Who Is Beowulf A Hero

Not All Superheroes Wear Capes Beowulf's’ heroic figure is the cloth other heroes are cut from. They all have similar elements about them. The poet of Beowulf sets a precedent for many future heroes. The way Beowulf talks and acts are a full representation of his heroic character. Not only is he brave but he is extremely independent and determined. He would be nothing if not for his decency and steadfastness regardless of the circumstances. Ridding the word of evil is not a job for the faint of heart or for the physically weak. He is a hero because he has the willpower to be one. He stepped up to any challenge because he never backed out of a fight, even if he was not sure he could win. Even though he was independent and prideful, Beowulf …show more content…
The hero suffers for the benefit of society” (Campbell 151-156). The poet may have thought that to be heroic the character needed to be brave and stand their ground, but they also needed to have integrity and fairness, with qualities of leadership as well as humility. For example, the Beowulf poet is talking directly to the audience when he talks about how the army finds Beowulf and what is left of the dragon. “The great man had breathed his last. Beowulf the king had indeed met with a marvellous death” (Beowulf Poet 3035). Beowulf went out with as much glory as he lived with, he defeated every challenge that came his way and went beyond the expectation of his father, whom he wanted to out do. Beowulf fought the dragon and won. Although at the same time he lost his life. He was however such a courageous warrior that he was willing to give his life if it meant he could save his people, he knew there was a chance he would not make it it out of the battle alive but he did not stop him. He traveled to a foreign country to save strangers he had never met before. He wanted to offer his help because he believed that with his army and his strength he could kill Grendel, “Grendel was the name of this grim demon...he had dwelt for a time in misery among banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts” (Beowulf Poet 102-107). …show more content…
Characters such as Grendel and his mother are evildoers, they traveled all over town killing whomever got in their way or is a convenient kill for them. Grendel was unfair and uncaring, and his mother had similar traits. They waited to unfairly get the upper hand, they would wait until the townspeople were sleeping to attack. These monsters had no moral compass leading them right or wrong. Waiting until the opponent had their guard down and was at their weakest is an example of how they disrespected the humans and did not offer them a fair fight during the day. They acted out of rage and revenge, killing without a purpose. Because of their brutality and unstoppable means of killing, they are greatly feared and even the kings greatest warriors do not want to go up against such an unfathomable force. Leading up to the battle with Grendel’s mother the Beowulf poet wrote, “Beowulf got ready, donned his war gear, indifferent to death; his mighty, hand forged, fine-webbed mail would soon meet with the menace underwater” (Beowulf Poet 1443-1446). He was ready to charge into battle and kill whatever monster that was slaughtering the townspeople. He had specific reason to kill in mind and killed only those who deserved it. Grendel's mother did the opposite, in her anger she killed whoever she could get her hands on, innocent or guilty. She did not