The journey of an epic hero is a literary story that is repeated time and time again in a variety versions. One of the oldest examples is the epic poem Beowulf and one of the latest examples is the movie The Hobbit. In both stories, the main characters, Beowulf and Thorin, go through trials and display certain qualities that qualify them as heroes. The three trials that Beowulf and Thorin go through in Beowulf and The Hobbit reveal the heroic characteristics that both of them possess or learn to possess. Both Beowulf and Thorin are willing to fight against wicked creatures when no one is able to in order to protect their people or others in need. Beowulf not only willingly risks his life for the Danes against Grendel and his mother (his first …show more content…
In Beowulf, Unferth tries to rile up Beowulf, viewing him as not as glorious as the stories claim, but once he kills Grendel and begins his hunt for Grendel’s mother, he realizes his words were wrong. He tries to apologize by lending Beowulf his own sword, Hrunting. Beowulf gladly accepts the sword and even states “‘to that far-famed man I bequeath my own / sharp-honed, wave-sheened wonder-blade. / With Hrunting I shall gain glory or die’” (1489-1491). Beowulf’s ability to accept Unferth’s apology instead of holding a grudge shows he is forgiving and humble about others. Thorin does a similar thing but in reverse. In The Hobbit, Thorin demonstrates his ability to apologize to others after Bilbo bravely saves Thorin from being killed from his battle with Azog. When they are finally safe from danger, Thorin, realizing his misjudgments, immediately apologizes to Bilbo, stating he was wrong for saying and thinking such negative things about him. Thorin is willing to admit his wrongs and correct them, which is incredibly noble and heroic for a dwarf as Gandalf tells Bilbo they are very prideful and stubborn. These heroes’ ability to accept apologies or to learn to apologize shows they are humbling and willing to accept the faults of themselves or others, another heroic …show more content…
Beowulf definitely displays multiple examples of courage, such as fighting Grendel barehanded and going to fight a dragon alone, but the most pronounced example is when Beowulf goes to fight Grendel’s mother, his second trial. Her home is a disgusting, murky lake that’s “infested with… sea-dragons / and monsters” (1425) and so deep that “the mere bottom has never been sounded by the sons of men” (1367-1368). Even the creatures that live around it would rather die than dive under the water’s surface. Beowulf makes a big deal out of how terrifying her home is, expressing how the warriors who arrived at her home were “not man enough / to face the turmoil of a fight under water / and the risk to [their] life” (1468-1470). But Beowulf is willing to. Not only does he plunge into the terrifying lake but he goes to fight Grendel’s mother alone. All the witnesses are amazed he completed such a task. Thorin demonstrates this similarly in his fight against Azog. Azog is a monstrous, pale orc that murders any foes, including Thorin’s grandfather and father, in his way of conquering others. Thorin bravely battles against this enemy with nothing but his weapon and a tree branch as a shield. His close friend and advisor Balin claimed that his victory against Azog showed that Thorin was truly a brave leader that could be followed. Their bravery emitted from them in their trials reflect the common qualities shown by
An epic hero is an essential character in a story that shows qualities of being brave and noble, and whose achievements are greatly admired. In The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen, the hero, displays much courage as well as skills. The story depicts Katniss as a symbol of hope in an otherwise cruel, dehumanizing, and corrupt regime. Another prominent figure in the epic world is Beowulf, a warrior who sacrifices himself for the good of others. The two heroes have both similar and different characteristics.
Beowulf gets from Hrothgar picking up the characteristics facilitate for a ruler. Additionally, Thor and Beowulf have been incredible opponents. Beowulf fights without the utilization of weapons against Grendel, revealing his mind-boggling power. Towards Grendel's mom, he uses the sword chasing. Inside the song, Beowulf gets the sword chasing, "the call of the hilted sword advance toward getting to be chasing, and it ends up one of the finest a portion of the long time past fortunes; it is sharp edge was the destiny of iron, recolored with hurt twigs, cemented with the blood of fight; it had by no means whatsoever, tumbled any individual whose hand had utilized it inside the fight, any who durst cross on perilous ventures to the piece of fight.
Beowulf took on both Grendel and his mother with the intentions of saving the Danes, whether he survived or
This shows his courageous deeds because even though all of his allies but on left him to die, Beowulf wasn’t leaving until
Beowulf says “The noblest and wisest counselors of my people advised me to come to you, lord Hrothgar because they knew of my great strength. ”(page 13, paragraph 4) Beowulf says he destroyed the race of giants, killed sea monsters and he endured hardships to avenge
They had confidence and courage to win the battle in the name of Beowulf. The author’s perception of courage displays that good will always outperform evil. In conclusion, “Beowulf” illuminates characters and their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage.
He has true honor and respectfully distributes treasure and gifts to those whom he believes rightfully deserves them. Beowulf’s loyalty to the Danes helps shed light on his true character. He expresses that he believes he may die in battle between Grendel, but that does not dissuade him from fighting the beast. Another example is when Hygelac dies, Beowulf is asked to take the throne. In doing so, that would mean the the son of Hygelac would be stripped of his own inheritance, which is dishonorable in Beowulf’s eyes, and thus he declines the offer.
“Life doesn't cost him a thought” (Heaney 1536). This quote shows bravery because he is brave and confident in himself that he will fight to the fullest when he battles monsters it's like he's not scared of death and real quick to risk his life to save or help others. “Yet the prince of the rings was too proud to line up with a large army” ( 2345-2346). This quote shows bravery because it shows he’s too proud to fight with an army he rather fight one on one and that shows that he is brave and not afraid. “I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away” (2535-2537).
Thor thinks he is ready to be king but he’s not he is very arrogant which is not a good trait to have for a ruler. The king has to be wise and know what battles to take on and which battles to simply leave alone. Thor shows this great arrogance by going to the land of the frost giants or as norse mythologists would call Jotunheim. Thor is outraged that the frost giants got into the asgardian kingdom he would not let them get away with this thus the reason why he traveled to Jotunheim to have a word or two with the frost giants and their leader Laufey. Beowulf shows arrogance as well
Every past and modern culture over the course of history, has its hero’s. A hero is a person or figure that others look up to and use as forms of protection. Many cherish the hero’s, they make up who we are today. The Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, and the postmodern hero/hero’s, the soldiers, both show the traits of bravery, selflessness, and loyalty. To have the trait of bravery you have to have lots of confidence in yourself and have courage.
The heroic protagonist Beowulf, from the epic poem “Beowulf,” can be viewed as a righteous, altruistic hero rather than an egotistic person. One occurrence of his selflessness can be found within the conversation between Beowulf and Hrothgar. Beowulf explains that if he defeats Grendal, then he prefers that the victory news will not be spread throughout the land. Beowulf proclaims,”I beg one favor—refuse me not,/ Since I come thus faring from far-off lands—/ That I may alone with my loyal earls,/ With this hardy company, cleanse Hart-Hall”(333-336).
He strangled Grendel with his bare hands. He fought Grendel’s mother by himself with no hesitation and fought the dragon to the death but in doing so Beowulf gave his life for those he vowed to protect. Beowulf’s life story is a true epic hero that will be spoken for
Beowulf risked his life twice to help the community of Heorot become safe again and with that received ultimate praise. For a last time Beowulf risked his life to save his own community who were his citizens as king. He conquered a powerful dragon that fatally injured him as well. Beowulf knew his life was at stake yet persevered for the sake of his
Beowulf went through so much to prove he was worthy enough to protect their kingdom and defeat Grendel. The story Beowulf was a great story to read and a great movie to watch; however, the battles were very eye catching and had a lot of extravagant and heroic doings of Beowulf. The first scenario that I’m going to discuss in the movie and story of Beowulf is The Battle with Grendel. In the movie Grendel attacked Beowulf in the Heriot while everyone was dancing and singing.