The Anglo-Saxon Hero as Seen Through Beowulf

A detailed Summary of The Anglo-Saxon Hero as Seen Through Beowulf


The story of Beowulf is one of courage, nobility, and heroism. Beowulf possesses each of these attributes both as a young prince and an elder king. These qualities allow him to become the honored king that he was, yet they also lead to his death. His actions are to be viewed as a precedent for young princes and future kings.

Clearly every young prince inspires to earn enough respect to become king in their latter years. Beowulf first earns this respect when he sails to Herot to kill Grendel, the monster that has been keeping the soldiers out of their home. Upon arrival in Herot, Beowulf brags of his past accomplishments, in order to earn some respect from Hrothgar and his men.

In my youth I have set about many brave deeds...I had bound five, destroyed a family of giants, and at night in the waves slain water-monsters, suffered great pain, avenged an affliction of the Weater-Geats on those who had asked for trouble- ground


While this beast has killed many of Hrothgar's men, Beowulf vows to destroy him with his bare hands. Even after doing as he so promised, Beowulf has still not finished his duties. The following day, he is faced with another challenge; killing Grendel's angry mother. When Beowulf is asked to perform this task, he accepts whole heatedly , as he sees it as another chance to gain fame, "Let him who may get glory before death: that is best for the warrior after he has gone from life."(page 45) Once again, Beowulf returns successful in his battle with the monster, only to increase his popularity within his people.

When Beowulf accepts the role of King of the Geats, he does not change as a person or as a warrior. Once again, a monster is brought to the attention of Beowulf, this time in his own land. Even in his old age, Beowulf vows to fight this dragon on his own. Yet this battle was not to be fought for his own fame, yet for the safe

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hrothgar's Beowulf, King Geats, , Herot Beowulf, earn respect, beowulf vows, grendel monster,

Approximate Word count = 636
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

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