Preview

The True Hero In Beowulf's Heroic Code

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
411 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The True Hero In Beowulf's Heroic Code
Beowulf exemplifies the perfect hero, even from his youth he perfectly embodies the manners and values dictated by the Germanic heroic code, including pride, loyalty, and strength. Beowulf’s youthful heroism as an unfettered warrior and his mature heroism as a reliable king, help portray him as a man of great character who is fair and just. Beowulf’s actions were some of proving his power and might, his attitude was that he was the best, and he was out to show it. This doesn't mean that he was of bad character, he was proud of himself and was striving to be the best he could be.
Beowulf was motivated not only to prove himself and gain wealth and fortune, but also to bring honor to his King, Hygelac. Was this a main point of motivation
…show more content…
This motive gives him a few differing traits than those of a fellow soldier. Many Special Forces or Armed Force’s elites, are looked on by most lower ranking, normal armed forces men, as arrogant low life's, when in reality, to go through what they do they must have enormous amounts of self confidence. This is more closely to why Beowulf acts the way that he does. Beowulf is more apt to take chances, like fighting Grendel with no armor, because this gives greater fame and reward, while soldiers are selfless and would rather get the job taken care of in a more exact manner. Beowulf’s large amounts of bravery are what mainly connect him to those of a soldier today and a soldier of years past.
In conclusion, Beowulf is an amazing hero and ruler. He is extremely powerful from his boyhood until his death in battle, and this what many young men will strive to be. Beowulf is a legend with many strong characteristics, that he proves through his actions and his defeat of the three

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf did all these great things. Becoming a warrior, being boastful, and so much more. Beowulf defeated many monsters, Grendel and his mother, into death. He was also being a respectful person to people, he didn't just walk into places and acted like he was the king of the town. He loved to show people what he did and how proud he was. Also he loved to travel to towns to help people defeat evil. But all in all he was a wise man, knew what he was doing. That is why we think Beowulf is a great Epic Hero.…

    • 100 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf had much pride, which was rare for his time. His pride is always fighting his responsibility to the people around him. He never asks for help, even if he may need it. Beowulf is reckless and races Brecca in the open sea for seven days to satisfy a foolish bet. His pride was the reason he battled all the monsters. He wanted to secure the protection of his people. After hearing…

    • 652 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    He was loyal to the people he protected, not worrying about the cost of his own life. He was a prideful man, who faced good and evil situations to prove his strengths or praise. Three evil monsters, who sought vengeance upon one of mankind’s most powerful warrior. Beowulf was considered to be of God, whereas the monsters were of the devil. It’s like the old saying one bad apple spoils the bunch. Each monster had an evil agenda to kill, steal, or destroy. Beowulf possessed good qualities and the monsters, and creatures possessed evil, and as I stated in the beginning like oil and water it does not…

    • 2088 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    He is described as “The mildest of men and the gentlest, kindest to his people, and most eager for fame” (Beowulf 52). Although possessing a domineering figure, he is still viewed as tender. Beowulf is able to maintain the duality of a fierce warrior, while also embodying the humbleness of a hero. This contrast clearly depicts the dichotomy of the Christian and Pagan values within the Anglo-Saxon culture. In turn, making Beowulf a true Anglo-Saxon hero with an assimilation of both religious ideals (Brosamer 39).…

    • 947 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The characterization of Beowulf is one of grandeur, portraying the king to be almost superhuman and greater than any other. The king goes through many trials saving people and performing miracles to prove his worth. The Beowulf poet attempts to draw a parallel between the leader and Jesus, although in vain. Beowulf is simply human, even the best human still pales in comparison to Jesus Christ. The character can be viewed as a Christ-like figure through his superhuman miracles, his greatest enemy, and his gracious attitude towards his people. Beowulf, however, does not nearly reach the notch to be like Christ; he fails due to his greatest flaw, pride. His death does not bring peace or spiritual benefit for his tribe; these flaws ultimately prove…

    • 724 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    A Good Anglo-Saxon man

    • 589 Words
    • 2 Pages

    I also think that Beowulf is a good man for being so loyal even to his enemies because he believed that everyone was equal. He also killed Grendel so that he wouldn’t take out any more of Hrothgar’s people. He also at his older age faced the fire breathing dragon that brought him to sudden fait for his people after he became king. I think that what most of all makes Beowulf the best man during the Anglo-Saxon period was he was saw as a strong Christ-like figure. In fact he was of Christian belief and strongly believed that he won every battle because of the power from God. He believed that he was guided by God to make every move he made and that’s why he succeeded because God is the highest power above the King.…

    • 589 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Beowulf, the Epic Hero

    • 1442 Words
    • 6 Pages

    There have been many grand stories about great warriors, and champions; those about epic heroes however, are the truly exceptional tales. One such tale, over a thousand years old, stands out from all the rest: Beowulf, the tale of a great warrior, on his quest to achieve eternal glory, defeating great opponents. Throughout the whole story, Beowulf demonstrates most –if not all- of the qualities that an archetypal hero possesses. He embodies the highest ideals of his culture, travels to find adventure, and is not emotionally connected to his followers. Beowulf undertakes his journey to achieve something of great value to himself and society, defeats monsters, yet maintains humanity. Although Beowulf experiences human emotions and feelings, he is able to master and control them very well, and he will be remembered forever, achieving a type of immortality.…

    • 1442 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Loyalty

    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf has many admirable characteristics that portray what is found in the Christian religion. What makes his personality so adhesive is not only the desire he has for fame, but also the actions and responsibilities that he obtains. Besides doing this for the reputation that he beholds and openly boasts about, he has deeper roots which are tied to the favor that his father once received. Being from the family that he descended from, he is obligated by blood to follow in his fathers footsteps, which can equate to picking up where his father left off. His loyalty to his diseased father remains strong and he knew that a favor of that which his father received needed to be compensated for. This feature that is found in Beowulf shows that a warrior is the best when he can lower himself to the position of a servant and induce closure for his adopted bearings.…

    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Essay

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf is a good example of a courageous and strong hero. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Beowulf is a very brave and courageous person. His actions toward the monster Grendel that was terrorizing the Danes show that he is willing to help others. In an epic it is usually found that the hero often determines the fate of a nation or group of people. Beowulf has definitely helped the Danes and his own people the Geats in their triumph over evil by killing Grendel his mom and the dragon. He has helped mankind a great deal and because of that he is made king of the Geats. Beowulf’s brave deeds and accomplishments have contributed to the Danes and the Geats survival.…

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Is a Hero

    • 878 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They show great bravery, intelligence, strength and resourcefulness. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil. Beowulf encompasses all of these traits of an epic hero, and more.…

    • 878 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Beowulf: A True Hero

    • 1366 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Epic battles, terrifying monsters, extraordinary strength, and great leadership; these characteristics and encounters are what make up the epic hero that is Beowulf. The heroism exemplified by Beowulf is defined by many different qualities. Beowulf is truly a hero because he is willing to put himself at great risk for the greater good.…

    • 1366 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Epic Hero

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages

    It is said many times that Beowulf is among the "mightiest yet mildest of men." A hero of any sorts is not only strong in battle and great in bravery, but modest and humble. A certain respect for balance between power, leadership and acceptance must be understood in order for an epic hero to truly be the stuff of legends. Where there is mighty skill and ability to slay dangers and face peril, intellect and wisdom must counter the brutality. I believe this exists within Beowulf, who although is proud and eager for glory, was also a "mild" man. His deeds were justifiably honorable and worthy of praise, and yet when met with what may be certain death, he accepted his chanced demise and stood his ground despite that.…

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: An Epic Hero

    • 591 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The character of Beowulf is extremely strong and admired by all. This is a key characteristic to a story being an epic. Beowulf is praised by the king, his soldiers, and the townspeople. They show their praises by holding a banquet for him and saying, "But to table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor:Let us toast your victories, and talk of the future"(223-224). Beowulf is all about helping and winning the glory of his people. Especially when it comes to battle, he says, "My purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle/Let me live in greatness And courage,"(366-369). Beowulf is treated like a God and appears to be larger than life.…

    • 591 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Epic Hero Beowulf

    • 338 Words
    • 1 Page

    Beowulf encompasses the traits of a true epic hero. He demonstrates his heroic qualities in the battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Beowulf is a larger-than-life character, he embodies the traditions of his culture, and he embodies…

    • 338 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Loyalty In Beowulf

    • 475 Words
    • 2 Pages

    In Beowulf, there is a part that says, “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. There is no more hanger-on in a hero’s armour.” (244) Beowulf’s identity as a hero has become pretty obvious to the Danes just by looking at him. He’s actually the real deal and not someone he isn’t, he seems to have the “realness” exposed more. The acts demonstrated by Beowulf show the amount of loyalty that was put into this epic poem and made him stand out amongst his…

    • 475 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays