Examples Of Heroic Code In Beowulf

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Heroes are thought to wear tights and silly outfits, just like favorite comic book characters, however that is simply not the case. In, Beowulf, a heroic code is prevalent throughout the epic poem that is Anglo-Saxon. Heroic Code values strength, courage, loyalty, and rewards with fame and glory. Many Samaritan values are found in Beowulf along with heroic codes that may be the foundation of battle. The first celebration in the Mead-Hall has Thanes singing and dancing like drunken idiots. The Thanes sing praises of Gods creations, which trouble the ‘demon of the wood’. Grendel tortures the Thanes and guest of the Mead-Hall for twelve winters. The Lord of the Thanes, on the other hand, was an outcast and not touched by Grendel’s murderous …show more content…

He then becomes too proud of himself to back down from the challenge of killing the dragon. This particular part of the poem allows the reader to see a transition of savior, one who rescues or will do good for man, and hero, the man that boasts his encounters and challenges. Although heroic code was prevalent during this time it wasn’t always held to its standards: “The Anglo-Saxon heroic world understands the grim realities of war, but it possesses no remedy for the feuding and social disruption its code of conduct produces” (Wodzak, …show more content…

It is mentioned in Beowulf, that physical strength is in no need for the almighty powerful Beowulf. Many characteristics that define a Hero are known to be found throughout the epic. However, many of these traits aren’t simple to explain. When a character goes from hero to savior in each battle, there are some important factors to consider. Does Beowulf want to save people or his country? Or is he simply in the fight for further achievement? Starting off Beowulf wants to help the people in Denmark, or at least that’s what we believe. The ending fight with Grendel proves that he has to have a trophy. Beowulf hangs the dying creatures arm for the rest of the Thanes to see. This is clearly the trait of a hero, which involves

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