Beowulf - The Ideal Hero
...of these characters embodies different attributes that earn them the heroic distinction. This paper will seek to show that Beowulf is the "most" heroic figure based on his adherence to the heroic ethos. Also, the character of Gilgamesh will be used as a means of comparison to further showcase the heroic nature of Beowulf.
The heroic ethos is a set of values that prioritize and glorify the valor of an individual. The motivation of the hero is to garner fame and immortality in legend, resulting in feats of excellence. Characteristics of the heroic ethos include service to people in the upper level of the hierarchy (e.g. relationship between lord and thane), a special relationship to god (special does not necessarily mean positive as in the case of Heracles and Hera), greatness in warfare/slaying, loyal, courageous, indispensable, and (almost) invulnerable. For the hero, the highest good is glory and the highest evil is shame.
Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow and Hygelac's thane is introduced by Heaney as a valiant warrior. The reader immediately notices that Beowulf is well respected. The tone of the work suggests that even the narrator holds him in high esteem, "the man whose name was known for courage, the Geat Leader" (Heaney, 11) (the chapter is entitled "The Hero comes to Heorot"). Beowulf is introduced with grandeur. He is allowed to mention his own name and goes on to describe some of his feats, "They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies, when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll nest and slaughtered sea brutes" (Heaney, 13). Before actually seeing him in action, the reader is aware that Beowulf is a great warrior whose father is well
respected. From the initial introduction, it is expected that Beowulf will be able to accomplish super human tasks.
Similarly, Gilgamesh is also given a grand introduction. He is described...
View Full Essay
