Character Analysis Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero - 765 Words

A hero is the central figure who has superior qualities and risks personal danger to pursue a quest. Beowulf is a great epic hero because he performs many brave deeds such as risking his life for the greater good of society, and is significant and glorified by all people. Beowulf boasts and boasts about all of his great doings, but in the end he proves to everyone that he is as great as he claims to be. First, Beowulf shows that he will do anything for the fame, glory, and the greater good of society. He risks his life in many of his adventures in the story to achieve these goals. An example of him risking his life for fame and society is shown whenever Beowulf decides he is going to kill the dragon for the people. Beowulf shows his will†¦show more content†¦Beowulf says, â€Å"A monster seized me, drew me swiftly toward the bottom, swimming with its claws tight in my flesh. But fate let me find its heart with my sword, hack myself free; I fought that beasts last battle, left it floating lifeless in the sea† . Beowulf seizing the sea monster is only one of many brave deeds that he accomplishes throughout this epic poem. Beowulf performs many brave deeds that no normal human being would dare try. Beowulf is a strong believer in his own personal strength. Beowulf says, â€Å"My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster†. Beowulf shows his bravery and courage by refusing to use weapons against Grendel. In this epic poem Beowulf performs these many brave deeds because he has so much courage. He also has so much desire to conquer any challenge that comes his way. People had a great love for Beowulf’s bravery and looked up to him. Beowulf’s accomplishments were talked about among all people. He was a hero to many people. Beowulf was respected by all â€Å"and over and over they swore that nowhere on Earth or under the spreading sky or between the seas, neither south nor north, was there a warrior worthier to rule over men†. People looked up to Beowulf because he accomplished many things that they had never seenShow MoreRelatedBeowulf Epic Hero Essay880 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of Beowulf as an Epic Hero The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sentRead MoreThe Theme Of Fight In Beowulf798 Words   |  4 PagesELA 12 Theme of Beowulf Theme of fight: First of all I will to give you a definition of fight: Fight means limited engagement in space and time of enemy land, air or naval formations. Learn more about. In the book Beowulf we witness 3 fights, this theme is therefore the articulation of the book. Indeed, these fights that Beowulf delivers, the hero of history, intrigues the reader. Thats why I chose this theme. During the fighting the reader can feel suspense, will the hero come out victoriousRead MoreThe Becoming Of An Epic Hero1240 Words   |  5 PagesThe Becoming Of an Epic Hero Beowulf became the epic hero he was, from his will for his love to succeed, his strength to never give up even if it meant death .He existed trying to become like his father or even to surpass him. He defeated the dragon and his pride lead him to his death, but he saved so many lives before his inevitable demise. He gave his life for what he believed in, for honor, pride and for his people. Which in turn creates the next hero, Wiglaf who served Beowulf willing to give hisRead MoreGood vs. Evil Found in Beowulf807 Words   |  3 PagesGood vs. Evil Found in Beowulf In the story of Beowulf, there are many different themes found. Many people argue the main theme found in this story. This has been argued for a very long time and will go on for many more years to come. Although many themes in this story stick out and a main theme will never be accepted, one main theme is very noticeable in the story of Beowulf. The main theme found in Beowulf is good versus evil. Good versus evil is very easy to recognize. â€Å"Some peopleRead MoreTheme Of Heroism In Beowulf1139 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Beowulf† is the oldest surviving poem in Old English Literature. It is an epic poem, which is a narrative poem typically revolving around heroism. The poem emphasizes repetitively on how Beowulf is a hero. He saves countless people from countless monsters, three of which are the main antagonists in the poem – a demon, the demon’s mother, and a dragon. But is saving innocent lives the only factor to justify and determine a person’s heroism? Throughout the story of Beowulf, the author makes appealsRead More Beowulf: Christian Vs Pagan Influence Essay1652 Words   |  7 Pages The European epic, Beowulf, was written sometime in the eighth century in England. This time period provides us with an idea for the mixture of Christian and pagan elements because of an English society that was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Examples of Pagan and Christian traditions are presented all throughout literature. Many of the influences deal with what it going on in the world, when the piece is written. When Beowulf was written, St. Augustine had just comeRead MorePoem Analysis : Beowulf 1619 Words   |  7 PagesBen Sparrow Ms. Finkelstein Honors English IV September 5, 2015 Beowulf is renowned as the oldest poem written in the English language, thought to be written over 1500 years ago this epic poem is still being heavily studied and compared to modern literature regularly. The protagonist, named Beowulf is a great warrior whose called to defend the Danes from the vicious attack of many monsters. Many would label this call to action as the start of his hero’s journey, although it isn’t an ancient conceptRead MoreBeowulf: Christian vs Pagan Influence Term Paper1665 Words   |  7 PagesThe European epic, Beowulf, was written sometime in the eighth century in England. This time period provides us with an idea for the mixture of Christian and pagan elements because of an English society that was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Examples of Pagan and Christian traditions are presented all throughout literature. Many of the influences deal with what it going on in the world, when the piece is written. When Beowulf was written, St. Augustine had just comeRead MoreThe Heroic Code1182 Words   |  5 Pagesjust think of themselves, for their decisions often affect the lives of others as well. They need the heroic code to guide them in their decision making. In this essay, I will describe the heroic code and share its applications in the stories of Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Noah, and The Illiad, as well as my other personal experiences. I will start with the story of The Man of La Mancha, which is a play based on the story of Don Quixote. In this story, you have a rather deranged man on a quest to becomeRead MoreBeowulf And The Anglo Saxon Period1740 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf The original poem, Beowulf, goes back to the Anglo-Saxon period in c. 650 and c.1100. Authors translated Beowulf many times in the Anglo-Saxon period to present day. It displays how a hero should be in the real world. He helps the people in the village and slays monsters. Everyone in the village looks up to him as he acts as if he were a role model. Beowulf, the protagonist in the translated Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, is a hero of his village, stands for bravery, strong will, and nobleness