Characteristics Of A Hero In Beowulf

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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

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