Who Is Beowulf An Epic Hero
Beowulf encounters three monsters that make him an epic hero. Throughout the poem the reader can see how Beowulf is the greatest warrior of his time. He constantly proves himself through fights and displays countless leadership qualities. Grendel is the first monster that he encounters, and it shows the reader how this monster that killed thirty men, is no match for Beowulf. Then, he faces Grendel’s mother, who proves to be more difficult, but with the help of a magical sword, Beowulf defeats her as well. In addition to those he encounters a fire breathing dragon that is his last and final battle. He shows courage throughout the fight. In each duel, Beowulf shows his heroic qualities with unmatched strength, determination, and bravery. All
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The fight between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother is all about vengeance. “Then it became clear,/ obvious to everyone once the fight was over,/ that an avenger lurked and was still alive,/ grimly biding time” (1255-1258). The sole purpose of her violence is to avenge her son’s death and kill Beowulf. Grendel’s mother shows more monstrous qualities than her son, yet her need for revenge is another human characteristic. Their feud starts with Grendel’s mother sneaking into the Heorot hall where she retrieves Grendel’s arm and abducts Hrothgar’s most trusted companion. The great warrior Beowulf, could not let these actions go without a fight. Therefore, he decides that he is going to track down Grendel’s mother and kill her as well. Their battle takes place at the bottom of her sea-swamp, in a cave, with hundreds of other monsters lurking the sea. First, Grendel must get pass the other sea monsters in order to get to her cave. He swims for a whole day until he finds her secluded home. Grendel’s mother is at an advantage since the fight takes place in her home territory. Beowulf struggles at first, but with the help of his armour and a magical sword made by giants, he is able to come out victorious. This fight compares to the fight with Grendel because he is willing to risk his life for the greater good of the people. Heaney shows this through Beowulf’s boast before the fight: “...if I should …show more content…
Each fight proves Beowulf’s bravery, strength, and his ability to be victorious. The fight with Grendel introduces Beowulf as the only man that could kill this ferocious monster. Grendel’s mother seeks revenge for the death of her son, but Beowulf is able to defeat her, confirming she is no match for the warrior. The dragon proves to be the most difficult fight, and although it ends his life, he is still able to kill the dragon knowing he is going to die. Each of these fights represent the brutality and inhumanity that Beowulf
The fight between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother is all about vengeance. “Then it became clear,/ obvious to everyone once the fight was over,/ that an avenger lurked and was still alive,/ grimly biding time” (1255-1258). The sole purpose of her violence is to avenge her son’s death and kill Beowulf. Grendel’s mother shows more monstrous qualities than her son, yet her need for revenge is another human characteristic. Their feud starts with Grendel’s mother sneaking into the Heorot hall where she retrieves Grendel’s arm and abducts Hrothgar’s most trusted companion. The great warrior Beowulf, could not let these actions go without a fight. Therefore, he decides that he is going to track down Grendel’s mother and kill her as well. Their battle takes place at the bottom of her sea-swamp, in a cave, with hundreds of other monsters lurking the sea. First, Grendel must get pass the other sea monsters in order to get to her cave. He swims for a whole day until he finds her secluded home. Grendel’s mother is at an advantage since the fight takes place in her home territory. Beowulf struggles at first, but with the help of his armour and a magical sword made by giants, he is able to come out victorious. This fight compares to the fight with Grendel because he is willing to risk his life for the greater good of the people. Heaney shows this through Beowulf’s boast before the fight: “...if I should …show more content…
Each fight proves Beowulf’s bravery, strength, and his ability to be victorious. The fight with Grendel introduces Beowulf as the only man that could kill this ferocious monster. Grendel’s mother seeks revenge for the death of her son, but Beowulf is able to defeat her, confirming she is no match for the warrior. The dragon proves to be the most difficult fight, and although it ends his life, he is still able to kill the dragon knowing he is going to die. Each of these fights represent the brutality and inhumanity that Beowulf