Examples Of Courage In Beowulf

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Beowulf, an important piece of literature in history, was passed down orally. This epic has an interpretation as a manual for morality, having different meanings and opinions. (Cory 1) There are various subjects that come from this epic, but the most emerging ones are: Dignity, Loyalty and Courage.
Even though Beowulf can be over confident sometimes, he shows dignity throughout the book. For instance, Hrothgar is being confronted by “a fiend out of hell,” (100) attacking during the night, causing havoc in Hereot while the Danes are having fun. Beowulf receives notice about this and he instantly leaves his land to defend Hrothgar. “So they duly arrived duly with their grim war-graith and gear at the hall…weapons clashed.” (323-328) Beowulf …show more content…

Courage is one of the most important traits of a hero. “The root of the word courage is from the Latin word for heart.” (Garcia 1) Courage defines a hero’s ability to face pain, difficulty and mostly danger. (Dictionary) Beowulf does not only fight Grendel, but also fighting Grendel’s mother and decapitating her. (Garcia) The meaning of fighting without armor, facing challenge and placing his life in danger gives Beowulf the honor to be called courageous. It is extremely difficult to put his life in danger but he does is anyways even if he’s risking his life for his people. Beowulf also shows courage when he faces his biggest challenge, the Dragon. “I would rather not use a weapon if I knew another way to grapple with the dragon…as I did against Grendel in days gone by.” (2518-21) Beowulf shows the same courage even though he is older and weaker. He is not scared of the dragon whatsoever. Being courageous gives him confidence and with confidence he manages to defeat but giving his life up as well. “The serpent on the ground…lying facing him. The fire-Dragon was scaresomely burnt, scorched all colours.” (3039-42) After all the suffering, Beowulf manages to defeat the Dragon, taking him to an end. Beowulf shows courage at all costs. He gave his life for the benefit of his

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