Cultural Heroism In Beowulf

Many times a group of people seek a leader they can trust and have confidence in to protect and lead them the right way. In the epic poem Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxons have found just that, a powerful leader, they can trust. Beowulf, the main character and leader, proved his worth and receives lof from his people. Beowulf shows his lof, or fame and pride, by showing his cultural heroism by fighting Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Beowulf is a cultural hero because of his ability to fight against the odds of his opponents. He uses his strength in the battle against Grendel. Beowulf even says that when it comes to fighting him, he says is as dangerous as Grendel is. Beowulf said, "No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed …show more content…
Beowulf seems to be living a similar life as the Anglo-Saxons because of the constant war, or battles, that he finds himself in. Grendel's mother is on a mission seeking revenge against Beowulf. "The warrior determined to take revenge for every gross act Grendel had committed for killing her son" (Beowulf 1577-1578). At this point it is shown that Grendel's mother is ready to fight and doesn't care what she has to do to get revenge. It is stated, "then suddenly the vehement mother avenged her son and wreaked destruction. Death had robbed her" (Beowulf 2117-2119). Grendel's mother was infuriated that Beowulf had taken her son’s life, and it was her turn to try and make him pay. Beowulf, who would be achieving lof decides to battle against her and wins. It was present that the Geats had appreciated the great work by Beowulf and gave him the fame and praise that he had deserved for once again being a hero and defeating a monster in Grendel's …show more content…
In this scenario we see the Geats getting into more trouble and getting into a battle. Beowulf who has already proven himself to be very powerful and honored has yet another fight. This time it was against a very strong dragon that had items stolen from him. The fight was about to go down and there was no doubt Beowulf had a good battle on his hands. "He had scant regard for the dragon as a threat, no dread at all of its courage or strength" (Beowulf 2347-2349). Beowulf was up against a tough opponent but knew he was powerful enough for the dragon. "...Grapple with the dragon and make good my boast" (Beowulf 2520). During the fight Beowulf decided to use his armor and weapon because that is what he had the best chance with. If he had not used a weapon, then it would have not been much competition for the dragon. Beowulf would end up having this be his last battle because of his fate to die, and also the dragon’s, as they both do not survive. Even though Beowulf dies, in the process he had earned the respect from the Geats and the people of the Anglo-Saxon era. Most importantly of all, he had achieved what all Anglo-Saxon men wanted, which was