The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a hero as an illustrious warrior; a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. Moreover, the epic heroes, Beowulf, Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Achilles, and King Arthur, all embody heroic characteristics evident in their own individual cultures. With the absence of the television, the community's people were strongly influenced by the stories depicting the noble actions of the epic heros. Each character has their own personal strengths and weaknesses. They contrast strongly in their morals and abilities. This contrast can be represented in the differences in the values of the cultures. The societies discussed in this paper include, the Anglo-Saxons, the …show more content…
With these societies flourishing in different time periods as well as different parts of the world many Heroic traits are shared in the story. This is an impeccable example of the archetypal character model. Epic hero's played an enormous role on the culture they lived in, they contrast in ways but still hold true to the characteristics that exemplify their heroic nature. Courage, honor, and super strength are among some of the traits shared across the spectrum of epic heros. Some characters have a weakness, or a “tragic flaw.” Beowulf is a perfect example of these traits. The epic poem, Beowulf tells about a hero, Beowulf, and his heroic battles protecting the Geats people from the dragons. Beowulf is a prime example of the epic hero character type. His inhuman strength is evident in his battle with Grendel. He fights with his bare hands to prove his bravery. Beowulf is also a responsible leader, fighting and eventually dying for his kingdom. Out of all these traits his honor and …show more content…
Nobody- so that my mother and father call me, all my friends.” (Homer, 410). King Arthur's largest characteristic is his strength. His strength is put to the test when he has to pull Excalibur from the stone it had been trapped in. Hector and Achilles differ greatly. It has been greatly debated as who actually is the hero in the story. Both characters have heroic characteristics but not without their own individual flaws. Achilles is struck with rage and a thirst for revenge. While Hector does not have the strength to defeat Achilles. Although Achilles is considered a hero in this epic, he is motivated by anger and revenge. These qualities do not embody the ideal of a hero and his honor. Achilles also refuses to call a truce explaining “There are no blinding oaths between men and lions- wolves and lambs can enjoy no meeting of the minds-- they are all bent on hating each other until death.” (Beers, 61) Hector is considered to be more honorable in what he does for his city. The heroes all contrast each other but share heroic characteristics that had a strong influence on the culture where they
Many cultures in the ancient and medieval worlds found courage as a value and virtue associated with warriors. To a great extent, western cultures also find courage as an attribute of warriors. This courageous cultural tendency gets its imaginative manifestation in literature of heroic societies such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, homer’s Iliad and Beowulf. These Epic heroes which show human conditions are Gilgamesh, Achilles from Homer's Iliad and Beowulf. Although, the actions and lives of these warriors occurred at different times in history, their stories are passed on from generations to generations and they share a lot of commonalities but with some discrepancies based on their lives, their choices, ideals and beliefs.
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
Beowulf, the great Geatish warrior, lives a very adventurous life filled with many voyages, battles, and victories. Through all of these events, he meets various people who are considered to be heroes like himself. These heroes, however, are unable to have the same abilities and characteristics of Beowulf. His great achievements cannot be matched by anything that they have done in their lives. Beowulf is a superior hero to Hrothgar, Unferth, and Wiglaf in the epic of Beowulf because he kills every monster that he fights, becomes a widely feared warrior and king, and dies in battle completing his final heroic act.
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.
Throughout time, society has come in contact with individuals who are praised due to their bravery, loyalty, strength and a tendency to go beyond the limit. One may call this individual a hero, and if asked to give some examples of heroism, one may pick the classical literary hero Beowulf. According to Roger B. Rolling, Beowulf is classified as a Type I hero who, “if superior in degree to other men but not to his natural environment, … is a leader. He has authority, passions, and powers of expression far greater than ours but is subject both to social criticism and to the order of nature” (434). Beowulf’s heroism is exemplified first when he kills Grendel, then when he kills Grendel’s mother, and finally when he kills the Dragon. Also, Beowulf
According to “The Hero’s Journey”, societies throughout history have lifted up exemplary individuals. There is almost always one individual who is a perfect example. He is the guy that leads others and is looked up to. The greeks valued a character that they could aspire to be. Also from “The Hero’s Journey”, the hero seems to be invincible and incorruptible. The hero is tested, but he always seems to prevail. In real life, this can be seen as a world leader or a famous warrior. As quoted from The Odyssey, “ He fought only to save his life and to bring his shipmates home.”(561). The hero always fights for good causes and for others. You never hear about a hero being selfish or foolish. They are always pure and just, so they are often well known and popular among the
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.
Beowulf displayed great courage and honor throughout his journeys and battles; he was an epic hero. An epic hero is a person who is viewed as larger than life and possesses values of a certain society. From the time of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel to his brawl against the dragon, he has showed everyone what being an honorable hero looks like. His heroism is revealed through both youth as a young warrior and wisdom as a reliable king. He never backed down and didn’t give up when situations were tough. Beowulf had obligations to fulfill and went about every aspect of his life with courage and strength. He cared for his people and was willing to take on anyone that threatened them or his kingdom. He sincerely was the hero of his time.
Achilles is a Greek warrior who displays his heroism through his battles and conquests. Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon hero, shows his heroic action in combat as well. Many traits, however, set these two on completely differing paths. One example would be how Achilles is bull-headed and hot-tempered, while Beowulf is calm, collected, and patient.
These two are the prime examples of epic heroes. Their bravery and strength surpass all mortal men, They have the loyalty to their people and to their king .They openly and wholeheartedly help their people and risk their lives for them.They show the necessity of brotherhood and friendship in the time of trouble.
Everyone has done something good just for others praise and not for the good of others. In Beowulf, the main character Beowulf proves to be a hero to his society in his actions, but not all his actions were always done for the people. Beowulf exhibits characteristics of loyalty, bravery, and encompasses the characteristics of an epic hero. To begin with, Beowulf presents loyalty to his ancestry and even closer ties in his kingdom. Secondly, his bravery shows though battles against his enemies. Lastly, Beowulf has all that it takes to be considered an epic hero including his flaw.
“No coward would have waked there.” (line 691) Beowulf takes on the alone dragon with full intention to kill it and does which saves the Geats. Beowulf put himself in danger to ensure the safety of society. Beowulf is strong and chooses to take the dragon on alone instead of with his whole army. “Rode their horses around the tower telling stories of their dead king and his greatness,his glory praising him for heroic deeds, for a life of a noble name.” (line 830-834) The Anglo-Saxon custom to pay respects the dead heroes, celebrate their lives, and tell stories. Achilles was in charge of his legion and wanted to win at all costs which shows he is a determined leader but not so much responsible as Beowulf. In Greece society honor and fame defined a leader and Achilles was continuously seeking honor and fame. Achilles chooses to fight in the Trojan war even though he knows he will not survive. He fights for King Agamemnon and helps him take over all of the nation-states in Greece. Achilles loved being looked upon and being the
Stories of heroes have existed from the ancient history. Heroes have played important role in mythical stories and even today. Heroes are often represented as an example of how people want to be or how they want their coming generation looks like. Even today heroes are presented in many different forms and we still have some similarities. Regardless of what society people live in or what they believe in, heroes are found in almost every culture. They may not play same role but they exists.
The two hero’s in the epics poems were Beowulf and Achilles. Beowulf was the hero who was self-less. He did things for others and for his people. Also, he was willing to sacrifice himself and men to win battles. Through all his battles he was even tempered and did his part. He showed bravery and manhood until he was defeated by the dragon. On the other hand, Achilles, the hero in the epic poem the Iliad, was a lot different than Beowulf. Achilles was very selfish and unforgiving. He thought of himself often and if someone did something bad like Hector did to his friend he wasn’t forgiving. Unlike Beowulf, Achilles was hot-tempered and would get upset easily. He killed Hector because of the absence of his friend Patroclus. In summary, both of these heroes have different traits some that are good and some that are bad.
Achilles and Beowulf were two characters who are considered heroes in the epic tales. Amazing powers and courage have made their names live for hundreds of years in the re-telling of these epic tales. While they are both from different cultures, and different time periods. They have unique ways and skills that allow them to go beyond the typical human limit in order to be able to achieve goals. Achilles and Beowulf were the best known heroes, and share many hero qualities as well as a couple of differences, with one being a better example of a hero than the other.