Was Beowulf a hero?
Uploaded by RedMikey on Jun 9, 2004 |
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Beowulf, A Hero?
The epic tale of Beowulf portrays a traditional hero battling monsters and overcoming impossible odds. Beowulf represents the typical knight in shining armor,
saving the innocent from a certain doom. Even as an elder, Beowulf continued his feats
of bravery and courage.
Beowulf, one of the Geats, and the strongest man alive was summoned to the land of the Danes. His task was to rescue the Danes from the creature named Grandel. Beowulf accepted this challenge for several reasons; for fame and recognition, and because he genuinely wanted to help them. In everything Beowulf does it is almost always accompanied with boasting and bragging. Even when Beowulf first arrived on
Danish soil he said: “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men....wise men most definitely remember him still”(line 175) This gives you a taste of his cocky and arrogant personality.
The day before Beowulf battles Grendel, he has a discussion with King Hrothgar, where he talks about some of his views: “ I have heard too that the monsters scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons nor fears none. Nor Will I” (line 260-265) By doing this, he proves to the people that he is brave and fearless, and that would increase his popularity.
In the battle with Grendel, Beowulf proves that he can accomplish what he stated he can do, by ripping Grendels arm of, and therefore killing the monster. The monster then retreats to the murky depths, realizing it was fated to die. Beowulf later hangs the arm high on the rafters for all to see, as his proof of killing the monster.
However this victory is short lived. That night Grendel’s mother kidnaps and kills Hrothgars closest friend, and carries off the trophy of Grendel’s arm. Beowulf follows her into her underwater domain. “Longing only for fame” (line 503) Beowulf has yet another victory, and therefore removes all evil from the lake.
In Beowulf’s last and final battle, many changes have taken place. He has returned to Geatland and has become king. He is now much older and weaker, but his bravery was not affected: “I have never known fear as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now but I will fight again, seek fame still If the dragon hinding in his tower dares to face me” (line 625) This statement proves that the only thing that has changed is Beowulf’s age.
When the battle with the dragon commenced, Beowulf quickly learned that he was defeated. His sword had failed him, and his soldiers had deserted him. To the rescue comes a young brave hearted solider named Wiglaf. They fought together, and defeated the dragon. However, Beowulf is fatally wounded. Beowulf then gives all of his worldly possessions to Wiglaf.
Beowulf a hero? He was simply looking for fame and recognition, all though his life. He requested for a massive funeral ceremony before his death, battled all of the monsters to become well known, and he boasted all of the time. All of his actions were based on his search for fame, even as an old man, and in my opinion, that is not a genuine hero." |
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