Great strength has been a trait that has been identified with heroes in many stories and legends. Than he saw hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift... (II. 1557-1560) Beowulf possessed great strength that separated him from other men. Being able to use a sword that no ordinary man was able to carry gives the feeling that Beowulf is something more than a human being. It makes him special and causes him to stand out from all other men. Fame is something that makes a hero more noted. Beowulfs popularity had spread all over the world. He never let this go to his head and he never thought that he was better than everyone else because of it. “Your fame is everywhere, my friend,/Reaches to the ends of the earth, and you hold it in your heart wisely...” (II.1704-1706). A hero should not be foolish or full of himself. Unferth said: You’re Beowulf, are you- the same Boastful fool who fought a swimming Match with Brecca, both of you daring and young and proud,exploring the deepest Seas, risking your lives for no reason But the danger? (II. 506-511) A hero should not have to prove to himself or to anyone else that he is brave, fearless or courageous. If he is pure a heart and his intentions are good then he can be considered a true hero.