Beowulf Hero Analysis - 757 Words

To Joseph Campbell a hero is an individual who is able to depart from his or her ordinary life for the sake of helping others in an opposite world. Campbell portrays his idea of a hero by utilizing the title character in Beowulf. Beowulf demonstrates many of Campbells stages of a hero through his strategic actions, his love for justice, and most importantly through his extraordinary strength. The hero Beowulf, is the â€Å"strongest of the Geats-greater/ And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world† (110-111). Although Beowulf is in an entirely different city he hears about how Grendel the â€Å"powerful monster† (1) is â€Å"[filling] nights with horror† (112), harming the lives of the innocent. Higlac’s follower is â€Å"Ready for what [comes]†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦The journey to find and defeat â€Å"Grendel’s mother/ [Who] is hidden in her terrible home† (443-444) starts. As Beowulf enters Grendel’s motherâ€℠¢s home he is also entering Campbells â€Å"Ordeal† stage. Beowulf â€Å"[sees]/ The mighty water witch and [swings] his sword† (492-493) but does not succeed in killing the monster. Many minutes are spent fighting and the â€Å"savage, now, angry/ and desperate [Beowulf], lifted [the blessed sword] high over his head/...Her body fell to the floor...and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight.† (536-542) The hero now confronts death and a new and improved Beowulf is born. Beowulf grabs his reward of Grendel’s mother’s head and carries his â€Å"trophy by the hair.† (619) Making sure that the people of Denmark and the King see his great prize he â€Å"[brings] it straight to where the Danes sat,/...and the warriors starred.† (620-623) Fifty long years pass and Beowulf is now an elderly person who must go and fight his third beast, entering Campbell’s eleventh stage of â€Å"Resurrection†. Beowulf acknowledges that he is not as youn g as he used to be but he does not allow his age to become a factor. Higlac’s follower says, â€Å"I am old, now,/ But I will fight again† (625-626) showing that he is still a hero who will not go down without a battle. Beowulf once again is confident in his capabilities and believes his incredible strength in his hands will tear the dragon â€Å"Limb from limb†Show MoreRelatedCharacter Analysis Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero765 Words   |  4 PagesA hero is the central figure who has superior qualities and risks personal danger to pursue a quest. Beowulf is a great epic hero because he performs many brave deeds such as risking his life for the greater good of society, and is significant and glorified by all people. Beowulf boasts and boasts about all of his great doings, but in the end he proves to everyone that he is as great as he claims to be. First, Beowulf shows that he will do anything for the fame, glory, and the greater good of societyRead MoreThe Becoming Of An Epic Hero1240 Words   |  5 PagesBecoming Of an Epic Hero Beowulf became the epic hero he was, from his will for his love to succeed, his strength to never give up even if it meant death .He existed trying to become like his father or even to surpass him. He defeated the dragon and his pride lead him to his death, but he saved so many lives before his inevitable demise. He gave his life for what he believed in, for honor, pride and for his people. Which in turn creates the next hero, Wiglaf who served Beowulf willing to give hisRead MoreThe Theme Of Fight In Beowulf798 Words   |  4 PagesELA 12 Theme of Beowulf Theme of fight: First of all I will to give you a definition of fight: Fight means limited engagement in space and time of enemy land, air or naval formations. Learn more about. In the book Beowulf we witness 3 fights, this theme is therefore the articulation of the book. Indeed, these fights that Beowulf delivers, the hero of history, intrigues the reader. Thats why I chose this theme. During the fighting the reader can feel suspense, will the hero come out victoriousRead MoreWhy Is Beowulf Considered A Hero?983 Words   |  4 PagesMay 2016 Why is Beowulf considered a hero? Beowulf, an epic hero of his time, has some people that don’t think he should be considered a hero, but I think otherwise. He killed many monsters, and creatures from various places, saving the people who live(d) there, and this is the definition of a hero, â€Å"a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.† That definition really describes Beowulf because of the outstandingRead MoreGood vs. Evil Found in Beowulf807 Words   |  3 PagesGood vs. Evil Found in Beowulf In the story of Beowulf, there are many different themes found. Many people argue the main theme found in this story. This has been argued for a very long time and will go on for many more years to come. Although many themes in this story stick out and a main theme will never be accepted, one main theme is very noticeable in the story of Beowulf. The main theme found in Beowulf is good versus evil. Good versus evil is very easy to recognize. â€Å"Some peopleRead MoreBeowulf And The Anglo Saxon Period1740 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf The original poem, Beowulf, goes back to the Anglo-Saxon period in c. 650 and c.1100. Authors translated Beowulf many times in the Anglo-Saxon period to present day. It displays how a hero should be in the real world. He helps the people in the village and slays monsters. Everyone in the village looks up to him as he acts as if he were a role model. Beowulf, the protagonist in the translated Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, is a hero of his village, stands for bravery, strong will, and noblenessRead MoreTheme Of Heroism In Beowulf1139 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Beowulf† is the oldest surviving poem in Old English Literature. It is an epic poem, which is a narrative poem typically revolving around heroism. The poem emphasizes repetitively on how Beowulf is a hero. He saves countless people from countless monsters, three of which are the main antagonists in the poem – a demon, the demon’s mother, and a dragon. But is saving innocent lives the only factor to justify and determine a person’s heroism? Throughout the story of Beowulf, the author makes appealsRead MoreBeowulf Character Analysis885 Words   |  4 Pagesanalyzing and reading the text in Beowulf, I realized that Beowulf himself is a leader and a hero in the text also he plays a big role as the protagonist being a hero for saving his kingdom against monsters and mortal enemies but exactly how does it make him a greater hero than the average hero? In the text Beowulf’s uncle which is Hygelac was said to be a great ruler and it is evident that this is Beowulf’s role model and hero and as the story goes on. As a character Beowulf encounters with great monstersRead MoreBeowulf Epic Hero Essay880 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of Beowulf as an Epic Hero The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sentRead MoreHeroes : A Comparison Of Beowulf And Wolverine750 Words   |  3 PagesFrom the medieval times to the aftermath of World War II we have two different but extremely similar hero figures in history. One was Beowulf, an inexperienced warrior who turned into a developed king. The other was what some would call abnormal who was later turned into a science experiment known as Wolverine. Beowulf and Wolverine are very harsh and pitiless when it comes to conflict. From ripping limbs off with crude strength to tearing their enemies into pieces, it goes to show just how