Beowulf: The Man, the Legend, the Hero Essay

Beowulf is an epic poem whose so geniusst surviving copy was written in 1000 A.D. The story consists of three thousand one one hundred and eighty two lines that follow the life of the title example. The original author of the epic poem is unnamed mainly because it started as a verbal tale passed down orally through the ages. Finally somebody wrote it down in a docu handst now called the Nowell Codex. The epic tale is centered on Beowulf and his actions in an adventure to repay a debt owed by his father to Hrothgar, a Danish top executive. A gargantuan whale that is terrorizing Hrothgars mead hall is Beowulfs target and Beowulf sails across the sea to aid his fathers fri discontinue. Doesnt he already sound like a fighter aircraft? Well thats because he is. Beowulf is a wizard in every sense of the word. From his moral code to his actions, and beliefs this Geatish legend fits the archetype of a hero down to the finest points.All heroes set off on a quest. For what is unique t o every story, but a quest is made all the same. This legendary hero of English lore sails across an ocean to bourgeon on a seemingly impossible task. For twenty four hours straight he and fourteen companions adventurous the oceans waters but reached their destination with egress a hitch. This seems odd for a classic hero. A journey pass exactly as planned? Not likely. This alludes to the fact that this journey across the sea wasnt the factual voyage he set out to make. The ultimate goal is Grendel. True heroes value their genius. Beowulfs reputation precedes him, as the Danes already know of many of his mighty feats. The value of a good reputation is also immeasurable in Anglo-Saxon society. When someone introduces themselves they say their name, son of their father. In Beowulfs fact when initially landing on the shores of Denmark, he says The son of King Healfdene, contribute capture here to visit.This let the take hold on the coast know that Beowulf came from good blood . Dishonor in ones lineage in this time period meant dishonor for many generations in the future. The importance of a legacy leads toward the hero that Beowulf is, creation shown in his actions. The King remembers Beowulf and acknowledges the fact that his lineage is an impressive one and believes that the hero, Beowulf has been sent by God to sectionalization with the Danes from the wicked monster Grendel. Beowulfs strength and endurance are legendary. Upon his arrival to Herot he recants the tale of his ambition with Breca. All but one of the Danes is impressed by his tale making them believe that they go out be saved. Unferth challenges Beowulfs feat but, never to be put down, Beowulf clarifies the real story. The Danes are astonished by Beowulfs adventure and rejoice at his presence. This admiration by his peers motivates Beowulf to do the task he has set out to do. The battle with Grendel also illustrates Beowulfs might. He is initially looked at as a fool for until now c ontemplating such a thing as not using a weapon, but in the end it pays off. His bare hands can dole out more damage than any sword in Herot and in one sidereal day of being there the monster is drubbinged.The Danish people begin to idolize Beowulf. This almost cult following fills Beowulfs ego just like a balloon, yet he doesnt let it get out of control. He knows the people love him and is happy that his reputation held up. Yes, he works for the repayment of his fathers debt but also for the admiration of his fellow man. The people of Herot apply Beowulfs desire to be recognized as a hero and therefore he agrees to visit the devastation of Halga. He feels that it is his fault that Grendels mother has come to terrorize the city. The hero in Beowulf comes out and he protects the people. The protection of the weak is another archetypal hero characteristic that Beowulf exhibits. The people he protects for the runner half of the epic, arent even his own. He still stands strong ev en for Hrothgars people, just to run across his fathers debt is entirely paid back. Though he has almost surely done copious to maintain his fathers good name, he stays to make sure the people who have so generously accepted him into their town, are safe forever. Going in to the glut himself showcases Beowulfs leading style. He wants to make sure all of his men return home safely, and the only way to do this is to only endanger one life, his own.This also lends itself to the idea that Beowulf is in his line of duty for glory. Here in this scene he takes the approach of If I want it done right I will do it myself. As the leader of this band of Geats he wants them to live to recant his legacy in the off ascertain of his death to be immortalized in history as a brave warrior who died in the line of battle. The swim down to Grendels mothers lair exemplifies Beowulfs super-human qualities. It was said that he swam for the better part of a day, a deed which by human standards is imp ossible. Once at the bottom he faces the swamp hag in a battle which once again ends with his victory. When has a story ever had the hero die in the middle of the book? The fact that Beowulf just happened to see the giant sword on the wall shows that he is a hero because things go his way. As one of the oldest written stories of a warrior hero, Beowulf was the hind end for all male warriors from this point on.Everything goes their way, the adversaries are defeated, and a celebration is had. The men on the surface had condition up on Beowulf. They walked away from the edge of the swap and returned to Herot. But even with the odds stacked against him, Beowulf managed to defeat his enemy, and return safely to his men. The people under Hrothgars rule are ecstatic upon his return. Their savior has come back alive and with a trophy to display his victory. The scene that follows his return is also typical for a hero. He is showered with gifts and the admiration of the people. He receives gifts of corking significance, not only monetarily, but also symbolically. Hrothgar gives Beowulfs men gold and other treasures. To Beowulf himself, further, he gives much more than that. He gives armor, which any great hero will need in battle, and horses with golden bridles. On one of the horses lays the most symbolically important gift a saddle specially fashioned for a King to ride into battle.This saddle shows that Hrothgar knows Beowulf is a hero, and one day will be a king. The hero always gets put up on a pedestal, this case a throne. Beowulf is king for fifty years before his next adventure, but he is the best king the Geats have had. Heroes seem to always come out well rounded, they are fantastic warriors, amazing kings, and great leaders. Beowulf fits all three of those throughout the epic, but especially in the operate battle scene. The dragon is Beowulfs final adversary. The dragon is a symbol for all evil, much like Grendel, and his mother were. This time however Be owulf has aged past his prime, yet hasnt abandoned his strategy of diving in, headfirst, without back up.At exsert Beowulf has met his match. The dragon mortally wounds Beowulf but before he dies Beowulf puts up one last fight and lays the death blow onto the dragon. He defeated all of the monsters he was put up against but this last one got the best of him. He died the way he wanted to in battle, living his warrior lifestyle for one last moment. The way Beowulfs life ended forever solidified him in the category of a hero. In conclusion, Beowulf is a prime example of an archetypal hero. His valor in battle is only part of the equation. A true hero must also show the importance of leadership, reputation, protection, and strength. Throughout the epic poem, the title character exhibits all of those characteristics of a hero, and others as well. Beowulf is a hero no matter which way his character is examined, and a model for all warriors to come.