Beowulf and Hero characterists
Beowulf and Hero characteristsThe epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of beasts but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others. He is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. These traits have changed and evolved into what are now the beliefs of heroism today. These beliefs are different in many ways but have a common aim: to strength, the ability to put others before yourself, and everlasting glory.
Beowulf fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf explains the reason he "lost" a simple swimming match with his youthful opponent Brecca, was because he had not only been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to Herot mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism. The strength of 'heroes' in today society is based more on power of authority or mass of money. To be powerful you must be in charge of something important, or own it. Not many people are remembered as hero for being able to toss steel kegs over a wall. (The World's Strongest Man Competitions.) On the other hand someone who owns a computer software program (Microsoft) will never be forgotten. Strength is seen as the capability to excel above the rest in an area where others have failed, or to do what has not been done yet.
Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people's welfare before his own. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had served his people as King of the Geats for...
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