Beowulf: A Well-Designed Hero With Exceptional Qualities

Beowulf can not simply kill nine sea monsters for fame; he must also kill Grendel. Then, slaying Grendel is not enough, he has to kill Grendel’s mom, and eventually the

Does Beowulf truly wish to save Hrothgar and his people from “mankind’s enemy [Grendel]?” Or, perhaps, Beowulf wished only to attain the glory that came with acting as the “righteous” hero? In the time of the Anglo­Saxon’s, a man’s worth was placed solely on his wealth and reputation. Therefore, it makes logical sense that Beowulf would kill evil monsters and partake in glorious adventures under the guise of Jacie Barthelemy 2 selflessness and courage when in reality, all he did was to attain opulent wealth and glory for his own selfish desire.

At this point of the story Beowulf was back at his home town and he became the king of the Geats. Geatland was attacked by a Dragon and Beowulf stated, “I risked my life often… but as a king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (2511-2514). He starts bragging about his past battles and saying that the fight was not “up to any man except [him]” (2533). Being already a king one would agree that his warriors would have protected him and his people, why would Beowulf want to fight against the Dragon. Beowulf knew that he was old already and that things were different but he wanted to “win the gold by [his] courage” (2535).

Beowulf has proven that he is fit to be an ideal hero and king. Beowulf has saved many lives by purging evil. He had reigned over the Geats for fifty years. Beowulf is widely respected for what he had accomplished. Even though Beowulf is regarded as a hero, he has faced many hardships.

When Beowulf took on Grendel he was also getting revenge for Hrothgar’s fallen men, just as now Grendel’s mom is getting vengeance on Beowulf for killing her son. “But now his mother had sallied forth on a savage journey, grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.” (Beowulf 144) This was able to drive the story because as the reader read they could feel the pain that Grendel’s mom felt knowing that someone had killed her son. The final conflict that proclaims Beowulf is the duel between him and the dragon.

Beowulf ended the suffering of the people he was trying to protect. He displays absolute courage and bravery on the battlefield. Moreover, he shows no fear or any sign of weakness, as he is determined to defeat the enemy. His physical strength is seen when he abandons his sword and faces the enemy barehanded. He does not want to appear weak by hiding behind a shield or sword that will protect him.

Battle-worn armor and razor-sharp sword held high, Beowulf an epic hero from the Anglo-Saxon era is the epitome of heroism today. He unselfishly risks his life to defeat evil that plagues innocent lives. Although he was a hero before our time, his heroic qualities have surpassed time. Beowulf's bravery, strength, and willingness to help others are qualities that we commend today and are possessed by our modern-day heroes.

Every heroic hero acquires undeniable brave characteristics. The exciting poem called Beowulf explains the most heroic man of all throughout the poem is a hero. He displays being a great warrior by determination, self-respect, and loyalty making him an outstanding hero. He is significant and needed to all those he’s come across and is known for his strong appeal, bold and a caring person. He proves all of the assets and behaviors that a real leader possesses.

(Beowulf 9).Beowulf defeats the demon Grendel without any weapons showing how strong he is. As Grendel is trying to retreat, Beowulf rips his arm off which is hung in the Mead Hall as a trophy. Grendel withdrew back to his home in the swamps where he dies. In reaction to her son’s death, Grendel’s mother; a woeful monster; seeks revenge. “Grendel’s mother, monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs” (Beowulf 89).

Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.

In Anglo-Saxon culture to be a hero was to be a warrior and a noble leader for his people. Warriors had to be willing to face any odds put against him any willing to die. He was born of a noble birth by being born the prince of the Geats. Beowulf character traits by carrying out brave deeds, being a kind and generous leader, and his willingness to put his life on the line for the greater good of his people. Beowulf’s courageous acts include not making his men do anything he wouldn’t do himself.

Nevertheless, when Beowulf does defeat Grendel’s mother in the end, he comes out looking like a greater and nobler hero than

“ No one else could do what i mean to here, no man but me could hope to defeat this Monster, no one would try. And this dragon’s treasure, his gold and everything else that was hidden in the tower, will be mine”. He does this because he wants to die with glory and this is they way to die in glory because he is dying to protect the people which is an act of good. A person who represents good is known as a hero, and that what Beowulf is. A person who represents evil is someone like Grendel because he shows different acts by killing innocent people for food.

Another one of Beowulf’s tragic flaws is his pride. He didn’t know when to stop fighting off monsters even when he was getting older. The narrator explains when Beowulf was getting ready to fight Grendel’s mother how he, “donned his war-gear, indifferent to death” (Heaney 11441). He is so prideful and boastful that he thought that he was basically immortal to death or anything that can potentially kill him. Sometimes Beowulf’s pride might be too much to

Beowulf is attacked by Grendel’s mother and dragged toher cave. He tries to hit her with his sword but does not succeed in piercing her skin.in frustration Beowulf attacks her with his bare hands. He manges toknock down grendels mother. Grendel mother attends to fight back and end up sititng on top of Beowulf. She desperately tries to kill Beowulf, but his armor protects him from her attacks.