Beowulf An Anglo Saxon Epic Hero - 957 Words

Beowulf possessed the character of an Anglo-Saxon epic hero for many reasons. Not only was he the central character in the epic Beowulf, but he was a larger-than-life figure. He proved that by the way he fought and put his courage, skill, and virtue against his enemies. Beowulf was brave beyond compare, had superhuman strength, and a desire to find success in what he did. He was a young warrior with a good reputation who battled against an evil demon, Grendel, and later his mother, for the Danes. He put his own life in danger for the greater good. Some more of his qualities include loyalty, wisdom and fortitude, and physical strength. Beowulf’s larger-than-life-figure mostly came from his physical strength. He was able to battle his enemies with only his bare hands, at will. Even Grendel, who was a very powerful evil demon, and his mother also. No other man had stood a chance against Grendel in the Danes’ land, even with the finest weapons and the strongest of their men. When Beowulf announced he would kill Grendel with his bare hands, it was hard for the king, Hrothgar, to believe or understand. Nonetheless, he allowed Beowulf to aid him and his people. Beowulf then had the pressure of having to prove himself to the Danes. Beowulf, just like all Anglo-Saxon epic heros, was willing to put his own life in danger for the greater good. He displayed honor in his every act and gave people a sense of security. Although he may have been afraid of fighting Grendel, he did notShow MoreRelatedComparing Beowulf, An Anglo Saxon Epic Hero1292 Words   |  6 PagesIn life the courageous hero has forever stood as a standard of whom we should be and who we wish to be. In the story of Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon epic the hero is one that is easy to understand, Beowulf fights monsters he is loyal to his Lord and shows very strong and powerful leadership skills. Beowulf is the perfect Anglo-Saxon epic hero who displays courage, bravery, and strength during his battles against evil. Beowulf can be viewed as the standard courageous hero. In this story courage is viewedRead MoreComparing Beowulf, The Wanderer, And The 13th Warrior1731 Words   |  7 Pagesalways reappears is What is an epic hero? Or better yet an epic hero in Anglo Saxon culture. I believe there is more to being a hero than just being strong or intelligent. An epic hero in my eyes is oneself who comes to portray the beliefs of the society in which the tale/story is depicted. A few great examples of the Anglo Saxon epic hero are the literary characters in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The 13th Warrior. These are all outstanding examples of Anglo-Saxon epic heroes because they all cameRead MoreAnalysis Of Beowulf As A Heroic Epic779 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown†. Stories about such heroes have been told for centuries. In fact, heroistic ideals are sometimes the basis of a society. The Anglo-Saxon people are a prime example of the previous statement. In Anglo-Saxon culture, being called a hero was an honor. Heroes were treated like kings. One of the most popular hero stories that bled into Anglo-Saxon life was the heroic epic of Beowulf. Beowulf was the perfect example of an Angl o-Saxon hero as heRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero930 Words   |  4 Pages The story of Beowulf shows its reader many characteristics of why this Anglo-Saxon poem is an epic. First of all, Beowulf is a warrior of epic renown by the time he formally introduces himself in the poem. Next, Beowulf is the warrior that many strive to be in life. In addition, Beowulf finds himself tackling many quests that involve dangerous beasts, or as he might call them, demons. The next quality shown by Beowulf is his bravery and honor. The reader is able to easily identify this characteristicRead MoreAnglo Saxon Culture as Reflected in Beowulf Essay943 Words   |  4 PagesAnglo Saxon Culture as reflected in Beowulf Every culture has its own set of beliefs values and customs. Cultural beliefs, values, and assumptions are directly and indirectly acquired throughout a lifetime. A culture is the sum of a group’s way of life and this is no different with the ancient Anglo Saxon culture. Cultures usually have distinct figures that reflect their culture as a whole. The importance of religion, values, and heroes are reflected a great deal in the epic poem of BeowulfRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero894 Words   |  4 Pagescharacter of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Beowulf would have even been considered a model hu man to the Anglo-Saxons due to howRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare977 Words   |  4 Pageslooking at a culture’s epic tales and heroes one can get an insight to the culture’s values and traits that are noble to them. Beowulf, as an epic hero, is a direct representation of the ideal man as seen through Anglo-Saxon eyes. In looking at the poem Beowulf and analyzing the characteristics of the epic hero, it will become evident the desired attributes that were desired in the Anglo-Saxon culture: physical strength, pride, bravery, selflessness, and loyalty. An epic hero is a person thatRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero978 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf is a character that exudes the qualities of an epic hero. Throughout this epic, Beowulf is seen as a hero to many and a major threat to the evils he encounters. The values of the Anglo-Saxons, who would have read and admired this poem, included loyalty, bravery, and honor. Beowulf’s character exemplifies all of these qualities to the highest degree. The values and traditions of the original composers of this story cause Beowulf’s character to be the perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon epicRead MoreBeowulf: An Analysis1615 Words   |  7 Pages11/26/10 Beowulf Anglo Saxons are Germanic people that lived during the 5th and 6th centuries. This early Anglo-Saxon society was centered on families and clans. The earliest Saxon settlers and families in England were pagans who worshipped a number of gods. Although Anglo Saxons had unalterable beliefs, Christians eventually purveyed their religion upon the pagans. However, the ideals of paganism still perpetuate through the most prominent epic poem of this era called Beowulf. Beowulf embodiesRead More Epic of Beowulf Essay1033 Words   |  5 Pages The epic poem, Beowulf, is one of the oldest European epics in existence. When Beowulf was written, the writer incorporated many of the ideals of the Anglo-Saxons. Some of these ideals included loyalty, bravery, selflessness, and justice and were demonstrated in the hero. Both the characters Beowulf and Grendel represent aspects of both good and evil, Christianity and Paganism, and what occurs when they collide with one another. A characteristic o f an epic poem is the concern over struggles that