...how they lived and died without the hope and consolation of the Christian faith (“Beowulf” 30-31). Beowulf is an epic poem that describes various characters and events from the sixth century, in particular the story of a brave warrior named Beowulf, his many heroic adventures, and his ultimate death. This poem originated from both legends and myths from other cultures that originally were passed down orally from generation to generation and then eventually recorded. By definition, an epic poem is a “long narrative poem in an elevated style that celebrates heroic achievement and treats themes of historical, national, religious, or legendary significance.” Some common characteristics of an epic that are obviously evident in Beowulf are the use of specific types of figurative language, the fighting of heroic battles against supernatural creatures, the unusual behavior of god-like heroes, and the array of geographical settings which are often included in a long journey (“Epic”). One characteristic of epic poems is the use of certain types of figurative language. One type of this elevated language is an epic simile, “an extended simile often running to several lines used typically in epic poetry to intensify the heroic stature of the subject and to serve as decoration” (“Epic simile”). One example of an extended simile in Beowulf is Hodges 2 the comparison of the Geats’ boat to a bird, which begins in lines 217-219 (“Beowulf”). A similar type of description, which is...
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...The characteristics of a hero likely vary from person to person, however, there are some universal qualities that a hero should have. Some of the features that come to mind when thinking of a hero include: superhuman abilities, courage, and selflessness. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf displays all of these heroic traits. While some could argue that Beowulf is not a hero due to his desire for glory, his heroic qualities outweigh this one fault. Overall, Beowulf’s effectiveness as a hero can be seen through his courage and selflessness to take on extraordinary monsters and his superhuman ability to take on these creatures. The story begins by introducing a community and a monstrous creature that plagues the citizens. The creature, Grendel, is exceptionally power as he is able to kill thirty warriors with little effort: “He slipped through the door and there in the silence snatched up thirty men, smashed them unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies” (4). This would surely scare most men but not Beowulf. Beowulf welcomes the challenge and prepares to fight him as soon as he hears about the creature: “In his far-off home Beowulf, … heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out” (6). Beowulf’s readiness to fight Grendel exemplifies his courage and selflessness. The fact that Beowulf lives in a far-off land further...
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...A true hero is one of distinguished courage, admired for their brave deeds, noble and one who does not fear death. Beowulf, set in the Anglo-Saxon time period, was an epic that told the story of a legendary hero, who seized all obstacles as if he were immortal. Up until the end of Beowulf's life, he constantly wanted to be the hero. However, his mortality was exposed by his death. Beowulf in many ways exhibited all the qualities and characteristics needed to be a true hero. Heroes, whether from the Anglo-Saxon time period or present day, all share the characteristic of their willingness to die, in an effort to accomplish a true act of heroism. Several critics argue that through Beowulf’s superhuman strength, generosity, loyalty, bravery, and...
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...Beowulf strengthens the heroic code by indirectly stating that a hero must possess the characteristics that society finds to be the most important and honorable for a hero. The epic designates Beowulf as a prominent hero in Anglo-Saxton standards, as he possessed bravery, honor, loyalty, and spoke in an elevated language throughout the story. The first lines of the epic state how the past kings showed Anglo-Saxton heroic qualities, and give a preview of the epic will be told, specifically. “So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness…There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes…A foundling to start with, he would flourish to later on as his...
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...would be the safest method for all passengers aboard the plane. His ultimate character of courage is portrayed when he wades through the rising water in the plane, risking his life, to double check all passengers have evacuated the plane before he officially leaves the plane to sink below into the river which shows a man of courage and leadership. In Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf, Beowulf embodies the ideal Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulf displays heroic characteristics of strength and audacity during combat with the vicious monsters. Through actions, Beowulf displays power and boldness during his battles with the vicious monsters. Young and tough, Beowulf hears of an inexorable creature that goes by the name of Grendel. (ABP) Grendel terrorizes the Danes, a small village, by inflicting constant cruelties on the villagers in the night. His desire to help these vulnerable villagers, Beowulf courageously sails to foreign lands to collaborate with the Danes to obliterate Grendel. On Beowulf’s first night staying with the Danes, Grendel who ventures into Beowulf’s chamber with a talon “raised to attack Beowulf where he lay on the bed, but the captain of evil discovers him in a handgrip harder than anything he had encountered.” (745-752)...
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...amoodie15 A Hero of Epic Proportions A true hero does not fear death itself, but will risk everything for what he believes to be right, moral and just. Epic heroes are defined as a person who has superhuman qualities and embodies the values of a society. Epic heroes possess a strong love for their community, fearless of death, and they are loyal to an individual or a cause. The epic poem Beowulf, written by Burton Raffel, depicts the life of Beowulf, the most heroic person during Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is fearful of no monster and seems to conquer every obstacle as if he were immortal. He possess many of the characteristics that make up an epic hero including: courage,physical strength, loyalty,confidence, and wisdom. During Anglo-Saxon times, tales were often told about epic heroes who put their own lives in danger for the greater good. These stories about fearless and honorable warriors provided the common people with a sense of security and provided lessons to young men that they should display honor in every act. Beowulf willingly put himself in danger when he accepted the challenge of fighting the monster, Grendel. He did this only to help the Geats and out of loyalty to the Danes. His actions defined his life and are recounted throughout the epic poem. Beowulf was never afraid of death. Before every battle he would explain his death wishes and request that his assets be delivered to his people. "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor...
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...Beowulf: The Mother Poem Beowulf is an important work of the Anglo-Saxon culture. In the poem it depicts Beowulf as a famous hero, full of endless courage and infinite strength. Through his vigorous journeys, he encounters many treacherous obstacles and monsters, but never feels distress. As leader of the Geats, he shows superb leadership skills, taking pride in both his and his peoples’ name. Nonetheless, he boasts about his achievements and heroic battles that he has encountered. The author’s style differs from that of any other due to the unique kennings being used throughout the poem. The tone interchanges throughout the entire work; gives countless numbers of kennings, and has graphic imagery. Beowulf, the “mother poem” of England, explains the import values of diction, tone, imagery, and style, it also informs us about the Geat culture and characteristics of honor, kinship, and courage....
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...another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only after life a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and perform feats of unmatched endurance. Beowulf’s courage, though motivated primarily by his own notion of fate, is, none the less, unwavering. And as a hero he achieved his desire for immortality through the poem itself. Each of the four heroic traits can be identified within the three battles in which Beowulf...
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...another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only afterlife a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and perform feats of unmatched endurance. Beowulf’s courage, though motivated primarily by his own notion of fate, is, none the less, unwavering. And as a hero he achieved his desire for immortality through the poem itself. Each of the four heroic traits can be identified within the three battles in which Beowulf...
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...Mr. King Honors English II Oct. 28, 2011 “Archetypes for a Contemporary Audience” Myths are an important cultural aspect that were, and are to this day, used commonly to help teach morals and life lessons. Strength, courage, and fortitude are just a few characteristics addressed in mythology. The archetypal layout of an exemplary story is composed of the Twelve Stages. The Twelve Stages of a hero’s journey are the steps every person must take in order to prove one’s self as a hero. Mythical heroes such as Theseus, Sigurd, and Beowulf clearly demonstrate the archetypal qualities of a hero. A typical hero is seen as a morally just individual, with a noticeably ethical intent. An archetypal quality of a hero is moral goodness. The hero is always opposing evil and wrong-doing, while attempting his best to halt it. The hero is selfless always willing to give his life in place of another. A villain, or monster, is the opposed force of the hero, whose intent is solely based around a malicious and self-centered motive. The shadow-self of a character is often portrayed as the villain, or monster, but it has a much greater importance. The shadow-self illustrates the two extremes of a personality. Since the shadow-self is the complete opposite of a character, the good and bad qualities of that character are shown, the shadow self of a character can have both good and bad aspects. When someone is able to control the good aspects of both characters, the individual is able to grow and...
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...of the king or was it a curse? Was he deceived into becoming something he wasn’t? The main theme of Beowulf is heroism shown through the transformation of Beowulf from a great warrior to a devout King. This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that Beowulf the warrior must fulfill his obligations to the group of which he is a key member as a thane. Beowulf's transformation is portrayed through three separate and increasingly difficult conflicts - with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon shows a clear division between Beowulf's youthful heroism as a warrior and his mature heroism as a reliable king. There is also a clear-cut network of social duties depicted in the poem. The king has an obligation to behave with generosity. He must reward his thanes with valuable gifts for their defense of the tribe and their success in battle. This is why King Hrothgar is known as the "ring-giver." He behaves according to expectations of the duties of a lord when he lavishly rewards Beowulf and the other Geat warriors for ridding the Danes of Grendel. King Hrothgar's acts as king forsahdow Beowulf's manner of kingship in the second half of the poem. But the thanes have their obligations too. They must show undivided loyalty to their lord. Only in this way can the society survive and it also shows the importance of the relationship between lord and...
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...will do or the good of other people” (Literary analysis: Heroism as portrayed in Beowulf). Compared to the others the character Beowulf, he represents the true qualities that myself look for in a hero. It’s not even close to me; also his faith in God and knowing that he is in control shows his tremendous character that a lot of people would love in a hero. Beowulf defines heroism, from his bravery, honor, strength, and unselfishness to put others lives before his, and in terms of positive morals he fits that description perfectly. In the epic poem Beowulf, “Much of this epic poem is dedicated to conveying and exemplifying the heroic code which values such attributes as strength, courage and honor.” (Beowulf and the Heroic Code). Beowulf heroic ways in the story cannot be ignored he had several amazing heroic displays in the story. Beowulf’s first display of epic heroism is his unselfish defense of Heorot from the violent acts of Grendel. Even though Heorot is not at all his own hall, Beowulf shows his bravery to defend his people even if the attempt ends his life. Right before arriving to Heorot, Beowulf makes a statement “And so, my request, O king of Bright-Danes, dear prince of the Shieldings, friend of the people...my one request...
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...Beowulf Beowulf | first page of Beowulf in Cotton Vitellius A. xv. | Author(s) | unknown | Language | Old English (West Saxon and some Anglian) | Date | unknown, sometime between the 8th and 11th century | State of existence | manuscript suffered damage from fire in 1731 | Manuscript(s) | Cotton Vitellius A. xv | First printed edition | by Thorkelin (1815) | Genre | narrative heroic poetry | Verse form | alliterative verse | Length | c. 3182 lines | Subject | the battles of Beowulf, the Geatish hero, in youth and old age | Setting | Denmark and Sweden | Personages | include Beowulf, Hygelac, Hrothgar, Wealhtheow, Hrothulf, Æschere, Unferth, Grendel, Grendel's mother, Wiglaf, Hildeburh. | Beowulf (/ˈbeɪ.ɵwʊlf/; in Old English [ˈbeːo̯wʊlf] or [ˈbeːəwʊlf], literally "bee wolf" i.e. "bee hunter", a kenning for "bear") is the conventional title of an Old English heroic epic poem consisting of 3182 alliterative long lines, set in Scandinavia, commonly cited as one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. It survives in a single manuscript known as the Nowell Codex. Its composition by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet is dated between the 8th and the early 11th century. In 1731, the manuscript was badly damaged by a fire that swept through a building housing a collection of Medieval manuscripts assembled by Sir Robert Bruce Cotton. The poem fell into obscurity for decades, and its existence did not become widely known again until it was printed...
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...Circumstantial Hero: An Analysis of Heroism The word hero commonly provokes the image of a superhuman in one’s mind. A power stance coupled with a cape beautifully flowing in the wind somehow makes up a hero who is bigger, stronger and overall greater than the average man. However, if one looks beyond this fictional description, he can find the more realistic qualities of an everyday hero. These real-life heroes tend to be people who are brave and courageous; they take action when action is needed for the greater good of their surrounding people. With this being said, it is ignorant to declare one singular definition of heroism as every person, community, culture, and generation can classify a hero in a very different way. The qualities and characteristics of a hero are entirely circumstantial, and therefore are forever in flux. One of the many heroes of American history is Rosa Parks, often referred to as “the first lady of civil rights.” Many know Parks as a hero due to her act of defiance in 1955....
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...A Hero of Epic Proportions A true hero does not fear death itself, but will risk everything for what he believes to be right, moral and just. Epic heroes are defined as a person who has superhuman qualities and embodies the values of a society. Epic heroes possess a strong love for their community, fearless of death, and they are loyal to an individual or a cause. The epic poem Beowulf, written by Burton Raffel, depicts the life of Beowulf, the most heroic person during Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is fearful of no monster and seems to conquer every obstacle as if he were immortal. He possess many of the characteristics that make up an epic hero including: courage,physical strength, loyalty,confidence, and wisdom. During Anglo-Saxon times, tales were often told about epic heroes who put their own lives in danger for the greater good. These stories about fearless and honorable warriors provided the common people with a sense of security and provided lessons to young men that they should display honor in every act. Beowulf willingly put himself in danger when he accepted the challenge of fighting the monster, Grendel. He did this only to help the Geats and out of loyalty to the Danes. His actions defined his life and are recounted throughout the epic poem. Beowulf was never afraid of death. Before every battle he would explain his death wishes and request that his assets be delivered to his people. "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Hilgar"...
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