The Sum Of A Homeric Hero

Hannah Marshall
September 3, 2014
English4/ Dent
Beowulf Essay

The Sum Of A Homeric Hero

The character of Beowulf projects your typical Homeric hero characteristics. In the poem Beowulf, written by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet, the old fashion values and goals of an Anglo-Saxon every day Homeric heroes are well shown through the actions of Beowulf. The Values and goals that are a Homeric hero reminds us of how typical Vikings from the past days of 750 A.D. acted. Homeric heroes strive for goals that will be reached in the most superhuman way to achieve their overall happiness.
The thought of dying of natural causes is look at as a dishonor; a Homeric hero would die more pleasantly if fighting for the last breath were how the last moments on earth are spent. Beowulf battled a dragon at the upper ages of his lifetime. In lines 675 – 677 Beowulf states that he will stand and fight the dragon till fate decides which of them wins. Proven that Beowulf would much rather die by the fire of the dragon then by old age.
Death to a Homeric hero would bring more delight then dishonor.
Lines 191- 194 “Beowulf, you’ve come to us in friendship, and because of the reception your father” –Hrothgar. The seen is set that Beowulf has to fights Grendel for king Hrothgar for payback of a favor owed by his own father. It would be dishonorable to the family name if Beowulf didn’t use his skills to take on the Cain spawned beast. Value of strength, skill, courage, and determination are key factors of Homeric heroes. Beowulf values these three characteristics greatly, this is demonstrated when Beowulf ask Hrothgar in lines 165 – 167 the favor Hrothgar is asked not to refuse, that Beowulf and his men are the only ones that are to fight the monster Grendel. The great Beowulf knows that his men have the three main features that it will take to slay the monster. He has no worries that his warriors will help his bring great glory to the Geatish people. Like all people, even Beowulf had self- esteem problems. Seeking the highest praise is a must for a Homeric hero. To achieve the highest glory a great act must be done, that is worth the glory. Beowulf expresses in lines 670-672 “Id use no sword, no weapons, if this beast could be killed without it. ” With that being said the display of Homeric hero acceptances is the same as what Beowulf strives for.
Slaying monsters bring great achievement to heroes that are described as Homeric. Reassuring self-esteem by accomplishing great achievements is a major concept for Beowulf, which is a Homeric hero value as well. In lines 610 – 611 it states “fame comes to the men who mean to win it and care about nothing else”, we are reminded by the narrator here where Beowulf’s mind set is that of a Homeric hero, and that the approval of others is much needed. Beowulf needs the reassurances to keep his self-esteem high.
Prizes of honor given to a Homeric hero are the most honored prizes one can receive in a lifetime. While Beowulf is dying, a final request is made line 803-803 “For this, this gold, these jewels, I thank our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth – golden hoard.” He thanks God for the accomplishment for which he has received many great prizes of honor for throughout his lifetime.
Characteristics of Beowulf reflect those of a true Homeric hero. The mighty Beowulf speaks every word and makes every action with the skill in a way, which only a non-typical hero would. Beowulf being a pure super human the standers is high for anyone or anything trying to be the next Homeric Hero of all.