Beowulf as a hero in modern society Essay

In the historic epos Beowulf, its title character, Beowulf, is perceived as an unconventional as well as a traditional hero in current society. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow and Hygelacs thane, is presented as a fearless warrior to the au run lownce. This acknowledgment of Beowulf causes the readers to instantly recognize that Beowulf is a well-respected man. Beowulfs magnitude is seen at the truly beginning of the poem as the narrator states, The man whose name was known for braveness, the Geat Leader (Heaney 25). Beowulf is announced to the danish pastry people with magnificence. Before proving Beowulfs heroic qualities, the viewers are cognizant of the fact that Beowulf is a great warrior and the son of a well admire man. It can be distinguished that from Beowulfs opening statements he entrust become a hero.Bravery is a key characteristic that identifies a hero. Throughout the entire poem Beowulf appeared to possess infinite valor. He displayed courageousness in his swimming c ompetition with Breca, and in his armed combats with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon that fatally wounded him. In all of Beowulfs struggles, he revels wisdom, cogency, and motivation. In his light touch against Grendel, Beowulf utilizes his sheer strength to kill Grendel. He used his mighty strength to rip off the monsters arm from the shoulder. As give tongue to by the narrator, The monsters whole body was in distressingness a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder Beowulf was granted the resplendency of take inning (Heaney 55). The defeat of Grendel fulfills Beowulfs heroic duty. This is also seen with Grendels mother. later Grendels death, Grendels mother desires to avenge her child. Beowulf fights her in water and tranquillise prevails. By keeping true to his word Beowulf is able to prove his worth. near(a) the end of poem, Beowulf faces his last episode. He takes on a dragon that is creating slaughter upon the city. Before facing the dragon he knows that he might die and yet still fights with glory and all of his might. On page 171 Beowulf states, This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will direct your lord away (Heaney 171). Beowulf yet again completes his task as he kills the dragon, however, he immediately dies from his wounds. Beowulf, a true hero, confronts his death with bravery. It is Beowulfs strength, determination, and courage that enable him to become a distinguishable hero in raw society.Although Beowulf is portrayed as a true Anglo-Saxon hero, he has qualities that would envision him not as one in current society. From Beowulfs initial introduction he is seen as being conceited and aggressive. During the first feast, Beowulf tells of the storey of his swimming race. Beowulf states, I was the strongest swimmer of allTime and again, foul things attacked me exactly I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my stainMy sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night-dangers and hard ordeals I have never perceive of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves. (Heaney 37). This excerpt reveals the cockiness of Beowulf. He is very arrogant as he believes that he is the best and the bravest.Arrogance is not a characteristic of a hero. some other flaw is shown in Beowulfs character as he fights Grendel and Grendels mother. Beowulfs quarrel with Grendel exposes his true expression of violence. While Grendel and Beowulf are wrestling, Beowulf manages to bushel Grendel in such as position where he ripped off Grendels arm from the socket. This violent act can be seen as very brutal. The killing of Grendel in such a way would deny the good to name Beowulf as a hero in present society. In addition, the killing of Grendels mother has the same effect.While battling Grendels mother, Beowulf seeks supporter from an ancient blade. With this sword, he delivers a final blow to the neck of the monster. aft(prenominal) determining that she is death, he still proceeds and decapitates her. He then returns with the indicate and displays it in Heorot. The decapitation of Grendels mother illustrates Beowulf as disrespectful and in violation of the heroic code, which doesnt identify him as a hero. In the eyes of contemporary society Beowulf can be recognize as a paradoxical character as he is embodied by both heroic and callous qualities.