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Examples Of Honor In Beowulf

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Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless). Beowulf …show more content…

He has true honor and respectfully distributes treasure and gifts to those whom he believes rightfully deserves them. Beowulf’s loyalty to the Danes helps shed light on his true character. He expresses that he believes he may die in battle between Grendel, but that does not dissuade him from fighting the beast. Another example is when Hygelac dies, Beowulf is asked to take the throne. In doing so, that would mean the the son of Hygelac would be stripped of his own inheritance, which is dishonorable in Beowulf’s eyes, and thus he declines the offer. The continued honor shown in Beowulf’s character shines through when Beowulf never mentions that Unferth’s trusted sword was no match for Grendel’s mother. Beowulf could have simply boasted how the sword was useless and ineffective against the female beast, yet he was silent out of respect for Unferth. Finally, during Beowulf’s time as ruler (fifty winters), another beast arrives: a dragon. This time, Beowulf is much older and is in a much weaker state than when he first defeated Grendel and his mother. However, that does not deter Beowulf from going out and defending his kingdom. This scene is relevant due to its differing plot from the other two slayings. During the killing of Grendel, Beowulf tears off his arm and ultimately destroys the wretched monster alone and without frivolous weapons. When the duel between Grendel’s mother arises, Beowulf

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In the fight, Beowulf is the only person who doesn’t use weapons, and he is the sole person who is able to slay Grendle (Beowulf 34.) When Beowulf doesn’t use his weapon, it does not mean much to us, but it is a huge thing to the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf not using his weapon is a sign of reputation. A warrior killing a monster with a sword is not a big deal, but a warrior slaying a monster with his hands? Beowulf being able to slay Grendle with his hands brought him huge fame and reputation, which is what his goal

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151 Words | 1 Pages

The authors use of the hero tradition is contradicted when we get a glimpse of Beowulf’s arrogance. During the final battle as Beowulf said his goodbyes to his followers, he humbly reassured them, “fate decides which of [them] wins,” showing now sound of arrogance (666-667). Beowulf is living up to the “hero” expectation in the citizens’ eyes; he is being selfless for this kingdom. However this role is not applicable for him just yet. His humility, that the other characterized for him, is overlooked as he states, “this dragon’s treasure, his gold and everything hidden in that tower will be mine,” showing his true intentions.

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993 Words | 4 Pages

Beowulf’s leadership qualities are courageous, brave, and honorable and we see many times how he is selfless. Beowulf also relies on God as his ultimate protector, exemplifying the Christian values of the society of Beowulf’s author (who is still unknown). One of the times when leadership is exemplified in Beowulf is when Beowulf makes the decision to fights and defeats the dragon, Grendel. For fighting this battle, and for the success of the defeat, Hrothgar gives Beowulf riches which he then brings back to his homeland. He gives these riches to the king of his own land when he returns home.

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779 Words | 4 Pages

Beowulf becomes honorable when he says: “O shelterer warriors and people’s loved friend, that this one favor should not refuse me that I alone, and with the help of my men may purge all evil from this hall. I have too, that the monster scorn of men is so great that need no weapons and fear none” (258-263). Beowulf means that he going to fight the monster Grendel using only hands because it's not fair using weapons. Beowulf is trying to get all the fame and glory defeating the monster but anybody can kill using weapons, Beowulf uses his hands. This shows how honorable Beowulf is.

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752 Words | 4 Pages

In contrast to Hrothgar lamenting his dear friend, Beowulf proclaims, “It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning” (1384-1385). Beowulf praises the idea that the best way to react to death is not by wallowing in grief, but instead trying to punish the killer for his wrong; it is more of an effective method to accept a loved one’s death when his murder is slain. His loyalty to the Danes is projected through his conviction of getting revenge for the sake of the one who died. Grendel’s mom has proven to be very vicious, nevertheless Beowulf ascertains he should pursue a brawl anyways. Beowulf is willing to put his life on the line to avenge a life for the nation he cares about and protects.

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682 Words | 3 Pages

Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf holds firm to his integrity; moreover, the noble quality which he specifically holds firm to is being a just and loyal person. The quote which demonstrates Beowulf characteristics is “ Too, that the monster's scorn of men Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I.” In context to the quote, Beowulf explains to the king how he will fight the antagonist without a weapon due to the reason that his opponent does not have one. The significance of Beowulf actions in not having a weapon demonstrates how he kept his integrity in fighting Grendel with justice.

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424 Words | 2 Pages

In the first battle with Grendel, the two meet in Herot. Before the two come in contact, Beowulf decides to only fight with his hands and to use no weapons. After Grendel eats his first victim of the night and is picking up his second, Beowulf decides to fight back. During the fight, Grendel

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476 Words | 2 Pages

Not all the kings ' subjects have unwavering faith in Beowulf. One man, Unferth, attempts to ridicule him and instill doubt about his capabilities in the minds of the people. Unferth tries to twist Beowulf’s past to embarrass him, claiming that the man who lost a mere swimming match against the warrior, Breca, could never hope to defeat Grendel. Interestingly enough, Unferth’s attack on Beowulf’s past stems from his insecurities in his own past. Beowulf however, remains unphased, and after learning of Unferth’s father (Ecglaf) he retaliates.

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486 Words | 2 Pages

As a payment to the king of the Danes, he decides to fight the dragon, just as he fought Grendel. Then he was a warrior and now he is a king responsible for his people. Beowulf’s decision is courageous but inappropriate for a king. His foolish but courageous decision causes him to die in the end. Before he fought the mighty dragon, he said “I’ve never known fear; as a youth I fought in endless battles.

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924 Words | 4 Pages

One of the big reasons Beowulf travels to the land of the Geats to slay Grendel is for honor. Hrothgar weeps after his friend has been killed by Grendel and Beowulf pretty much tells him to pull it together. He remind the king that life is short and then you die so while you’re here you might as well earn some glory. This is typically the view taken by most warriors

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303 Words | 2 Pages

The Honorable Hero The epic poem Beowulf describes a famous heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon period. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly unstoppable person with all the inhuman traits required of a hero. He uses his courage and

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1300 Words | 6 Pages

Beowulf gives him uttermost respect, greeting him properly and advancing in affection. The man finds the king of Danes to be such an influence that even one day when he comes to rule, Beowulf’s ways of leadership are similar to those of Hrothgar. Even with this in mind, the modern day film belittles this with the added in drama in order to create friction between characters. Within the film we watch as Beowulf questions Hrothgar's reason for killing Grendel's father. We see a side of Beowulf that begins to lose his respect for the king.

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1294 Words | 6 Pages

After Beowulf got back from the Danes from killing Grendel’s mom, he became the king of the Geats. “Defending the folk against many a tribe with a spear point and word in the surges of battle till not one was hostile “neath heaven’s expanse.” Beowulf put ever dedication into his people and put them first before anything else. Many years passed and Beowulf began to grow old yet his fighting spirit never aged. He was easily one of the most kindest and generous kings the land of the Geats had ever seen.

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427 Words | 2 Pages

Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens.

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656 Words | 3 Pages

Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.

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