Heroism in Beowulf Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essay

courage in Beowulf A hero is one who is not only strong, just one who uses his strength to uphold others. A hero is humble, philanthropic, magnanimous and selfless, a humanitarian at best. In the unprecedented epic Beowulf, the tales namesake exemplifies every characteristic befitting an Anglo-Saxon hero. He is honest, loyal, and courageous. He portrays these characteristics in the battle against Grendel, the affray with Grendels mother, and the fight against the dragon that inevitably terminate his life. Beowulf was a man of admirable exploits. He had the strength of thirty work force in his arms, and would use this strength to aid anyone in need. Upon hearing of the toast of Grendel and the ill happenings in Hrothgars kingdom, Beowulf immediately gathered his entourage to wait on the king and defend Heorot. When Beowulf encountered the beast that had terrorized for 12 years, he single-handedly ripped finish Grendels arm, an act ultimately killing the creature. To further deli neate his heroism, Beowulf unploughed the arm as a trophy of his victory. Upon learning of her sons death, Grendel...