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Characteristics of a hero
Characteristics of a hero
Hero characteristics
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More handpicked essays just for you.
Characteristics of a hero
Characteristics of a hero
Hero characteristics
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Throughout the history of mankind there have been many books and stories written which preview a hero doing dangerous, epic deeds for the good of others. The same is true in the story of Beowulf, titled Beowulf. Beowulf was written by the Anglo Saxons by an unknown author. In the book Beowulf, Beowulf follows the role of the archetypal hero and fulfills it by going on epic quests to help, and save kingdoms. This is shown whenever Beowulf sets out to fight Grendel, an awful beast who is terrorizing Hrothgar’s kingdom.
Sacrificing his life for his people, Beowulf proved in his triumph over the dragon his legacy and hero status would resound forever within the Norse community. I do support the idea of confronting the dragon differently, but I insist Beowulf wisely decided to encounter the dragon. Since Beowulf lost his life as a result of the clash, questions arise when evaluating his preparation to battle the dragon. However, the conflict proved inevitable and necessary. Honoring his family and nation, Beowulf stood up to the dragon with valor and never needed to consider avoiding the burdensome task.
As we know, a hero is an individual that meets a monomyth. This involves the hero going on an adventure, in a decisive crisis that leads to a victory, and then comes home transformed. Even though Beowulf seems to meet the criteria of being a heroic figure, he willingly went to Heorot without being called by Hrothgar, the king of Heorot. The attitude towards the challenges he faces does not match the ideal persona of a hero. After defeating a problematic monster named Grendel, he only made the situation worse.
People today do not take the risk like he did and it fascinates me to think that even in death he was honored. His nephew did everything he asked and more. Beowulf is not like other heroes. He is not in it for others to look at him and say he is a hero mostly he just wanted to help. He was loved, committed, and fearless.
The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land.
He was very loyal to his dad’s old friend, and people that crossed his path. Beowulf takes pride in his killings and battles. He does not let one thing bring him down; he comes back unashamed and 10 times harder. Beowulf is a hero because of his strong mind, perseverance and the will power he always carried. Beowulf is described as a monster eating warrior.
One of the biggest hero qualities Beowulf was his courage. Having the strength of 30 men, he battled against all types of foes and claimed victory. When he told the people that he will battle
Beowulf demonstrates qualities of an epic hero through multiple admirable traits. He is a natural leader who is willinging to sacrifice his life for the peace and well being of the people around him. Beowulf also obtains qualities that shape him into a role model for the people in his life. He exhibits heroic deeds throughout his final battle with the dragon by showing bravery, perseverance, and devotion to his people.
The story of Beowulf isn’t just any ordinary story, but a story that has been told for centuries. A story of a hero who’s legacy has been told for so long. Beowulf’s life shows the characteristics of a true epic hero. He showed bravery, he used his strength against his enemies and in the end gave the ultimate sacrifice for his people.
In spite of this Beowulf goes through an awesome journey of all these creatures and a great fight to eliminate the problem of Grendel and his mother. This caused Beowulf to make the Geats and the Danes allies which is great as a leader. He also brought riches to his people through the help of the generous Hrothgar. “And risked the voyage received a bounty, some treasured possession. And compensation in gold, was settled for the Geat Grendel had cruelly killed earlier.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
Do you consider Beowulf a hero? I consider him as a hero. Beowulf was always ready for a fight or to try to find a solution to the problem. He always made sure the town was okay and made it safe. Beowulf never lost a battle or never got disrespected.
An epic hero is an individual who must evoke a sense of heroism through legendary and inspiring deeds (Merriam-Webster). These heroes of tragedy have the ability to determine their own fortune due to the amount of admired characteristics they possess. However, the ideals of an epic hero are constantly fluctuating due to the ever changing ideals of society. Although the characteristics of an epic hero are under constant modification, Beowulf is still an effective modern-day hero due to his acts of courage, compassion, and dedication in relation to his people. Courage can be defined as any individual possessing moral or mental strength in the face of physical pain or indescribable hardship (Personalitytutor).
Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable
Every culture, every time period, will find a flaw in every hero: Beowulf is no exception. To an Anglo-Saxon of the time period, Beowulf is the perfect hero, without a doubt. He is a shining example for his people to live by. A life lead by ambition and driven by the desire to protect, Beowulf?s story is one to be acknowledged.