Glenn Leung

Is Beowulf a hero?



Beowulfs ability to overcome obstacles and perseverance is what makes
himself a hero. Without these qualities he would not have been able to achieve his
exceptional exploits. When facing Grendel he could not use a weapon for it would
not affect him. So, Beowulf uses his grip of thirty men and Grendels own strength to
inflict a mortal wound upon Grendel. Next, Beowulf had the task of killing Grendels
mother. Just reaching her was a difficult task. Beowulf had to swim to the bottom of
the ocean and was attacked by numerous sea monsters was grappled by the Troll-
Wife itself. Swift she grappled and grasped the warrior with horrid grip, but could
work no harm, no hurt to his body; the ring-locked byrny cloaked his life from her
clutching claw; nor could she tear through the tempered mail with her savaged
fingers. (997-1002) Then, when in mid-battle with the Troll-Wife Beowulf had
realized that his sword could not harm Grendels mother. However, Beowulf was
able to obtain a magic sword that only he could use from the treasures that the Troll-
Wife hoarded. Beowulf then used that sword and beheaded Grendels mother.
Loyalty is yet another heroic characteristic of Beowulf. Throughout the story
Beowulfs actions are driven by loyalty. Beowulf did not want to slay Grendel only for
the glory and rewards. Beowulf went to go kill Grendel to pay the debt that Beowulfs
father owed to Hrothgar and to help the Danes. Hrothgar even remembered Beowulf
from when he was a child. Hrothgar said, Their leader I knew when he still was a lad
. . . (284-285), when meeting Beowulf and his group. Beowulf was also very loyal to
his own king, Hygelac. Beowulf gives the treasures that Hrothgar gave him, to king
Hygelac. When Beowulf returned to Geatland he said, These riches I bring you ruler
of heroes, (1348). Even when Beowulf was offered the throne from the Geatish
nobles and Hygd herself after king Hygelac died, Beowulf refused saying he would
not want to take Hygelacs son right of inheritance away from him.
Courage and bravery are other characteristics that Beowulf exemplifies.
Before confronting Grendel Beowulf said, I count myself nowise weaker in war or
grapple of battle than Grendel himself. Therefore I scorn to slay him with sword, deal
deadly wound, as I well might do! (507-510) Beowulf is insisting to fight Grendel
without a sword. Then, when Beowulf is king he has the task of killing the last
dragon. However Beowulf is now seventy years and he knows that this battle will
lead him to his death. However he accepts it and carries on with the final battle in
order to protect his people, and because he is the only warrior capable of defeating
this dragon. In this battle it shows all the characteristics of him being a hero: the
loyalty to his people, his bravery and courage, his determination, and his strength.
This was Beowulfs last and most glorious battle, his legacy as a hero.