Beowulf - Hero
The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the
Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible
person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. He is able to
use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people
before himself. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to
boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero
who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good
of others.
Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his
amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned
victorious from all but his last. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill
the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve
years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is
fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death,
he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's
sword that canonly be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When
he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it
takes four men to lift and carry it back to Herot mead-hall. This
strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism.
Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples
welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king of the Geats so he is
sent to help the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own
life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the dangers
but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had served his people
as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to
fight a horrible dragon who is frightening all of his people. Beowulf
is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people.
Even in death he wished so secure...
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