Pride In Beowulf
Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary. No matter what culture or era, heroes are celebrated because of the paths they chose and the responsibilities they took. However, the virtues and the values that they reflect might be different depending on where they are from or what era they are in. Humility and fate are valued dissimilarly, whereas selflessness is admired constantly across the globe. Humility is more esteemed in Chinese culture than in the Anglo-Saxon’s. The description of Beowulf in the poem Beowulf, “The strongest of the Geats – greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (lines 110-111), explicitly expresses the unparalleled strength Beowulf possessed. It intends to inform his enemies and challengers
…show more content…
Fifty years went by after Beowulf succeeded to the throne. The land of the Geats was finally jeopardized by a mighty dragon who was enraged for a thief had stolen a jeweled cup from his hoard of gold. Beowulf had to fight the ferocious dragon in order to protect the peace of his kingdom. “This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth.” (Lines 682-685) Beowulf still courageously chose to take full responsibility in spite of his fading strength. Perhaps he had a desire for lasting fame, but his willingness to sacrifice himself for the harmony of his realm substantially demonstrates his considerable heroism. Similarly, people in the current generation tend to admire heroes who have the audacity to risk their lives for the good of the society more. Altruism is highly esteemed in a world that is filled with rampant egoism. Most people are striving for the best of their own benefits. Nevertheless, whenever natural disasters occur inevitably, the light of humanity shines all over the world. For instance, responsible teachers always rush into the school buildings to try to evacuate as many students in danger as they can when catastrophic earthquakes take place. Often times, these brave teachers give up their own precious lives because they are eventually stuck in the wreckage of buildings. These selfless teachers are extremely honored owing to the readiness to rescue the future of our society at the cost of their own
Fifty years went by after Beowulf succeeded to the throne. The land of the Geats was finally jeopardized by a mighty dragon who was enraged for a thief had stolen a jeweled cup from his hoard of gold. Beowulf had to fight the ferocious dragon in order to protect the peace of his kingdom. “This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth.” (Lines 682-685) Beowulf still courageously chose to take full responsibility in spite of his fading strength. Perhaps he had a desire for lasting fame, but his willingness to sacrifice himself for the harmony of his realm substantially demonstrates his considerable heroism. Similarly, people in the current generation tend to admire heroes who have the audacity to risk their lives for the good of the society more. Altruism is highly esteemed in a world that is filled with rampant egoism. Most people are striving for the best of their own benefits. Nevertheless, whenever natural disasters occur inevitably, the light of humanity shines all over the world. For instance, responsible teachers always rush into the school buildings to try to evacuate as many students in danger as they can when catastrophic earthquakes take place. Often times, these brave teachers give up their own precious lives because they are eventually stuck in the wreckage of buildings. These selfless teachers are extremely honored owing to the readiness to rescue the future of our society at the cost of their own