Examples Of Beowulf As A Hero

In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf is seen as a hero of the Geats and the Danes. He saves the Danes from the monster descendant of Cain, Grendel. He also saves the Danes from the atrocity’s mother. He saves the Geats by becoming their king for fifty years and killing the dragon which factored in his ultimate demise. The idea of a hero has existed throughout the ages. In ancient times the idea of someone risking their life to save someone else’s is astonishing. From modern times to tales in ancient epics, the idea of a hero has been passed down through generations. Throughout the story, the characteristics of Beowulf make him a hero. A hero exhibits strength, bravery, honor, and is able to complete tasks with divine intervention; Beowulf embodies

The chain mail he wears while facing Grendel’s mother. Grendel’s mother pounces on Beowulf hoping to avenge her only son. When she does, Beowulf is not scathed because the chain mail he wore saved his life. He would have surely perished if not for that. With God on his side “it was easy for the Lord to the Ruler of Heaven, to redress the balance once Beowulf got back up on his feet” (Beowulf, 1271). Another way in which there is divine intervention is while Beowulf still facing Grendel’s mother. The first sword he uses is Hrunting which does not even make a scratch on her. While glimpsing through her armory, he spots an ancient heirloom from the days of the giants. Only Beowulf could wield this weapon (Beowulf, 1271). While fighting her the ancient sword was the only thing that could pierce her skin. Beowulf with his God sent strength is able to defeat her. Margaret E. Goldsmith writes, “Beowulf comes as a God-sent deliverer to cleanse Heorot.” While facing the dragon he also receives divine help. Beowulf, with his super human strength is a force of nature unto himself; although it was not his idea to use a sword in battle that was made of iron. Beowulf when wielding a weapon “no matter how blooded and hard-edged blade, his hand was to strong the stroke would ruin it” (Beowulf, 1295). Beowulf strength is more than meets the eye. His grip is so hard that by barely swinging a sword it breaks. Most mortals could not even begin to attempt half of the things Beowulf has because they do not have the same strength given unto him by the