Thesis: The role of the Anglo-Saxon Hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness, and courage. Beowulf himself models the culture of the Anglo-Saxon hero, as he is willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people I. Strength and physical appearance
A. Strength is clearly an important characteristic of heroes in Anglo-Saxon culture and heroic code.
1. The beginning of the story Beowulf is described as having the strength of "thirty men" in just one of his arms.
2. The coastguard also says, "I have never seen a mightier warrior on earth than is one of you, a man in battle-dress."
3. Beowulf often took on courageous and heavy-duty tasks that require intense levels of
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Beowulf seems to defeat his opponents without any weapons. Thus, showing his impeccable strength.
1. The battle between Beowulf and Grendel conclude with Beowulf ripping Grendel's arm off, fulfilling his promise to Hrothgar to kill the monster with his bare hands.
2. Beowulf says, "I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame and gladden his heart, 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 fight with the fiend." (433-440)
3. Beowulf nails down Grendel's arm to the mead hall rafters and Grendel is later found to have bled to death in his underwater
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This quote specifically explains the scene where Beowulf takes down the demon Grendel with his incredible strength. Imagery of Beowulf clamping down on Grendel's arm and wrestling him as he joint-locks the demon occurs.
C. Beowulf also proves his strength even when there is no physical task to be accomplished.
1. Beowulf once said, "Well, friend Unferth, you have had your say about Breca and me. But it was mostly beer that was doing the talking. The truth is this: when the going was heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all." (529-534)
2. Beowulf competed in “swimming contests” with other warriors when he wasn’t battling monsters.
II. Intelligence
A. Beowulf shows superior intelligence in battle, thus making him a creditable/successful hero.
1. Beowulf ends up defeating the monster Grendel by tricking him.
2. Beowulf pretends to be asleep as he hoodwinks Grendel into the hall.
3. Grendel certainly believed he was going to defeat Beowulf because he had no weapons. However, Grendel had no idea Beowulf had superhuman strength with his hands.
B. Beowulf’s leadership, advice and cunning tactics is another reason why he earns the title of “epic hero.”
1. The people think of Beowulf very highly for helping them feel