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Heroism and literature essay
Heroism and literature essay
Heroism and literature essay
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More handpicked essays just for you.
Heroism and literature essay
Heroism and literature essay
Heroism and literature essay
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Beowulf The heroism of Beowulf was exemplified in two separate phases: (i) youth; and (ii) age. It was also illustrated on three separate conflicts with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon (SparkNotes). It was through these encounters that Beowulf has been molded into a hero. His years of being youth depicted his character of being an unfettered warrior and his mature years, on the other hand, portrayed that he is a reliable king (SparkNotes). These two phases in his life showed two different virtues which has been reflected as the story progresses and how Beowulf changed from a young man to a mature man full of vigor.
The three monsters (Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the Dragon) that Beowulf face represent part of the quest of the hero. These events not only exemplify Beowulf’s quest to riches, glory, and fame but also show Beowulf’s bravery and courage. In fact, Beowulf met and killed Grendel and Grendel’s mother, even when all soldiers trembled in fear of death and murder. If no other warrior dared to touch these vicious monsters except Beowulf, then Beowulf proved himself to have power. Also, the fights that Beowulf had against 9 sea monsters in Brecca, Grendel, and Grendel’s mother prepared as part of the initiation against the dragon.
Beowulf fights in three battles and wins them all. That shows his bravery and strength. After Beowulf defeats Grendel, people of all ages were “retelling Beowulf’s bravery”(Beers II.
In Burton Raffel’s epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf shows many characteristics that exemplify the epic hero archetype. In this poem, Beowulf shows honor by fighting Grendel without weapons, because he knows grendel does not use weapons himself.. Beowulf also exemplifies bravery by willing to fight the dragon without any of his men, even though he knows he will die if he goes alone. These are just some of the many characteristics that Beowulf shows exemplifying an epic hero. The first characteristic that Beowulf shows exemplifying an epic hero is honor.
This shows Beowulf is brave not only in the sense that he is willing to let his own men die, but he is willing to wait for all his men to die to fight Grendel himself instead of taking on Grendel with the help of his men. In addition Beowulf shows cunning in battle by not giving up and having the determination to do what needs to be done, which does go hand in hand with bravery. In the Illiad Achilles shows bravery by refusing to make a pact with Hector.
He carefully strategized his plan to defeat Grendel. He waited for Grendel to come to Heorot, then surprise attacked him. Grendel put up a fight, but Beowulf was stronger and more intelligent. Beowulf ripped the arm off of the beast, sending him away to die. Not only did Beowulf have to defeat Grendel, but Grendel’s mother came back for revenge, so Beowulf set out to the darkness where Grendel and his mother lived.
Beowulf went through so much to prove he was worthy enough to protect their kingdom and defeat Grendel. The story Beowulf was a great story to read and a great movie to watch; however, the battles were very eye catching and had a lot of extravagant and heroic doings of Beowulf. The first scenario that I’m going to discuss in the movie and story of Beowulf is The Battle with Grendel. In the movie Grendel attacked Beowulf in the Heriot while everyone was dancing and singing.
The hero Beowulf fought with honor to save a kingdom, whereas Achilles fought for fame and revenge. The hero Beowulf fought to save the kingdom of Herot, ruled by the king Hrothgar. A monster, named Grendel, has terrorized this kingdom; so Beowulf comes to defeat Grendel. He defeats the monster, but angers Grendel’s mother in the process.
But he knew the greatest threat came knocking at his door for a fight that will live on being told for eternity. Beowulf sacrificed his own life for those around him, “Quickly, the dragon cam at him, encouraged as Beowulf as Beowulf fell back; its breath fared, and he suffered, wrapped around in swirling flames- a king, before, but now a Beaton warrior” (lines 687-691). In the end Beowulf fought till the end fighting not only for himself but for his people. He fought like a king until his death. Beowulf gave the ultimate sacrifice to save his people.
In the story Beowulf mentioned that it was his last battle, and Indeed it was. The battle was challenging because Beowulf was old and the Dragon “spouted deadly flames;” (2581) and Beowulf’s sword “let him down in the fight” (2682). Beowulf was attached by “sharp fangs” (2691) on the neck giving him “deadly poison;” (2714) he knew that it was over. “Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound” (2705) while Wiglaf killed the Dragon in honor of Beowulf and became the new king/hero.
As the story progress, Beowulf became king of the Geats for 50 years when suddenly a dragon emerged from slumber began to burn down villages. However, Beowulf didn’t pay the slightest attention, but instead ignored what was happening. Finally, when the dragon burns down Beowulf’s throne room Beowulf decided that he needs to deal with the dragon. In Beowulf 's eyes, the lives of his citizens couldn’t even compare to his throne room. When Beowulf prepared to fight the dragon he said, “Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (lines 2512-2514).
Beowulf fought with great bravery and courage to protect others. He believed that the only way to immortality was to become historic. “But you have made yourself immortal by your glorious action." (Beowulf 246). Beowulf’s actions of killing Grendel and fighting his mother were events that will leave an everlasting impression.
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
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.