Beowulf As The Ultimate Hero
...is a hero.
A hero is one who places himself or herself at great risk while
performing acts of courage. Not only is Beowulf a hero because of
his physical strength, but rather than basking in the resulting glory,
he gives the glory to God. Beowulf is the ultimate hero who put his life
on the line for an entire kingdom.
Beowulf's heroism can be seen when he takes 14 of the bravest in
his land to go help Hrothgar. Hrothgar was Beowulf's father's close friend
who had been plagued by attacks for twelve years that threatened an entire
kingdom. Beowulf did not have to offer Hrothgar's kingdom help, but does
so because he wants to uses his God given strength to the best of his
ability. As soon as Beowulf heard of the troubles in this land he set sail
immediately. Beowulf continues to show his thankfulness by thanking God
for giving them safe travel across the sea. Beowulf is lead to Hrothgar
and offers him is "services."
"-Now sit down to the feast, and, in due time, listen to lays of warriors'
victories, as your heart may prompt you. (15)
Beowulf is asked by the warriors to tell of his past defeats while eating
in Hrothgar's palace. Beowulf is already a hero to the people of this land
for he is about to rid them of their enemy. The warriors are anxious to
here what he has done and what he plans to do to Grendel. Here Beowulf
"puts on his running shoes" and runs through his battle plan mentally just
as any great athlete would do before a big meet. As the Banquet continues,
Hrothgar thanks Beowulf, and promises him great treasure if he succeeds in
defeating Grendel.
As an ultimate hero, Beowulf decides, to be far, he will not use
weapons in his battle against Grendel since Grendel reputedly does not use
them....
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