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Riley Mosby

Dr. Atkins

ENGW 105 18

11 23 February 2017

Beowulf Essay

The hero is a crucial character in all exciting epics. Such is the case for Beowulf. This

poem, set in Northern Europe in the fifth century and translated by Seamus Heaney, recounts the

story of the mighty Beowulf in his quest for greatness and glory. Throughout the tale, Beowulf is

proven to be an ideal example of an archetypal Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulfs heroism can be

seen through his courage, ambition, and nobility.

Beowulf is courageous even when faced with immense danger or imminent death. When

he is tasked to slay Grendels mother in the mere, he is resolute in his actions and [dons] his war

gear, indifferent to death (1443). Beowulf recognizes the perils of facing the beast in its

underwater home, yet he ventures there despite lacking reinforcements. Beowulf has already

achieved the impossible in defeating Grendel and his mother, and in doing so, he proves more

than his strength. Beowulf exhibits his dedication to the cause of saving the village, even if it

results in his death. His courageous characterization is further supported during his final battle.

When a dragon begins to torment the Geats, Beowulf assembles a small force to defeat the

dragon. Sensing his coming death, he recounts stories from his earlier days. I marched ahead of

[Hygelac],/ always there at the front of the line;/ and I shall fight like that for as long as I live

(2497-2499). Beowulf refuses to march in the back lest he be considered a coward. He is not

afraid to be in the front and he willfully volunteers for dangerous situations.

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Beowulf is motivated to succeed in battle by his quest for fame, an important pillar in

Anglo-Saxon culture. As Beowulf grows older, he seeks out opportunities to bring fame to

himself and his king. Before Beowulfs clash with Grendels mother, he steels himself for the

challenge by thinking about his name and fame (1530). The potential glory is enough to help

him overpower his opponent. Beowulf would not have been able to win without the mental

incentive of fame. Fame also motivates Beowulf in his last battle. Wiglaf encourages, do

everything/ you said you would when youvowed you would never let your name and fame/ be

dimmed while you livedstay resolute (2663-2667). Wiglafs words were enough to spur

Beowulf to action. Because losing this battle would mean dying in disgrace, Beowulf is

determined to win to secure all possible fame.

Beowulf always makes the honorable choice, which makes him noble. It is important for

an archetypal hero to be well-rounded. Not only is Beowulf strong in body and mind, he is

morally superior. Though he is often given the opportunity not to, he always [behaves] with

honour/ and [takes] no advantage over his comrades (2178-2179). Even when King Hygelac

dies and Beowulf is given the opportunity to ascend to the throne, he refuses because of his

respect of social customs. Not only does Beowulf allow Headred his rightful rule, he also

[provides] support for the prince (2377). Only a man as heroic and honorable as Beowulf could

do that.

In the end, Beowulfs avoidable death leaves the Geatish people vulnerable. Without his

strong hand of guidance, the people will be lost. Without Beowulfs irrefutable strength,

surrounding nations will come to exact their revenge. No other king will desire to make the

Ggeats great.