Beowulf Is Not A Hero Essay

even as a weak old man, he chooses to be selfless. He could have just been satisfied with his success in his older battles, but he picks honor over comfort. Beowulf knew that he probably wouldn’t make it after this battle, but he was content with his achievements for his people. He left to face the dragon, and when they arrived, his men betrayed him. (Beowulf 87-88).

The protagonist of the epic poem "Beowulf," Beowulf, is a model of the traditional epic hero archetype. He exhibits many of the conventional characteristics of this archetype throughout the poem in his different heroic deeds. But at the same time, the traits of contemporary heroes have evolved over time, and Beowulf may be viewed in a different light than those we cherish and adore now. Strength and combat prowess are two of the essential qualities of an epic hero. Beowulf is known for his tremendous strength and fighting prowess, both of which are displayed throughout the epic.

Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none / Nor will I” (Beowulf 168). Beowulf wants to battle at an equal level against Grendel which shows he is fair and

This reveals that Beowulf’s abundance of pride can sometimes go overboard and result in stubbornness especially when there is a lot in it for

Beowulf showed his incredible strength in multiple situations. He was Known for being the strongest and the bravest man of all of his people. It was said in line 111, “And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world”, this showed how strong he was. As he was fighting Grendel mother, he lift the heaviest sword that no one could lift but him. He swung the sword so hard that it

Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.

Yes, Beowulf is brave, but not because he wants to do the right thing, he wants gold and glory. Beowulf is known as a great hero and on the surface he is. He seems to be brave and just but underneath that, Beowulf is extremely arrogant and egotistical. Beowulf does not just do things for they are the right thing to do, he does them seeing that great deeds will bring him honor and boost his reputation. He fights Grendel for bragging rights like the swimming contest Unferth brought up and he refuses to use a sword when fighting Grendel because it will just add to his bravery.

Beowulf declares that he “drove five great giants into chains, [and] chased all of that race from the Earth.” He is immensely overbearing at that point because he is too proud of his achievements. Being excessively prideful does not exactly label Beowulf as a hero. Beowulf assumes all of the courageous acts he fulfills will make him

In the story Beowulf they make Beowulf out to be the hero. I believe that he is the hero because of his way that he presents himself when he gets to as his crewmen walked off the boat and they looked bad in clothes Beowulf looked very nice and very manly other than his crewmen looked bad and also he was a hero because he was the only one to come to and help the town. Defeating the monsters which was mother dragon and the last reason that he was considered a hero because after all the monsters he killed he decided to give all of the gold and supplies that he won from the battle with the monsters to all the people in herot and also he was reconized as a hero because he let God decide his Faith during the battle with the monsters.

Sedrianna Knight Mr. Richards English IV, 1st Period February 02 2023 Beowulf essay What makes Beowulf an epic hero? Beowulf is a demi-god hero who was introduced in the midst of turmoil when people need him the most. He agreed to help Hrothgar, since Grendal was the main cause of their suffering. He travels to Hrothgar to prove that no villain is stronger than him and to prove that he is the hero he claims to be.

In the beginning, Beowulf was introduced as a young and powerful warrior whose heroism is defined by his great strength.

This proves that he is strong and brave because no one else could kill Grendel let alone face him. Beowulf kills Grendel with his bare hands and without armor on. Other warriors could not even kill him with a sword and armor. “Beowulf’s intention to fight Grendel with only his strength proves that he carries the characteristics of a true hero”(Hailey).

Beowulf is an epic hero because of his strength. His strength isn’t the same as an ordinary man, “He twisted in pain and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped muscle and on split and broke” (lines 337-340). No ordinary man would be

As a payment to the king of the Danes, he decides to fight the dragon, just as he fought Grendel. Then he was a warrior and now he is a king responsible for his people. Beowulf’s decision is courageous but inappropriate for a king. His foolish but courageous decision causes him to die in the end. Before he fought the mighty dragon, he said “I’ve never known fear; as a youth I fought in endless battles.

Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable