Beowulf hero

A detailed Summary of Beowulf hero


Webster's defines the term hero as a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life. This definition of the term hero might as well have the old English character Beowulf's picture next to it.

Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights monsters, kills dragons, and is said to be the strongest and smartest warrior around. He exemplifies all of the characteristics of the perfect hero; courage, strength, honor, discipline, and loyalty just to name a few. Beowulf shows these characteristics to be true in the story by constantly doing heroic things for himself and more importantly, others. While dining and relaxing at King Hrothgar of Denmark's mead-hall (a place to eat, drink, and share war stories), the extreme noise coming from the warriors awakens Grendel, and disturbs him greatly. Grendel, a monster who lives in the swamp, would terrorize the subjects and worse, kill them. All the warrior's efforts did nothing to stop Grendel for years. That is until Beowulf arrives. When Grendel comes to the mead-hall to terrorize some more, Beowulf confronts Grendel and fights back heroically. He ends up killing the ugly beast with out using


This quotation in Beowulf shows just how powerful and heroic Beowulf is. It states that he is indifferent to death, which symbolizes courage and bravery.

Eventually the King, Hygelac is killed in a war against their enemies. Hygelac's son is understandably upset and seems lost in his ways. Beowulf takes him under his wing and supports him instead of just running for the throne like any other warrior would do. This act shows Beowulf as a loyal and noble individual. Again showing characteristics of a great hero. Beowulf eventually ascends the throne after Hygelac's son dies. He reigns fair and just for fifty peaceful years. That is until a dragon starts causing problems in Greatland. Beowulf heroically travels to fight the beast and protect his people. He again succeeds in defeating the dragon, with his strength, bravery, and his determination to win. Once again these are all Heroic traits. This victory was bittersweet however. While fighting the dragon, Beowulf was bitten on the neck. The poison from the bite eventually killed the great hero Beowulf a few minutes after the dragon was killed. The people of Greatland had a massive funeral for Beowulf and buried him overlooking the

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 807
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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