...“The Wulf and the Sheep” (An Analysis of the Motivation of the Epic Hero Beowulf) What drives the heroes to commit acts of upright morality rather than making decisions that would lead them down the road of infamy? If you were in the place of the hero would uphold the “right” instead of enveloping yourself in the “wrong”? Why would you ever want to be a hero? The great Anglo Saxon epic Beowulf seeks to provide us with the answers to these questions. Beowulf is clearly motivated by a lust for something, why else would he seek to help the Danes slay a monster that has no effect on his homeland? Beowulf slew the fiends out of duty, an aspiration to be the hero and he slew the dragon to ensure the security and prosperity of his people. Beowulf made great strives to achieve to accomplish his duty. He felt obligated to use his abilities to save the Danes from their plight. Why did he feel this way? He felt that way because he had been told by the wisest of his people that he was capable of saving the Danes from Grendel and therefore, should save them....
Words: 643 - Pages: 3
...The next way Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and James Bonds shows heroism is they all are willing to sacrifice to achieve what they were striving for. Beowulf sacrificed his life when he fought for the king against the dragon. Right before he went to fight Grendel, he said “No weapon therefore/for either this night; unarmed he shall face me/if face me he dares” (Beowulf 683-685). Here he is saying that Grendel can throw anything at him, but he will be unsuccessful. Beowulf was not afraid to die and was actually pretty confident that he would not die. Just like Beowulf, Sir Gawain shows sacrifice when he accepts the challenge against the green knight. Before the battle he did not fear the Green Knight saying, “Some stood and stared then stepped away....
Words: 994 - Pages: 4
...For centuries mankind has regarded self-sacrifice as an act of heroism. To risk pain, loss, and even death for another person demonstrates an excellence of character that few possess. But how does sacrifice occur in today’s culture? Does it resemble the acts of valor shown in the great epic, Beowulf? In this thrilling tale, Beowulf, a mighty warrior, defeats both a demon and a dragon in the service of others. While many today display reserve in their abnegation towards others, sacrifice hold just as much honor today as it did in Beowulf’s time. Modern opinions of who one should die for differ significantly from Beowulf’s. First, he saved a kingdom of complete stranger, risking death in the process. Additionally, as his final act, Beowulf slayed a dragon, giving it’s gold to his subjects to help them prosper. In stark contrast, most people today have only a few close friends and relatives who they would suffer for. Most deem sacrifice for a stranger abnormal, meant only for the most saint-like among us. Why do so many of us withhold our selflessness when Beowulf...
Words: 551 - Pages: 3
...Beowulf versus Grendel is a classic duel that has been told for centuries. While the majority of people have heard the point of view of Beowulf, not many have also thought about Grendel’s side of the story. In the beginning of the meat of the story, Grendel would sneak into the town in the middle of the night and eat most everyone it could find. Typical monster. Being the great tactician he is, Beowulf arrived and devised a plan to take down Grendel. As the monster would creep down the hall Beowulf hid in a bed simply waiting for Grendel to reach him. At this point is where people might begin to question Beowulf’s plan. On the way to the “sleeping” savior, quite a few people died without any type of reaction from Beowulf. However, finally when he was reached, he opened his eyes and grabbed onto Grendel and started beating the monster down. Being the hero story it was, all the details were ignored as Beowulf fought Grendel but the typical ending was introduced of Grendel running away in pain to die. The real interesting part of the story comes with the reading of Grendel. The entirety of the fight, Beowulf had the advantage over Grendel pertaining to the fact that he had the element of surprise and could have beaten Grendel in a small margin of time, but why didn’t it happen that way? To what...
Words: 1839 - Pages: 8
...The definition of sacrifice is a loss incurred deliberately to avoid a greater loss or to obtain a compensating advantage. Sacrifice contributes more to heroism than success. Being a hero is a matter of opinion, sacrifice is a matter of fact. A hero is one that is willing to sacrifice their own life for what they believe will create a greater good, for what they believe is right. In Beowulf, “ In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world-heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was needed” (Page 23). Beowulf set out sea to Hrothgar to defeat Grendel and Grendel’s mother on his own choice and that it was his duty to do so. Beowulf could have ended his life trying to defeat Grendel and Grendel’s mother. It often seems that heroes survive. They are the ones that are there at the final battle, defeating what they believe to be the thing that prevents good, peace, righteousness, or whatever it is they...
Words: 527 - Pages: 3
...Beowulf is a character of unbelievable status.Beowulf is the protagonist of the short epic poem called Beowulf. Beowulf is the example of an epic hero. He as an epic hero makes sacrifices that puts in danger his own integrity to help others as he accomplishes feats that are another attempt. For instance, when he battles Grendel, he is suddenly cursed by God and creates havoc. He also went on his own to protect people. In doing so it shows that Beowulf’s character is self-sacrifice, courage and brave. Beowulf, protagonist, exemplifies this characteristic as he accomplishes feats that other only attempt. For instance, when he battled Grendel, it was noted that suddenly God-cursed brute was creating havoc. Beowulf superhuman strength is evident...
Words: 282 - Pages: 2
...The Reasoning for Beowulf’s Killing (An Analysis of why Beowulf Killed The Three Monsters in The Story Beowulf) Beowulf is an epic poem of a man, who had the strength of 40 men, called Beowulf. He is a Norsemen which were scary, brutal killing men. The tale begins as an oral story, told around campfires and not being written down until several years later. These men live by a code called the Anglo-Saxon code. The code set guidelines on how the Norsemen are supposed to act and behave. This code gave an understanding of the power of a role model, which the men would look to, or in other words, the leader. Beowulf faces three monsters in the poem, and tries to defeat them all. In the epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf has three motivations for killing the three monsters. In the story, Beowulf, Beowulf’s motivation to kill the first monster, Grendel, was because of duty. Beowulf travels from his country to Harot in order to fight Grendel because his people knew of his ability to fight, therefore, making it his duty to kill the monster. When Beowulf meets Hrothgar, the aging lord of the Dunes, and gives him information about where he comes from and his background. Obligation is another word associated with duty, which made Beowulf...
Words: 676 - Pages: 3
...The epic story of “Beowulf” is a story about Beowulf, the man who is the true definition of bravery and heroism. This story recaptures Beowulf's quest as he destroys monsters that terrorize the kingdom of Herot and the people who subside within it. Throughout the story vivid imagery and detailed monologue help upholds the story to an epic quality. But, for for it to truly to be an epic it must have a few needed elements such as references to god and battles between good and evil. A moment in Beowulf that truly captures this epic mentality can be found near the end of the story. Beowulf is out of his youth and is living in his old age as king. He along with some of his geats are set up outside the cave, where a diabolical dragon awaits to destroy anyone in sight. Beowulf stands up and begins his great final speech to his geats, unweary what there future holds.(2510-2510) This moment adds so much momentum to the story and so the way it embodies Beowulf as a story and a character. This moment shines above the rest and fully demonstrates the elements of bravery, self-sacrifice, and overall heroism. Of all the things Beowulf is, Beowulf is the true definition of bravery. He demonstrates this in many different ways through the text but it is the most apparent in his...
Words: 647 - Pages: 3
...Fighting monsters is super cool and very worthy of admiration. Beowulf is the character that perfectly fits this mold. This character is the epitome of heroism of the Anglo-saxon code. His many characteristics are never called out, because to his people in geatland he is honestly the most manly person that they can follow. Within the story of Beowulf there can be three obviously distinctions within the stories seen by the fights. The three battles of Beowulf shows his motivations through the Anglo-saxon code. The first motivation is shown when he goes to Daneland to fight the monster Grendel because it was his duty to his people. “I have always done my duty, I am ready to die.” Zachary Taylor. These final words of a president perfectly show...
Words: 450 - Pages: 2
...Beowulf sails back to Geatland and over the course of time is made king and eventually reaches his end in a final confrontation with a dragon. The first element of the return is the "Road Back." In this part of the story, the hero is “driven to complete the adventure by leaving” the Unknown World to be “sure the treasure is brought home.” In Beowulf, the “Road Back” is represented in Beowulf’s final words to Hrothgar: “We crossed the sea to come here; it is time to return, to go back to our beloved lord, Higlac.” Beowulf’s words announce that his mission has been completed and that it is time for he and his men to return with the treasure to their home country. Once the Hero has recognized the need to return to the Known World he or...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...“A Selfish Hero” Many people recognize Beowulf as the hero of Anglo-Saxon times. Judging by his amazing resume of feats and strengths, this is not hard to believe. Beowulf exemplifies the traits of a perfect and valiant hero, or so it seems. However, Beowulf, written by an unknown author, illustrates the great length the character goes through to succeed. Beowulf does anything in his power to prevail, leading him to become a selfish individual. Examining Beowulf's speech, thoughts, and actions, it becomes evident of the selfish hero within. Firstly, Beowulf's speech proves that he would do anything to prevail, illustrating his inflated ego. Although defeated in some battles, Beowulf manages to carry out every mission in order to justify his loses and make himself look successful. Unferth, who attempts to criticize Beowulf’s battles says, "Then winter churned through the water, the waves ran you as they willed, and you struggled seven long nights to survive. And at the end victory was his, not yours” (22;6;248-51). However, upon hearing this, Beowulf accuses Unferth of being drunk in order to make people believe he never understands what he says. "Ah! Unferth, my friend, your face is hot with ale, and your tongue had tried to tell us about Brecca's doings” (22;6;263-65). After hearing this, people are lead to believe Beowulf never takes this criticism seriously, for Unferth‘s drunkenness hazes his rationality. Thus, Beowulf makes Unferth, appear envious, while making himself...
Words: 921 - Pages: 4
...of Honor and Success Throughout the entire text of Beowulf, the accumulation and re-distribution of t reassure serves to have symbolism regarding acts of bravery, honor, success, and reward. Treasure is both gained through the brave battles that Beowulf fights against the three monsters he encounters, and his rewards reflect upon his success and honor in victory. Treasure is also redistributed throughout the text form king to warrior and vice-versa, symbolizing the acknowledgement of honor and reward from one generation to the next. Treasure is viewed in each of the battles as proof of victory and with this proof of success, the holder of such treasure proves that he is worthy and deserving of loyalty from and by brave warriors. After slaying Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, treasure is gained and passed along to the next generation, such as when Hrothgar gives gifts to Beowulf, who distributes it among his people, to show and symbolize the potential sacrifices made to gain the treasure, and thus the bravery, honor, success, and reward that the treasure surely represents throughout the text. After Beowulf slays the monster Grendel, King Hrothgar rewards and thanks Beowulf for his efforts by offering him several objects considered treasure. Among the multitude of objects that he presents to Beowulf: “He gave to Beowulf the blade of Healfdene/ a golden war-standard Roberts: 2 as a reward for victory” (Beowulf 1020-1021) Here the word “treasure” is substituted with...
Words: 1126 - Pages: 5
...Loyalty defines a person’s great devotion to another. These two works of literature integrated this theme of loyalty in both The Kite Runner and Beowulf. Beowulf from the epic poem Beowulf emphasizes the importance of loyalty. Beowulf is extremely loyal, as perceived in his commitment to his king Hygelac, to his entertainer Hrothgar, to his own loyal men, such as Wiglaf, and to his people. In contrast, Hassan from the “Kite Runner” shows loyalty for his friend Amir. It is in Hassan’s letter, years after their separation, that puts Amir on the way to redemption. And so, Hassan saves Amir twice, previously as a boy and later in the future, even after his own death. In both The Kite Runner and Beowulf, the authors express loyalty from friendship and from commitment....
Words: 1076 - Pages: 5
...Anglo- Saxon hero, Beowulf, most perfectly fits into this category and truly defines what it means. At all times, Beowulf is never afraid to put his life on the line for the sake and protection of his people, which helped him gain approval from the people of his area. Throughout the course of the adventure and journey, Beowulf exemplifies what it means to be an epic hero showing loyalty, courage, intelligence, and selflessness in his efforts to save his people and achieve immortality. Beowulf proves that he is a great Anglo-Saxon epic hero through his loyalty. Loyalty was held paramount by...
Words: 1236 - Pages: 5
...According to Joseph Campbell, “a hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than him or herself”. Joseph Campbell includes many observations about a hero. I believe Beowulf fits Joseph Campbell’s definition of a hero due to many of his outstanding qualities. Beowulf gives his life for something bigger than himself, undergoes tests and trials, and goes through transformation. Based on Beowulf’s poem, Beowulf sacrifices his life for something above himself. “Proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was needed”(lines 114-116). In lines 165-166, Beowulf states, “That I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall.” Not only does Beowulf demonstrate...
Words: 365 - Pages: 2
