Although centuries distance the creation of Beowulf from The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien took inspiration of different essential morals and character traits from Beowulf. In Beowulf, an epic hero Beowulf experiences significant tribulations and an ultimate battle that leads to his demise. In The Hobbit, Bilbo experiences similar tribulations, however, he gains courage and reverence throughout his journey. The nature of each book, how Bilbo experiences maturation when Beowulf experiences death, does not discredit Tolkien’s inspiration from Beowulf, it instead promotes the idea that each book was written for a different audience.
Bilbo cleverly eluded Smaug’s temptation, spared the life of foul creature Gollum, and demonstrate courage more and more throughout his journey. These exquisite traits made Bilbo into the revered character that was loved and respected for generations of readers. Throughout the book, Bilbo’s character had changed. At first, he was the ordinary hobbit who described adventures as “Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things” (4) but by the end of his journeys stated to Thorin, “I am glad that I have shared in your perils” (290). Bilbo’s ability to fight evil, make new friends, and to look beyond his maps and books enable him to become a hero. As Gandalf once said at the very beginning, “There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself” (19). Gandalf was right. What appeared to be an uneasy hobbit who fainted at the thought of adventures, turned out to be a brave leader, a compassionate friend, and an inspiring
An epic is a long narrative poem on a serious subject. It usually is about
Throughout the course of history, there have been many heroes and stories about said heroes. Beowulf is one that is included among these heroes as he exhibits many qualities of a hero, such as honor, bravery, and strength. These qualities are all shown several times throughout the story of the hero Beowulf.
Bilbo Baggins is the main character in The Hobbit, who has the characteristics of an epic hero. His heroism is “in his wit, not his might” (Glenn). Bilbo undertakes a long journey outside of his comfort zone. He was approached by Gandalf, the wizard, to go on an adventure to help the dwarves find treasure. When Bilbo agrees to join Thorin and company, he took on the job of becoming a burglar. Bilbo shows his burglary skills when he steals the sword from the trolls. Bilbo shows his bravery when he encounters the goblins, wargs, troll...
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.
Although Beowulf might have been a great warrior, usually people do not think that he is the greatest warrior from a story. Beowulf had the strength and the tactics to take down tons and tons of men on his own, but did not have the wisdom of other warrior figures. Beowulf was mainly strength and toughness, and sometimes a warrior needs to have some type of knowledge to ever be able to fight. A great example to Beowulf would be Luke Skywalker. Luke is in a story that is not the same type of story but, has the same concept. The only main difference would have to be the setting and the type of movie. Beowulf is a warrior that is considered super human and doesn't really belong anywhere, because he is not truly con...
While fighting the Dragon Beowulf shows feats of strength and courage that define him as a hero. The classical hero displays a special quality that separates him from the rest of
Beowulf has spent most of his life protecting the Geats and the Danes from dragons and monsters. When Grendel showed up to threaten the Danes Beowulf came to their aid. Beowulf said, '"Our errand is a great one, our business with the glorious king of the Danes no secret; there's nothing dark or hidden in our coming. You know (if we've heard the truth, and been told honestly) that your country is cursed with some strange, vicious creature that hunts only at night and that no one has seen. It's said, watchman, that he has slaughtered your people, brought terror to the darkness'" (4:269-277). After killing Grendel, Beowulf also killed his mother. His adventures did not stop there. When the dragon showed up and attacked the city Beowulf, with all his strength, fought it alone. Like Beowulf, Bilbo Baggins has saved his friends from danger many times. Bilbo has saved his friends from giant spiders, elves, and fought a dragon. He risked his life to cut his friends down from the spider webs while fighting off the spiders. When the dwarves were captured by elves he snuck into their layer and set them free. Bilbo and Beowulf are very brave and selfless because no matter what they are willing to die for the sake of
The story of both heroes is quite peculiar when comparing them to each other. Beowulf is recognized for his almighty strength of defeating monsters by himself. In a kingdom located in Denmark, Beowulf travels to aid the king Hrothgar. Hrothgar had a major problem
A hero is someone who is admired for their courage and bravery, as well as their noble accomplishments. They are respected by almost everyone, due to their kindness and charitable mindset, that drives them to fight for the good of others. Beowulf is the perfect representation of a hero, based on multiple characteristics that he displays throughout the novel. Along with his characteristics, Beowulf also takes on many “hero like” challenges and tasks. In the novel, Beowulf is praised and admired throughout the kingdom for his bravery, humility, and selflessness.
Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities, such as his strength and confidence in battle. These along with more subtle diplomatic actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader.
The reason some people today do not understand what exactly makes Beowulf so special is because we do not live in an Anglo-Saxon warrior culture. It is safe to assume that a citizen today is more afraid of being shot than being attacked by a mythical creature. Our modern society does not idealize warrior skills. Instead we idealize a more witty and modest hero. As times progress, we idealize people with less
The story of “Beowulf” begins at a time where a great hero is needed. This is where Beowulf’s character takes the initial place of an epic hero. In the first story of “Beowulf,” Beowulf takes on the responsibility of destroying the great threat, Grendel. This immediately shows the courage, honor and bravery of Beowulf. When Beowulf sailed to the Danes to kill Grendel, he was not searching for money, he was simply putting the Geats lives before his own. Beowulf was not yet
...y a little fellow, Gandalf hints that even he was impressed by the large role Bilbo played in their journey, adding irony to the theme of heroism. Bilbo was the perfect character for Tolkien to express the theme of heroism because he was just the average, everyday character with a kind heart. He wasn’t some wizard or renowned warrior, but a hobbit, a simple hobbit who didn’t ask for heroism. Bilbo would much rather stay in the quite of his own home, but fate would have him do much more, even though Bilbo wouldn’t say so himself, he was indeed…a hero.