Beowulf is tested by Unferth when he is in the mead hall, but other than Grendel and him everyone there is his friend. Grendel is he enemy; he “…haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his home in hell…” (17-18) The hero and the allies get ready for the first challenge, the approach. Beowulf and the people are attacked by Grendel, and they fight to the death of Grendel. Just when they think they’re done, they meet a new obstacle, the ordeal. Grendel’s mom is now the big challenge that he will face. This life threatening fight brings him back on top and “Then old and young rejoiced…”…
Kindness displays when showing compassion for others. Courage displays when one does something that others would not. Geatland’s warrior shows these attributes when he decides to defeat Grendel for the Danes. Man eating beast Grendel already slaughters and eats many Danes. Beowulf displays great kindness for offering to kill Grendel for Hrothgar, King of the Danes.…
Beowulf also has the heroic characteristics of being brave. Beowulf would go and fight taking a risk of his own life on the line just to help out others. not for himself.. at all. But others around him. Beowulf went into it knowing that this nasty slaying dragon was bigger than him but he still didn't have a doubt in his mind going in to fight this dragon.…
What is an epic hero? Beowulf was an archetype or, perfect example of what an epic hero is. Being infallible, he had many characteristics that showed this. Three of them are strength, bravery, and determination. Beowulf was always eager to face anything he was challenged with.…
This essay is going to describe someone`s character traits that I read about. A fictional character named Beowulf. He is a larger than life character of Epic proportions. Beowulf was a warrior, who was honorable, brave, and courageous.…
Beowulf is a riveting tale of heroism and inspiration that not only inspires the readers but, also the characters within the story. Beowolfs courage and strength inspired Wiglaf to stand with him against the mighty dragon. "Yet God, giver of glory and vengeance, granted him strength to stand with his sword"(87) Not only was Wiglaf touched by Beowulf"s strength but also by his generosity. "Beowulf gave the gear that you wear, the best helms and hauberks found near or far for a prince to proffer". All of this lead to his courage and loyalty, that motivated him to stand not only against the dragon but also against the men who ran…
The Anglo-Saxon culture embraces virtues such as courage, strength, loyalty, cunning, and generosity. The epic hero Beowulf exemplifies these virtues. Beowulf possesses each of these characteristics. Throughout the epic tale of Beowulf, the hero displays each of these virtues through his actions and adventures.…
One heroic quality that Beowulf possesses is courage. Beowulf shows courage through the entire story. The fact he even decided to come help the danes proves this quality. There were many other ways that showed this as well: fighting grendel, taking on his mother, fighting the dragon, etc. One specific example of Beowulf displaying courage…
There are many qualities that a hero should possess. Some of which include honor, valor, leadership and compassion. The most general of characteristics that a hero should possess are courage, strength, and a sense of selflessness. Beowulf not only meets the general qualities which are required of a hero, but I believe, through the progression of his life, he comes to attain all great qualities of a true hero.…
I didn’t know how deep the pool was. I had a chance. I knew I had no more than that. It’s all a hero asks for” (Gardener 89). Unferth talks with Beowulf towards the end, although it does not work out for Unferth the way he hopes “He took a deep breath. He would try to be a better person, yes. He forced a smile, but it was twisted out of his control. Tears! He got up suddenly and, without a word, walked out” (Gardner 164). In Grendel, John Gardner weaves Unferth throughout the novel a great deal more the reader manages see just how cowardly and driven by the idea of…
Many different traits and characteristics are thrown together to create the heroes of a story. They are usually the brave, noble types, not out for greed or glory, hoping for love, but living through chivalry. Heroes are also seen as the most honourable character in the tale. But what exactly is honour? To be truly honourable, a man must embody three main characteristics: loyalty, compassion and the willingness to forgive. Two protagonists that portray these traits are King Arthur and Beowulf, each of whom plays the prime role in their self-titled tales.…
Loyalty is one of the most important qualities a man can have, the Anglo-Saxons possessed this quality and kept it sacred. Beowulf's honor and loyalty saved Hrothgar country and his beloved people. "Nor have I see a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken , he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger - on in a herds armor." (244- 251) This quote is showing the loyalty Beowulf beholds and that the people cherish so much. Beowulf stands upon others with his loyalty to his king. He drops everything and helps Hrothgar each time he needs him , conquering Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. However not only Beowulf is loyal in the text, almost every other character in Beowulf is loyal to someone, in their own way. Beowulf most importantly emphasizes the significance of loyalty. Beowulf could have if he was willing too could've seized the throne from Hygelac or Hrothgar, but he is much too loyal to ever betray his friends and battle against them. This…
A couple is enjoying a lovely ride through the cornfields on a summer day. Suddenly a small, shiny spacecraft crash lands next to the couple. They run to the craft and inspect it, they open the lid to reveal a baby. The couple adopts the baby and he grows to become the greatest superhero of all time, Superman. The same type of story happened thousands of years prior, this time we travel to the land of the Danes. Beowulf arrives on a ship, requesting the presence of the king. He is here to save Hrothgar’s people and slay Grendel. Beowulf was the first real superhero and his story is legendary.…
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.…
Beowulf defeats Grendel not because his vanity seeks glory, but because his pride seeks the glory of his kin and country. This honoring of his country by his deeds of good faith is the greatest element of his heroism. Confronting the monster on even terms, proves the integrity of the character through the idea that any advantage over ones foe detracts…