...live.In the Olden day’s a hero was a person who performed remarkable and impossible act in order to help and save others. In today’s society hero is a person who others look up to and wants to become when they are older. However, overtime the definition of a hero has changed simultaneous with the values, morals, and challenges of humanity that now a day hero’s face in everyday life. The the story of Beowulf, Beowulf himself is thought to be the hero of the story. The pagan hero appears to have certain characteristics such as bravery, loyalty, and altruism, which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how most modern day heroes like soldiers in the Army show equal qualities as Beowulf....
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...The topic that I am going to talk about is the importance and benefits of loyalty, bravery, and leadership in Beowulf. I am going to start by saying that Beowulf seemed like he could conquer anything. Beowulf is very strong. He is almost stronger than anyone, but he is deciding to face a monster that killed every soldier and warrior in his way. Beowulf then decides not to use any weapons against the monster and only use his body. This decision was very risky for him because he almost lost the fight and had been almost killed by the monster. Now I am going to start off by talking about the importance and benefits of loyalty, in Beowulf. One example of the importance of having loyalty in this story was when Beowulf was nice to the soldiers....
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...parent. A hero, as defined by the Anglo-Saxons, possessed extraordinary strength, bravery, loyalty, and leadership, and was favored and assisted by supernatural beings. Comparing Beowulf to Percy Jackson based on their culture and heroic characteristics involving bravery, leadership, strength, personality traits, fighting style, and their motivation to fight. Focuses on the two different aspects of heroism as defined by Greek and Anglo Saxon culture. Beowulf and Percy Jackson share the heroic traits of leadership skills, superhuman strength and bravery. Beowulf is the leader of the Geats,...
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...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...
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...great heroes from the early classic to medieval periods are Beowulf, Achilles, and Sir Gawain. The paper will look at the similarities and differences of literary heroes in order to discover how heroes changed over time. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are romantic heroes full of bravery, loyalty, humility, courage, and virtue. Beowulf and Sir Gawain were both involved in battles of great magnitude and admired for their super human strength. Both of them battle with the intent to bring honor to the King: Sir Gawain to honor King Arthur and Beowulf to honor Hrothgar. The battles they fight are against good and evil, “Grendel is a shepherd of evil” and the Green Knight represents pre- Christian tribal paganism. The custom of the time period was to keep their word and honor the one who helped them rise to knighthood. Beowulf kept his word as seen in the poem as he returns from the adventures and presents all his gifts to Hygelac as a sign of loyalty (line 2145). Sir Gawain keeps his word with Lord Bertilak, by agreeing to exchange their winnings at the end of each day (Sir Gawain 1105-1113). Beowulf and Sir Gawain differ as heroes in several ways. First, Sir Gawain is an Arthurian Hero and as such holds to a Christian faith while Beowulf holds to the pagan history of Britain. Sir Gawain draws strength from his devotion to Christ and the five social graces of generosity, brotherly love, chastity, courtesie, and piety. Beowulf believes in fate: “Fate...
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...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...
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...Beowulf in Relation to Anglo-Saxton Beliefs and Values In the epic poem, Beowulf, there are many references of Anglo-Saxton beliefs and values and the effects they have on the characters and the outcome of the story. As the setting of the story takes place in Anglo-Saxton times, these beliefs and values were well represented and well valued by the many characters of the story, such as Beowulf, Hygelac, Hrothgar, and Wiglaf. The Anglo-Saxton values consisted of generosity, friendship, loyalty, and bravery. Anglo-Saxtons also desired their kings to be chivalrous, powerful, and daring. Most importantly, the epic reveals the values of Anglo-Saxton society in its chivalry code, as well as the code of knighthood. Beowulf demonstrates Anglo-Saxton values and beliefs by strengthening...
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...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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...christian beliefs. For example, Beowulf thinks that instead of grieving over the death of a friend, they should seek out revenge. Gold and gift-giving resembles praise and appreciation for someone. For example, when Hrothgar gives Beowulf gifts after defeating Grendel. Also, when Beowulf receives the sword Naegling or Hrunting as a gift of bravery and triumph. Additionally, Beowulf gives a golden gift to Wiglaf before he dies for his bravery for staying in battle with him and not running away like the others. The poem Beowulf shows very important female roles in the story. For example, Wealhtheow doesn’t just serve the men at her husband’s barty, but she also reaffirms social norms and customs. Grendel’s mother also...
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...The story Beowulf is about a courageous warrior and his battles against evil. The tale of Beowulf inspires as it takes the audience to the land Herot where King Hrothgar’s wealthy mead hall is attacked by Grendel who is a monstrous descendant of the biblical outcast, Cain. The mighty warrior, Beowulf, travels from his home land to defeat the beast and the beast’s mother who tries to avenge him. Beowulf prevails against the demon monster and his wicked mother because of his heroic manner and determination against evil. More disputes with tumultuous threats against his people arise. Beowulf strikes triumph over the evil forces because of his unwavering honor and bravery. The tale of Beowulf is portrayed in a motion picture film and a book written in modern english. There are many differences and little similarities between the movie and the book. This epic piece of literature has lived on through many ages because of the examples of selflessness, courage, leadership, and loyalty....
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...A person becomes a hero when they put other people's well being before their own. In the epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf states that he wants to rid evil from wherever it lurks, not just to protect himself or his people. Beowulf travels to Denmark to help Hrothgar and the Danes rid their country of an evil monster, despite the fact that Beowulf was under no obligation to do so. When Beowulf and his men get to Hrothgar's country, Beowulf delivers a speech to Hrothgar in which he tells Hrothgar to take care of the men who have journeyed with him and to send his belongings to King Higlac if he dies trying to defeat Grendel. Beowulf made two requests to Hrothgar in his speech, Hrothgar is to take care of Beowulf's men if he is to die and Hrothgar shall send Beowulf's belongings to Higlac, neither request demands Beowulf gain any acknowledgment or recognition. Beowulf is a distinguished hero because he is selfless, brave, and...
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...My modern day hero I am comparing to beowulf is a soldier, my seem like they don't have a lot in common, but they really do. Like soldiers, beowulf love to fight, and show off their strength. Both do things that other people wouldn’t, to protect people they don't even know. Beowulf has supernatural strength, and soldiers don't but they still risk their lives for their country. Both of them are really brave, and save lives. Beowulf fights off grendel to protect the danes, as the soldiers fight to protect their country. Beowulf, and soldiers accomplish missions others would not attempt in their lifetime. “A path for his evil soul, but their points could not open hurt him, the sharpest and hardest iron could not scratch his skin.”(line 360-361 pg 32). Like in this quote, beowulf has powers to help him during a fight. A soldier is a regular human being with a substantial amount of bravery. They both fight with honor, and the will of fire in their hearts for a peaceful world....
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...In the anonymously written epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf’s meaningful status as a hero and his ability to display honor in what he does is due to the fact that he is heroically able to exhibit the virtues of loyalty, courage, and friendship. The exceptional loyalty and faithfulness of Beowulf is shown through his allegiance to Hrothgar, king Hygelac, Wiglaf, and to the Geats. In fact, Beowulf is heroically willing to sacrifice himself if it means that he “[proves himself] / [...] and [fulfills] his purpose” of killing Grendel and assisting Hrothgar. (636-37). Along with his loyalty, Beowulf’s bravery is a quality that underlies the entire story, as it is a guiding virtue that ends up saving Hrothgar and his people. Beowulf’s fatalistic view of life and death is what makes up his courage in the face of danger, and it is a code of honor that Beowulf evidently takes very seriously....
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...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" (Beowulf 18). Beowulf boasts about his courage and how he never backs down from a battle and fears nothing. No monster is too evil or has more strength. Beowulf exhibits his courage by protecting the kingdom and going up against Grendel. During his battle with Grendel, Beowulf shows his super human abilities by deciding to kill Grendel...
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...Do you have a hero or role model that you look up to and strive to be like? In Beowulf’s time, he was the hero to many of his warriors and the type of person each of them wanted to be similar to before the end of their lifetime. Heroes like Beowulf had to be willing to face any challenges thrown their way and risk their lives for their people. Beowulf displayed all of these traits while still being respectable, kind, and intelligent. Beowulf was a true epic hero because of his bravery, loyalty to his men, and his strength. Beowulf was viewed as a hero by many because of his super strength and appearance. For example, in lines 109-113, the quote says “In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats – greater and...
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