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defined a concept of a hero
epic hero characteristics introduction
defined a concept of a hero
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What is a hero? Perhaps it should be rephrased: who is a hero? Of course, it now becomes easy to answer – we can say Odysseus, as he didn’t just assist in the victory at Troy, but fought the gods with his longing for his home; or Beowulf, who fought of the terrible monsters in Hrothgar’s kingdom as well as his own; or Byrhtnoth, who died while defending the land he loved. Clearly, it is easy to list off the heroes in these ancient poems. However, why is this so, why can we so easily identify heroes without consciously recognizing the clues that lead us to those conclusions? While this question may remain unanswerable without understanding psychology, it is still possible to understand what makes a hero tick – his set of features that immediately give away his identity. In this sense, it becomes important to discuss two types of heroes introduced – mythological heroes, including characters such as Sigurd and Beowulf, and realistic heroes, including characters such as Byrhtnoth. In literary works such as Beowulf, The Saga of the Volsungs, and The Battle of Maldon, we can see that while realistic heroes are portrayed in a more positive light, both realistic and mythological heroes possess dark, sinister qualities that audiences can identify with, which is how characters are associated with heroism.
Mythological heroes are unique because they can perform feats unattainable by normal humans, simply for practical reasons. Beowulf, the central character in the epic poem Beowulf, clearly classifies as a mythological hero because he is fighting mythical creatures – Grendel is “the brutish demon who lived in darkness” (Beowulf, p. 76), Grendel’s mother is “a monster of a woman” (p. 105), and obviously, a dragon cannot be a real...
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"The Battle of Maldon." The Anglo-Saxon World: An Anthology. Trans. Kevin Crossley-Holland. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009. 11-19. Print.
"Beowulf." The Anglo-Saxon World: An Anthology. Trans. Kevin Crossley-Holland. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009. 74-154. Print.
Byock, Jesse L., trans. The Saga of the Volsungs: The Norse Epic of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer. Berkeley, CA: University of California, 1990. Print.
Crossley-Holland, Kevin. "Heroic Poems." Introduction. The Anglo-Saxon World: An Anthology. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009. 2-6. Print.
Fajardo-Acosta, Fidel. The Condemnation of Heroism in the Tragedy of Beowulf: A Study in the Characterization of the Epic. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen, 1989. Print.
Gneuss, Helmut. "The Battle of Maldon 89: Byrhtnoð's Ofermod Once Again." Language and History in Early England. Brookfield, Vermont: Variorum, 1996. N. pag. Print.
Clark, Gorge. “The Hero and the Theme.” In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.
Levick, Ben. "Anglo Saxon Weapons & Armour - Angelcynn Re-Enactment Society." Anglo Saxon Weapons & Armour - Angelcynn Re-Enactment Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. .
Clark, Gorge. “The Hero and the Theme.” In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle proves to be an invaluable source for deciphering the group of individuals most commonly referred to as ‘The Vikings’. Much of our knowledge pertaining to these Scandinavian seafarers can be attributed to this historic manuscript, which was collectively written by multiple anonymous scribes. It is important to note that this piece of literature, when compared alongside other historical sources, is not immune from certain biases, whether through inaccurate dating or the omission of certain details and events (Encyclopædia Britannica, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle). That being said, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is still regarded as one of the most significant sources for the understanding
Beowulf. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume A. Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2006. 34-100.
Epic battles, terrifying monsters, extraordinary strength, and great leadership; these characteristics and encounters are what make up the epic hero that is Beowulf. The heroism exemplified by Beowulf is defined by many different qualities. Beowulf is truly a hero because he is willing to put himself at great risk for the greater good.
...teristics and literary devices. The general archetypical description of a hero follows an outline of a muscular figure and super abilities. Yet on the contrary, in myths, heroes may not possess any of those traits. Whether the so-called hero is learning their lesson, overcoming struggle or even descending into darkness, all heroes share some similar and almost identical characteristics. A vast majority of all mythological heroes share the same basic idea which, helps audiences identify whether or not the character is indeed a hero or not. From story to myth or fairytale to drama, the hero is one character who changes the plot entirely. Whether that hero may be saving a burning building, or discovering who they are themselves, our heroes all give us hopes and dreams that one day even our worth will be recognized by ourselves and others as our admirable hero’s are.
“Beowulf.” Trans. Suzanne Akbari. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 3rd ed. Vol. B. New York: W.W. Norton, 2012. 112-82. Print.
Chadwick, H. Munro. “The Heroic Age.” In An Anthology of Beowulf Criticism, edited by Lewis E. Nicholson. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1963.
"Beowulf." U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology. Vol. 1. Detroit: UXL, 2009. 177-182. Gale World History In Context. Web. 27 Sep. 2011.
Beowulf. Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Expanded Edition Volume 1. ED. Maynard Mack et al. New York: Norton, 1995. 1546-1613.
A hero in mythology and legend is a man often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for bold exploits, and favored by the gods. Beowulf, the strongest man alive and the greatest Anglo-Saxon warrior, distinguishes himself as this kind of hero. When Herot is in danger of being destroyed by the ferocious beast Grendal, Beowulf raises hell to the menacing beast. Through his brave actions and deeds, Beowulf demonstrates heroic qualities and that is revered by Anglo-Saxon and those which are also universally respected.
Leeming, David Adams. “The Anglo Saxons.” Elements of Literature, Sixth Course: Literature of Britain. Ed. Kristine E. Marshall. 1997. 10. Print.
Beowulf is an epic poem that, above all, gives the reader an idea of a time long past; a time when the most important values were courage and integrity. The only factors that could bestow shower fame upon a person were heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the paradigm of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to amass fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is ever present throughout the poem seems to color the identities of its characters.
"Anglo-Saxon" is the term used to describe the invading Germanic tribes in the south and east of Great Britain during the fifth century, and their creation of the English nation. This is why in terms of literary topics, the genre of literature belonging to the Anglo-Saxon period accentuated the concept of heroism. Anglo-Saxon literature did not inaugurate with books, but rather with spoken verse and songs or poems, such as epic poems. The purpose of these forms of literature was to pass along tribal history and morals to the majority of a population full of illiteracy. Warriors would gather in mead halls where they would recite poems for hours as a form of entertainment. The writing style of these poems were very catchy and memorable, so they could be easily recalled and thus retold. Expressed by ...