Out of the many archetypes shown in Beowulf, two characters show the greatest influence and biggest impact on the life and success of Beowulf. One of those characters is Wiglaf. He becomes a faithful follower of Beowulf towards the end of the tale, and in the end sets the tone for the character of a loyal sidekick. While most sidekicks accompany a hero on all of his endeavors, Wiglaf is only there for the last. The last, however, turns out to be the most important; as it is the las t thing Beowulf will do. Wiglaf is the only one to support our hero at this point, and does not give up on him even though he is well aware that Beowulf will go down in his last battle. He also knows that he is risking his own life as well, yet he…
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.…
“A monster is made by men,” a philosopher once wrote. In “Grendel” and “Beowulf” a monster named Grendel is doomed by his environment; unable to communicate with humans and built like a beast Grendel appears as a monster to men. The portrayal of Grendel as a hero differs in the novel and the epic, but they both portray Grendel as a monster in terms of society.…
When Beowulf returns victoriously to his homeland after the defeat of Grendel, one might expect that the text would praise him and celebrate his triumphs. This is indeed the case in lines 2163-2210, however the author also chooses this moment to reveal an unexpected aspect of the hero’s lowly past: that before he left for the Danish lands, King Hygelac and the Geat people “had never much esteemed [Beowulf] in the mead-hall”. A similar surprising moment arises just after our hero kills Grendel’s mother, when, amidst the many congratulations, Hrothgar suddenly warns Beowulf of a greater challenge that is yet to come: the challenge of leadership and growing old, which he conveys through the story of an elderly king, Heremod, who lives in the glory…
Valor is often seen as an upside to someone’s personality, but when very brave, it mistakenly leads to being brave in situations where the dispute is unfavorable. Excessive bravery leads to careless or unneeded acts, times when doing something is insane. Having too much courage results in recklessness. Courage takes over rationality, the outcome being unwise choices, which leads to consequences. In both passages the qualities of bravery leads to unnecessary risks.…
Heros are praised members of society, but that view can easily change if the hero steps over the fine line separating being a hero, and being boastful. Beowulf’s position on that line is questioned in the epic poem, Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel. The poem tells of Beowulf, a great Geatish warrior, facing three monsters that threaten the vikings. Beowulf is a hero because he risks his life for the sake of others, doesn’t give up, and fights even though there’s a good chance he might lose. He proved this in his battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.…
Stop and think for a moment, what is your idea of a hero? What characteristics make up this hero? When reading the story Beowulf it can be discovered that a hero has strength, loyalty, and courage to endure all of their battles. There are qualities that make this epic poem have more Christian aspects, such as when Beowulf gave thanks to God for his safety and rewards in battle, the character Grendel is used symbolically as descendant of Cain, and Beowulf is a Christ like figure.…
Wiglaf has a few qualities of the young Beowulf from the previous part of the story. He is a fearless, loyal, and strong warrior. He entitled Beowulf from the previous settings said “That it’s always better to act than to grieve”. He shows the next generation of the future of Geatland. His bravery keeps the glance of assumptions, however is by a tone of hopeless at what the future holds. When Beowulf is dying, he gives his golden necklace (which they called a torque) to Wiglaf. Which symbolize the exchange of power from Beowulf to him. Even though Wiglaf did not inherited the right to rule, he earned it. If he isn't as great as Beowulf was, he certainly does not lack in courage and loyalty. Even though Wiglaf is not Beowulf’s son, he thinks of him as a son. When he is dying, he reflects on his life and passes control of Geatland to Wiglaf. He later shows honor in his own way when he refuses to pull back in battle, “A warrior will sooner / die than live a life of shame” (Lines 2890-2891).he is stating that abandonation would be shameful and dishonorable. Many of his soldiers did abandon him. At…
Beowulf by Gareth Hinds is graphic novel based on the Anglo-Saxon epic from 1000 A.D. This work tells the story of a warrior-prince named Beowulf, who completes various heroic tasks throughout the epic story. How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster teaches the reader the real qualities and characteristics it takes to be a true hero in literature. In his quests Beowulf proves that he is a true hero in literature.…
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” - Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela is a famous leader, who was also the first black president of South Africa. He fought to make a change for a whole country by overthrowing the pro-apartheid government and spent almost 30 years in jail for the his beliefs. Similarly to Mandela, Beowulf fought for the safety of people and their right to live peacefully. It is evident that Beowulf is a true hero that carries the characteristics of which are comparable to Nelson Mandela’s legacy and leadership qualities. While today’s ideal hero may be different from Beowulf in Anglo-Saxon times, many heroes in modern history, like Nelson…
There are many examples of Beowulf’s persistence and courage throughout the passage. He told of a competition he lost against his friend, Breca. He claimed that he had lost because he was attacked by sea-monsters and had to fight them off. “However it occurred, my sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night dangers and hard ordeals I have never heard of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves. But worn out as I was, I survived, came through with my life.” (Lines 574-579) This…
What is a hero? Many people have different definitions of what a hero can be for example Beowulf. In the story Beowulf, Beowulf the hero is described as a great fighter and a man of tremendous strength. In my opinion a hero is not what the story describes a hero as. my definition of a hero is a good person who does something nice or saves somebody. A hero can also be someone you look up too. The Hollywood's definition of a hero is way different than my definition of a hero their definition of a hero is somebody who saves lives, has supernatural powers and are always protagonist in the stories. Some traits a hero has to make him a hero are they are nice, brave, have powers, caring and are patient. My definition and Hollywood's definition of…
According to Emerson's essay he considers Beowulf a hero because he fits all the qualities of the heroes. A hero has to be respected by others Beowulf was respected, when he was fighting Grendel, the Danes wanted to help him; "Many a noble of Beowulf brandished his battle sword old would guard the live of his lord and protector." They are applying that he is very high and mighty. Emerson also says a hero has to have a war-like attitude. Beowulf portrays this when it describes him. “The stout-hearted warrior snatched as he slumbered, seizing hand with-grip”. Emerson also said that a hero has to have fortitude. One sees that he has fortitude when it says; “The foe i must grapple, fight for my life then foeman with foeman.” Emerson said a hero…
Beowulf has many of the characteristics to classify him as a hero. For example he’s brave, sacrificial, strong, caring and patient. Evidence from the text where Beowulf shows/develops these characteristics are:…
Felix Adler describes a hero as someone “who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by”, emphasizing that a hero puts others before themselves, as well as doing everything in their power to contribute to the greater good. An important concept in literary works, heroes place an emphasis on helping others. Often a protagonist, a hero fights to keep the common good, going against evil or the antagonist. This concept has not faded over time as heroes continue to play an important role in many people's lives, as insignificant as Spider-man may seem, he spends his time helping others. However, not all literary works must have a character that fits Felix Adler’s definition of a hero. Many works lack a character, even the protagonist, who fits Felix Adler's description of a hero and therefore may not have a hero.…