Hero - a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability.
"The hero of all heroes," Beowulf, strong and courageous, is the prince of Geats. Beowulf’s boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. Once he makes a vow, he stands by his word, no matter what the cost, even if it takes his life. He is reluctant to back down from battle, just so he can be there for the people who are in great need to be saved from evil. He signifies the true heroic character because he is willing to risk his life for his ideals. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler. Beowulf defeats three gruesome monsters, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a fire-breathing dragon, two of whom are descendants of Cain.
There are five guidelines of the Medieval hero. He can be of common birth. Beowulf wasn't, he was born of nobility. Secondly, a battle is an ongoing test of manliness and loyalty. Throughout most of the story, he is fighting or is talking about previous battles won. I think he not only felt that he needed to prove himself but also in obedience to the hierarchy, which is a quality as well. A man must be seen as morally right. At one point in the story, Beowulf sees himself as having done basically right his whole life. Lastly, he wages war on behalf of the King. When Beowulf comes to fight Grendel's mother, he has come representing his land to honor the King. In light of these five traits, I say that Beowulf is characterized as a Medieval hero.
There are five guidelines of the Medieval hero. He can be of common birth. Beowulf wasn't, he was born of nobility. Secondly, a battle is an ongoing test of manliness and loyalty. Throughout most of the story, he is fighting or is talking about previous battles won. I think he not only felt that he needed to prove himself but also in obedience to the hierarchy, which is a quality as well. A man must be seen as morally right. At one point in the story, Beowulf sees himself as having done basically right his whole life. Lastly, he wages war on behalf of the King. When Beowulf comes to fight Grendel's mother, he has come representing his land to honor the King. In light of these five traits, I say that Beowulf is characterized as a Medieval hero.
Abrams, Meyer Howard, and Stephen Jay Greenblatt. “Beowulf.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature The
Middle Ages. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. 2006. 36-100. Print.
hero. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved November 24, 2010, from Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hero
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