Characteristics Of A Hero In Beowulf

1362 Words3 Pages

What makes someone a hero? Is it how they dress? Their lifestyle? They way they act? These are questions that may be asked because we as readers want to identify the hero and the villain to make the story more complex and interesting. So what makes Beowulf so special. He is indeed a hero,but how do we identify him as one. Some characteristics of being a hero say that heroes are are not invincible, and not of normal upbringing. Heroes often have an unique upbringing that transforms them into a strong person. Heros are also often homesick while on their quest. These characteristics of heros are extremely true about Beowulf, while this list is true, it is only a snippet of a hero 's characteristics. While Beowulf was born average his experiences …show more content…

Grendel is known to be vicious, Beowulf is trying to begin his mission. Beowulf wants to please the king and fulfill his duty by fulfilling the king 's wish because that would be Beowulf 's honor. Beowulf is known to be a strong warrior, one of the strongest so he unknowingly shows a side of him that may be perceived as vain, Beowulf just wants what is best for the Danes. This is beowulf 's quest beginning which then fulfils one of the characteristics of being a hero.
Another characteristic of being a hero is the idea that Heroes quest tales involve them making friends with servants and disciples mostly for company. Beowulf 's shows his true friendship someone who was a warrior with him. Beowulf is so close to this person he expresses his need for vengeance as shown in the following text.
“For the Danish people. AEschere is dead!...
He was my comrade, closest of counsellors,
My shoulder-companion as side by side
We fought our lives in the welter of war,
In shock of battle when …show more content…

(lines 1288-1297)
These lines show the emotional connection that beowulf had with hrothgar. Beowulf is now on a new path in which he will live under a king. Once king Hygelac dies there is a complication in the kingdom when on of the thanes steals from the dragon, who is the new foe. This enrages the dragon wich is shown in the text shown next.
Another important characteristic of being a hero is that heros are not invincible. While the reader desires to find that one invincible character the story is not finished until the hero 's weakness is revealed. Beowulf is no exception to being invincible although he is strong Beowulf is also a human. Being a human Beowulf has numerous weak spots. Some heros have a mental weak spot like love, while others have physical weakspots. Beowulf’s weakness is his love for the people he is trying to protect. Beowulf is willing to risk his life in order to save others.
“Not long was the lull. Swiftly the battlers
Renewed their grapple. The guard of the
Hoard
Grew fiercer in fury. His venomous breath
Beat in his breast, Enveloped in

Show More
Related

  • Beowulf Is Not a Modern Day Hero

    986 Words  | 2 Pages

    challenges. “A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall” Aristotle. Beowulf has many adventures and he fights Grendel and other monstrous creatures but he was very sure of himself. He was born being strong and we as an audience do not identify with that. “Of living strong men he was the strongest” . Beowulf had qualities that any other man had, but he

    Read More

  • Beowulf Hero Quotes

    507 Words  | 2 Pages

    In my opinion Beowulf is can be considered a hero. Beowulf can be considered a hero because of the characteristics he displays that resemble heroes. He displays all of the characteristics that heroes have. Throughout the story Beowulf stays true to himself and is morals showing that he is a hero. Beowulf is a hero due to his courage, loyalty, and justice.

    Read More

  • Beowulf As A Hero

    907 Words  | 2 Pages

    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

    Read More

  • Beowulf, a Classic Example of an Anglo-Saxon Hero

    903 Words  | 2 Pages

    Beowulf by far endures more than the average person as the poem progresses. He is faced with daunting challenges of defeating three monsters that would kill any other man. Beowulf exemplifies bravery by never backing down no matter what the threat was. He was loyal by honoring his promises of keeping those around him safe and alive. And finally, his unwavering confidence helped him push through the toughest confrontations. These traits and the fights with the three different monsters are what genuinely make Beowulf a hero.

    Read More

  • Loyalty In Beowulf's Honor

    886 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Beowulf is an Epic Hero

    864 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf is shown as a hero with extrodinary strength. This is not what makes him a hero. By definition, a hero is a man of exceptional quality. However this term does not do Beowulf justice. His self-imposed purpose in life is to help others, and eventually sacrifices his own life in doing so. Beowulf’s battle with the dragon serves as a critique of the notion that Beowulf is a hero. The Dragon section displays many of Beowulf’s heoric characteristics. Beowulf establishes himself as a hero by fighting the dragon, exemplifing strength and courage when fighting the dragon, and sacrificing himself so that others can live.

    Read More

  • Beowulf The Hero

    860 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf is shown as a hero with extrodinary strength. This is not what makes him a hero. By definition, a hero is a man of exceptional quality. However this term does not do Beowulf justice. His self-imposed purpose in life is to help others, and eventually sacrifices his own life in doing so. Beowulf’s battle with the dragon serves as a critique of the notion that Beowulf is a hero. The Dragon section displays many of Beowulf’s heoric characteristics. Beowulf establishes himself as a hero by fighting the dragon, exemplifing strength and courage when fighting the dragon, and sacrificing himself so that others can live.

    Read More

  • Comparing Beowulf And My Hero

    624 Words  | 2 Pages

    Different cultures expect different things from their heroes. In Beowulf they expect heroes to be loyal strong and brave whereas in The Odyssey people expect their heroes to balance mind body and spirit and in My Hero Academia heroes are expected to be selfless and sacrifice themselves. In Beowulf the hero, Beowulf, is expected to be loyal, be strong, and be brave. Beowulf is a hero because he exhibits all of these treats. He shows his loyalty when he helps Hrothgar fend of Grendel because Hrothgar at one point had helped Beowulf’s father. Beowulf is being loyal by repaying his father's debt by helping Hrothgar. Beowulf shows his strength by being able to rip of the arm of an incredibly strong monster like Grendel. In the epic Beowulf fights an incredibly strong monster that had been terrorizing Hrothgar's land. He shows extreme strength by ripping Grendel's arm off. He also shows how brave he is when he and the thanes go to fight the dragon and all of the thanes run away but him and wiglaf. This shows his bravery and that he is calm in the face of danger.

    Read More

  • Beowulf The Epic Hero

    1321 Words  | 3 Pages

    What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Pride In Beowulf

    160 Words  | 1 Pages

    Beowulf wants to fight Grendel, a monster wreaking havoc, and is boasting that he is more powerful and courageous.

    Read More

  • Beowulf is an Anglo Saxon Hero

    1791 Words  | 4 Pages

    There has only been one hero in Anglo-Saxon history, only one man can meet every requirement one needs to be classified as hero. Only one man's honor, loyalty, courage, generosity, and wisdom, fits the true definition of a hero. That man is Beowulf. With these leading traits, Beowulf's rise to heroism was not just by chance. He filled each of the five characteristics perfectly, as if it was his destiny to be admired.

    Read More

  • Why is Beowulf considered a hero?

    623 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many epics have been written and forgotten. Yet, the epic of Beowulf has stayed as one of the premiere examples of a heroic epic. This brings an inevitable question to mind. Why is Beowulf considered a hero?

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf Essay - Qualities of a Hero

    770 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • The Main Aspects Of Heroism In Beowulf

    1040 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is a daunting task to come across one person on Earth that meets Beowulf-like expectations for heroism. Beouwulf is simply a multi-dimensional hero in a fictional setting while regular people usually do not have those have those odds working in their favor. However, if Beowulf’s remarkable personality traits are placed in different categories for heroes rather than grouped together, then it is easier to pinpoint the great warriors of our time.

    Read More

  • How Did Beowulf Change Throughout The Renaissance Era

    777 Words  | 2 Pages

    Beowulf showed tremendous strength even when the odds were against him . Beowulf beat the odds and was able to celebrate with his peers before it was all over . Beowulf was special because there was no one else there to do what he did. He made brave and bold decisions which won him his life and helped him beat the dragon. Beowulf stood up when no one was there . He controlled his emotions like a man . Beowulf was able to conquer his challenges through his integrity and courage and he showed tremendous heart. Beowulf fought his battles and was ready to die for his life and his kingdom. Beowulf was able to rise to the occasion when he was faced with such a big challenge. Beowulf was able to remain humble as he fought . Beowulf never gave in and it is believed that this justifies heroism . Beowulf had to do what he had to do and instead of giving up. Beowulf had outstanding strength and was able to fight and maintain. Beowulf was able to be self dependent and count on himself whenever he needed some help.

    Read More

More about Characteristics Of A Hero In Beowulf

Open Document