Heroic Status Of Beowulf example essay topic

In the Anglo-Saxon society, all people strove to become a hero, but to maintain the heroic status, the hero must uphold and abide by its rules. Furthermore, humility had no place in the Anglo-Saxon society. To become a hero, one must first establish a name for himself. The people did not consider boasting an ill-mannered quality, as long as one could back his words with deeds. Finally, the Anglo-Saxon hero was expected to be able to perform all those things necessary for life with utmost excellence. Therefore, one must ask the question, "Does Beowulf uphold these heroic standards?" According to the welcoming party that he received at Hero and from King Hrothgar, Beowulf had undoubtedly begun to establish a name for himself.

The people knew about his valorous feats in the ocean. Furthermore, Beowulf went to Denmark of his own free will to help the Danes stop the murderous deeds of Grendel. We can further develop Beowulf's heroic character by contrasting his life with that of Unferth. Unferth, according to his position at the welcoming celebration, must have had some position of military authority. However, he had made no attempt to stop Grendel and avenge his people.

His life did not show an example of the heroic way of life. In addition to Beowulf's initial courage to fight with Grendel, the hero went a step further. He exhibited fairness beyond bounds. Because Grendel had no weapons, Beowulf would use none either. Although Beowulf exhibits fairness, a noble trait expected of a hero, this act seems to be somewhat extreme. Nevertheless, Beowulf wins the battle and establishes his fame.

However, the life of a hero did not prove to be without danger. Beowulf must finish what he had begun. Grendel's mother sought revenge. Her battle with Beowulf not only brought the epic to a climax, but it proved to be a true test of Beowulf's courage and skills. Unferth, despite his cowardliness, granted to Beowulf the use of Hrothgar's sword, Hunting. The sword failed Beowulf, but he won the battle anyway.

His reaction toward Unferth after the battle exhibits yet another trait of the heroic character. Instead of cursing Unferth, or accusing him of granting a false sword, Beowulf simply thanked Unferth for the weapon. Beowulf also showed generosity, another trait of an Anglo-Saxon hero. After returning home from Denmark with all the gifts bestowed upon him by Hrothgar, Beowulf once again demonstrated honor and courage by generously giving the treasure to his own king and lord, Hi glac. Finally, in part two after Beowulf has become king, he exhibits the character and lifestyle of a true king and hero. As revealed by the retainer, Wig laf, after the battle with the dragon, Beowulf had maintained his relationship with his people.

Generous to his retainers, he gave them the spoils of victory: armor, weapons, and shields. To maintain this relationship was of utmost importance for all men and especially for a hero and king. The writer strongly contrasts part one and part two of the epic. Do the factors of a dark setting, a gloomy mood, and an atmosphere filled with doom take away from the heroic status of Beowulf?

According to the pagan beliefs, man sought for worldly glory... Beowulf had established himself as a hero and to the writer, he died a hero. The darkness of the scene reflects the mood of Beowulf, somewhat reminiscent, somewhat vulnerable, yet he upholds the heroic ideal and protects his people. He lived, in the minds of the people, a hero. He died, in the minds of the people, a hero..