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Beowulf
Beowulf
Riley Mosby
Dr. Atkins
ENGW 105 18
11 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 greatness and glory. Throughout the tale, Beowulf is
Beowulf is courageous even 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, 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
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
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 geats
great.