Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

Zoe Schruckmayr

Suzanne Pruett

ENG 241

9 March 2023

Heroism Through Characterization in “Beowulf”

Oftentimes, when describing the word hero, many preconditions come to mind when qualifying a person for such a title. Jesus’s selflessness or Achilles' neverending fight for victory are both very different, yet define individual heroism. In reference to Beowulf, a hero consists of someone who represents both incredible and mortal characteristics. Beowulf, an epic poem written around 1200 years ago, uses its eponymous hero to explore its own dynamics of heroism. Through various battles and interactions with different groups of people, Beowulf grows as a warrior and a savior to people who encounter strife. Like all heroes, each has a crutch that

Beowulf is well-known throughout all the lands and many people recognize him for his dangerous feats. When Unferth, one of Ecglaf’s sons, meets Beowulf, he immediately becomes envious of Beowulf’s adventurous feats; specifically, when he says “‘The ocean swayed,/ winter went wild in the waves, but you [Beowulf] vied/ for seven nights’” (ll. 515-517). Although the ocean did not actually “sway” (l. 515) and the winter did not go “wild,” (l.516) these uses of personification help to build up Beowulf as a character. His acts of heroism and adventurism show him in high regard by others while also describing his competence as a warrior. Through Unferth’s previous knowledge of Beowulf and his powerful fighting skills, there becomes more hope that Beowulf has the power to defeat the dreaded Grendel. As the story progresses, Beowulf does fight Grendel and ultimately kills him. Although Beowulf kills Grendel, his mother, another monster fueled by rage, lurks behind. When Hrothgar describes where Grendel and his mother live as they learn she is another threat to the Heorot, the place is shrouded in mystery. Hrothgar’s description of their home, “‘When wind blows up and stormy weather/ makes clouds scud and the skies weep,/ out of its depths a dirty surge/ is pitched towards the heavens’” (ll. 1373-1376) creates a foreboding

Beowulf serves as a prime example of someone who refers to the principles of courage and loyalty to himself and his king. One of the largest examples of this chivalry occurs when Beowulf, hearing of the troubles in the Heorot, charters a ship with ample warriors in hope of defeating Grendel and bringing peace back to their land. When arriving at this new kingdom he greets the people there and explains that, “‘If your lord and master, the most renowned/son of Halfdane, will hear me out/ and graciously allow me to greet him in person,/ I am ready and willing to report my errand’” (ll. 344-347). Beowulf, without fear, willingly offers himself to king Hrothgar in order to defeat Grendel. During this time, full devotion to a king was integral and Beowulf expresses his intention to complete his mission at all costs. His courageous personality, unending bravery, and devout loyalty do not go unnoticed. Regardless of the challenge and the potential sacrifice, Beowulf’s devotion to protecting a fellow kingdom exemplifies his commitment to embodying the Anglo-Saxon code. After Beowulf’s meeting with Hrothgar, the king grants him permission to battle and kill Grendel. When addressing how he and his men plan to kill him Beowulf says, “I hereby renounce/ sword and the shelter of the broad shield,/ the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand/ is how it will be, a life-and-death with the