Beowulf – An Epic Hero Essay | Acemyhomework Writers
Beowulf – An Epic Hero Essay
The definition of a hero can be different depending on one’s perspective, community or society at large. From the ancient days, the definition of a hero has been evolving. However, the aspects to identify the hero remains the same. People use many qualities to measure heroism such as respect, strength, and courage among many others. Heroes are noted due to their powerful and brave actions towards serving the interest of the community. The epic poem features Beowulf as the main character who demonstrates all qualities of heroism by protecting the Hrothgar, Danish king, and his people. Beowulf extended his power and strength to honor his country and to protect the people.
The Beowulf epic essay introduction above shows the attributes that made a hero in the ancient times which some are still in use today. Epic hero is a person who can risk his life to fight for the benefit of others. In the epic poem, Beowulf possesses super strength and great loyalty to his people. Protecting his people was an obligation Beowulf took to ensure everybody was safe from enemies who will often attack his people. Beowulf defeats Grendel after fighting for the first time alone, without using any weapon.
Why is Beowulf an epic hero essay?
An Epic hero should have a weapon that he can use to fight against any enemy that threatens his people. Beowulf has a magical sword that enables him to fight efficiently despite having the power and strength to defeat beasts such as Grendel. He spends the majority of his time to fight the monsters that are threatening his people which proves him to be an epic hero. Beowulf does not give up despite the injuries he suffers from battling the hellions and brutes. He thinks of his people and gains more strength in the effort to ensure the people are safe.
Comparing the Beowulf poem and movie
Watching the Beowulf movie will be a great idea to at least break the reading monotony. However, the film differs the epic poem in various ways. For instance, the Beowulf is written to advocate the importance of Christianity. Hrothgar builds Heorot with an aim to give God glory, but the movie portrays Hrothgar and his Danes as pagans. On the other hand, Grendel is Cain’s descendant and attacks Heorot. After realizing he cannot fight God, Grendel starts to fight the people of God. In the movie, the singing and music from the walls of Heorot make Grendel dance.
The epic poem shows Beowulf as a real hero who upholds the heroic traits and follows the code of the Anglo-Saxon culture making him a hero. However, in the movie, Beowulf lies about killing Grendel’s mother and his affair with the Queen’s handmaid. Towards the end of the epic poem, Beowulf faces a challenge to slay the dragon attacking the Geats for him to die as a hero. The movies show the death of Beowulf happening while fighting the dragon. The film shows a different relationship between the dragon and Beowulf.
This Beowulf essay shows the values that made a hero those days. Currently, the heroism is not based on physical strength and power but ideological strength and the ability to stand for what benefits the majority. Other qualities of an epic hero remain constant, and the heroes are now role models in the society.
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