Hero Beowulf

A hero is one who is not only strong, but one who uses strength to uphold others. A hero is honorable, generous, and devoted to the well beings of others before themselves. In the bizarre epic Beowulf, the tale exemplifies every characteristic suiting an Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulf is honest, loyal, and courageous. He portrays these characteristics in the battle against Grendel, Grendels' mother, and the golden dragon. Beowulf is a hero because he puts others before himself. In this poem Beowulf displays heroism, religion, and symbolism.

In this poem Beowulf represents heroism by protecting the people of Mead Hall from Grendel. Beowulf was loyal to the people of mead hall. Beowulf who bears no weapon as this would be an unfair advantage over the unarmed beast, Beowulf leaps up to grasp Grendels' arm and tears it from his shoulder, and Grendel runs to the marsh to die. The second Battle with Grendels mother, in the poem after Grendel dies his mother appears the next night to attack mead hall. He stands up the her and pierced a giant sword through her thick skin. The last Battle with the dragon when Beowulf has become old he still fights for his people and in this battle he defeats the dragon but dies from his wounds. Beowulf died an honorable king who would put his people before him even if it is the death of him.

Beowulf has both Christianity and Paganism influences. The Paganism elements in the poem are evident in the characters and their superhuman qualities. For example, in the battles with Grendel Beowulf chooses not to use weapons he relies on his super strength. Grendels mother drags Beowulf under water and he still manages to survive without the use of oxygen. The battle with the dragon Beowulf is old but still manages to kill the powerful dragon. Beowulf does many non-Christian deeds such as caring more about being remembered and getting treasured more than for the safety of the people, but he does show Christianity