Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

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Beowulf is an epic poem that relays the traditions and cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons. Chivalry, honor, loyalty, and bravery are only a few of the powerful qualities a hero of this time must contain, qualities that are present in Beowulf, who stands as a prime example of heroism. The story deals with the struggles between Beowulf and monsters who represent the qualities opposite to those contained in Beowulf, a hero. The fiends Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon each represent a perverted diversion of Anglo-Saxon values, and although Beowulf defeats these beasts, his death ends the tale, an event foreshadowed throughout the poem, along with other events.
Grendel is the name that rings fear within the residents of Herot, as his nightly attacks sweep away the lives of many. On his first invasion, he kills thirty thanes, and for twelve years Herot is devoid of citizens. Grendel, although no physical description is provided of his appearance, is a foul creature. His name's …show more content…
Similar to her son, she also has negative adjectives used to describe her and her anode, from "Hidden evil after hidden evil" (Line 338) and "greedy she-wolf" (Line 369). As opposed to serving men, she attacks and nearly defeats Beowulf in a fierce struggle. Men are afraid of her and afraid to go near her home. In the end, she symbolizes the opposite of the Anglo-Saxon female values.
The last fiend, the dragon, finally bests Beowulf. At this point of the narrative, Beowulf has become king, and a good king is responsible for distributing the spoils of battle. In the beginning, Hrothgar was represented as a very benevolent and great king who, "divided the spoils" (Line 19). This was tradition, and Beowulf was a "ring-giver" and distributed the spoils. Dragons in myth and legend are often represented as hoarders, typically of a specific item. The dragon in Beowulf is a hoarder of spoils, of gold and

Example Of Heroism In Beowulf

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