Beowulf

Jon Soudan (22G)
Mrs. Wilkins
English 131
29 October 2014
Beowulf, Bane of Evil Heroes. We all know them when we see them. Characteristics of what it means to be a hero are shown throughout Seamus Heaney 's translation of Beowulf. The story tells us of how the one, and only, Beowulf sails to the aid of King Hrothgar and his people in order to save them from the terrible beast, Grendel, that is threatening their way of life just as much as their lives. The warrior-hero Beowulf definitely shows characteristics of a hero through bravery, loyalty, generosity, friendship, achieving something of great value, and providing people with a sense of security. First, Beowulf showcases his heroic nature in his various quests. Many times, he fears nothing as a showcase of this bravery. It is clearly stated, “So Beowulf chose the mightiest men he could find, the bravest and best of the Geats, fourteen in all, and led them down to their boat” (119-122). This proves his bravery because he was the go to guy for the Geats. By choosing the mightiest and bravest of followers, Beowulf reflects that he must have been even more brave and powerful in order to be able to lead his venerable troops. Therefore in choosing the brave men he did, not only did he prove how much more brave he truly was, but also that he was by far a truly epic hero. Another way Beowulf displays that he is a hero is through his friendship. By showing friendship Beowulf is able to relate to everyone in a much more "real" way. Therefore he has the right and in fact duty, to give them help in a difficult situation. This is shown when he goes to talk to king Hrothgar who says, “Beowulf you’ve come to us in friendship, and because Of the reception your father found at our court” (191-192). This states that the king was indeed very grateful that he had made the journey and as a result he considered Beowulf a great ally and friend. Beowulf shows his friendship in the fact that he didn’t have to come save king Hrothgar’s people, however because he was reaching out and being a friend he wanted to save them from evil. In this instance again Beowulf shows that he deserves to have the title of a hero by showing such strong friendship. Beowulf was an ideal hero, and was therefore loyal in any situation. So it was a big deal that Beowulf showed his loyalty to king Hrothgar in his quote, “I brought the end of Edgetho’s Quarrel, sent ancient treasures through the ocean’s Furrows to the Wulfings; your father swore He’d keep that peace” (204-207). This is speaking of an act of kindness that finally brought Beowulf’s father to peace with Hrothgar’s people. In coming to the aid of the Anglo-Saxon’s, Beowulf keeps the peace and thus shows his loyalty and respect to king Hrothgar for helping his father. Beowulf the warrior-hero gave his loyalty to Hrothgar. Furthermore, Beowulf can be classified as a hero in his generosity. Beowulf was always being generous no matter who was involved. He would accept a challenge even if he knew it might take his life. One of the most amazing ways to show generosity and selflessness is in sacrifice. A great example of this is when the warrior says, “when we crossed the sea, my comrades And I, I already knew that all My purpose was this: to win the good will Of your people or die in battle,” (364-367). In this statement Beowulf is saying that he is willing to lay down his own life if it means he might help save the Anglo-Saxon people. Beowulf 's generosity testifies again to his heroic nature and attitude. Further proof, that Beowulf is an epic hero is when he achieves something of great value for himself. This is described in a secondary source called “Moments in time” which is written by an english major at the University of Memphis. He says, “They undertake long, dangerous journeys, or quest, to achieve something of a great value to themselves or their people” (‘Moments in time”). Beowulf always took every problem he heard about on himself. The reason being is because he wanted to gain immortality for himself. This characteristic of an epic hero is shown through this quote, “Proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king, Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, Now when help was needed” (114-116). Beowulf did not sail off to rescue Hrothgar’s people right away, but instead waited till he was sure that he was the only one that could do the task. The reason he did this is because he wanted to gain immortality, something that was very important for a hero. Therefore, Beowulf took a long quest in order to gain something of great value for himself which shows that he is in fact and epic hero.

Also Beowulf can be described as a great hero because he provides the people with safety. An essay written about Beowulf describes it this way, “An Anglo-Saxon hero is a person who has good leadership qualities, is able and willing to provide people with a sense of security, and is willing to go into danger despite possible harm to themselves” (“Epic of Beowulf Essay”). People think of a person very highly when they feel safe with them. This element of an epic hero is described when Beowulf says, “I have come so far, Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend, That this one favor you should not refuse me-That I, alone and with the help of my men, May purge all evil from this hall” (162-166). Beowulf says that he wants to purge all evil from their land. In doing so he is providing the people with a sense of confidence that they are safe and secure. Beowulf’s words cause the people to feel a sense of ease, which gives evidence that he is an epic hero.

Finally Beowulf earns the title of an epic hero through being very intelligent. In doing so he fulfills what Christopher Garcia says, “In Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, to be a hero was to be a warrior. A hero had to be strong, intelligent, and courageous” (“The Anglo-Saxon Hero”). When someone is in a form of leadership the people expect them to give them smart or intelligent advice. Not only intelligent advice but also to set an example before them that is intelligent. Beowulf’s reaction when Grendel arrives shows this final characteristic of a hero, “Then he stepped to another Still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws, Grasped at a strong-hearted wakeful sleeper- And was instantly seized himself,” (427-430). Beowulf is very courageous and intelligent in the way he decides to confront Grendel. You could say that Grendel is tricked by Beowulf because he pretends to be asleep and doesn’t move to attack him until it’s too late. The intelligent and cunning tactic Beowulf uses to defeat Grendel is another way that he definitely earns the right to be called an epic hero.

Throughout the story, Beowulf is constantly displaying characteristics of an epic hero. First of all Beowulf displays the four pillars of Anglo-Saxon which include bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship (Element of Literature, “The Anglo-Saxons” 2). He also gets something of great value for himself. Beowulf also gives the people a sense of safety and security. His intelligence is also another way his heroic behavior is shown. There are many heroes throughout time but as far as epic heroes go, Beowulf really takes the cake.

Works Cited

"Free Beowulf Essays and Papers." Free Beowulf Essays and Papers. Web. 6 Nov. 2014. <http://www.123helpme.com/search.asp?text=beowulf>. Multiple Authors - used for inspiration

Cited: "Free Beowulf Essays and Papers." Free Beowulf Essays and Papers. Web. 6 Nov. 2014. <http://www.123helpme.com/search.asp?text=beowulf>. Multiple Authors - used for inspiration