Beowulf: Who Is a Hero?

English 12 Beowulf Essay What is a hero? Most of the time, when people think of the world “hero” they often think of the classic comic book based super heroes such as Superman or wonder woman. A hero, as defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. The main character Beowulf from the story Beowulf is a hero because he exemplifies the very definition of an epic hero. In the story Beowulf, the unknown author shows that the main character Beowulf is not only just a hero but an epic hero also through examples given throughout the story. These examples are shown through Beowulf’s actions and how he handles situations and people as well as his way of thinking and how he carries himself. Beowulf himself is depicted not only as being larger than life, but also as one without favoritism, revealing not only just his virtues but his failures in a way as well. He also is depicted as being very active, taking great action and credit for major situations that occur in the story. Overall, because of this Beowulf, through these associated characteristics of an epic hero, shows the traits of bravery, loyalty and honor. These universal traits are what make him a hero and can be related to the modern day heroes of today. The very first quality revealed by Beowulf to the readers is loyalty. Loyalty is defined as a strong feeling of support to or for something. It is one of the universal qualities found in all known heroes. Readers find out that loyalty is one of his guiding virtues which are one the first to give explanation to why he has come to assistance of the Danes and King Hrothgar. His very presence is made in the name of loyalty. It is made known that Beowulf is not just there simply to kill the monster Grendel, but he is there in the name of loyalty in order to return payment for his own king in Geatland. In the poem of lines 142 – 153, after Beowulf first arrives to Hrothgar’s kingdom he explains why he is there and how he heard of their trouble. In these lines, Beowulf states “hail Hrothgar! Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days of my youth have been filled with glory. Now Grendel’s name has echoed in our land; sailors have brought us stories of Herot, the best of all mead-halls… My people have said the wisest, most knowing and best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes great king.” In the story, Beowulf basically states that battling Grendel was his duty, which is one of the biggest examples from the text for his allegiance to loyalty. Accordingly with his virtues of loyalty also come honor, which is another universal aspect held within a hero. Honor is the ability to fulfill and keep, and to have high regards or respect to. Beowulf’s urges to fight Grendel are based upon his own honor code as well as that of his Anglo-Saxon background. He is also concerned with how he will be portrayed and seen by his men, his peers, Hrothgar’s kingdom, and the rest of the world just has any real hero. The first example of this is made when he first arrives, and he makes his presence known to Hrothgar and his people. He turns his introduction into a résumé based speech as he starts to give stories about his battle with various monsters and his achievements and successes among them. The quality of bravery is one of the biggest qualities that Beowulf has. It is apparent from the very beginning of the story when looking at the situation of taking on the monstrosity known as Grendel. Bravery is also one of the most valiant traits that is exemplified by Beowulf. It is known and very obvious that Beowulf is not afraid to die. He In conclusion, Beowulf is a big example of not only an epic hero, but a general hero as well. Because he is not only just larger than life and shows the the traits of loyalty, honor, and bravery he is a hero. In addition, these same qualities are what make all heroes. Whether those heroes be teachers, parents, icons, or random people on the streets. These traits are what make all heroes.