The Characteristics Of A Hero In The Epic Of Beowulf

Beowulf Essay A hero in the modern world is hard to define and in some places even harder to find. Stories such as Beowulf are continually told in order to help define what a hero should / could be. Heroes in these stories possess traits such as bravery, great strength, or great cunning. However, while a true hero needs some of these traits they don’t define that person as a hero. What defines someone as a hero is daring to go and do what ordinary men wouldn’t in order to save innocent lives, knowing full well they are putting their lives and their families livelihood at risk; they do all of this and don’t actively seek recognition, that is what a true hero is. In the epic poem of Beowulf the main character whose name is shared with the†¦show more content†¦Matt is a former CIA agent who saw the chance to help found project underground railroad with his friend (a former navy seal) as a chance to help more lives on a broader spectrum than he could with the CIA. Nevermind that he gave up his young blossoming career with the CIA with all the financial and security benefits that go along with that in order to help form a non profit. Nevermind that he risks his life and the lives of his team when he goes into other countries and works undercover face to face with people who sell children as sex slaves and then is also there when those people are taken down. Disregard those things and Matt is still the perfect example of a modern day hero. Because at his core he just wants to help innocents that have no way of protecting themselves from the true monsters of the world. Matt possess the traits that Beowulf has, the strength, the wit, the b ravery, but what sets him apart is that in the real world the hero doesn’t always win. Or in the case of Beowulf the hero in the real world isn’t always honored in a grand fashion. Matt is a hero and heroes in the real world don’t get to enjoy those luxuries. Matt exhibits where a hero in our current society lies, in the shadows. A true hero such as Matt is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for others knowing well that he won’t be given theShow MoreRelatedBeowulf : Characteristics Of An Epic Hero978 Words   |  4 Pages2Y English 12 20/11/17 Beowulf: Characteristics of an Epic Hero In Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, to be considered a hero was to also be considered a warrior/ soldier. To be a hero, you had to not only be strong but you also had to be smart, and have plenty of courage. These warriors were willing to face any type of trials and tribulations at any odd. These types of heroic warriors would fight to the death to obtain glory and save their people. The Anglo-Saxon hero needed to possess all ofRead MoreBeowulf : Epic Characteristics Of An Epic Hero862 Words   |  4 PagesEvery epic hero acquires certain heroic characteristics. The poem, â€Å"Beowulf, is about the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon period. Beowulf is a warrior from Geatland that comes to help Hrothgar, the king of Danes, defeat the monster Grendel who has been killing men in their kingdom. Beowulf defeats the unstoppable beast, Grendel. Then Grendel’s mother comes to try to avenge Grendel’s death, and Beowulf slaughters her in her underwater lair. After 50 peacef ul years of ruling the Geats, Beowulf in hisRead MoreComparing Beowulf, The Wanderer, And The 13th Warrior1731 Words   |  7 Pagesalways reappears is What is an epic hero? Or better yet an epic hero in Anglo Saxon culture. I believe there is more to being a hero than just being strong or intelligent. An epic hero in my eyes is oneself who comes to portray the beliefs of the society in which the tale/story is depicted. A few great examples of the Anglo Saxon epic hero are the literary characters in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The 13th Warrior. 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The values and traditions of the original composers of this story cause Beowulf’s character to be the perfect example of an Anglo-SaxonRead MoreBeowulf s Heroic Qualities That Convey His Nobility And Courage887 Words   |  4 Pages Beowulf exemplifies heroic qualities that convey his nobility and courage. The poem named Beowulf has no known author. The author of the poem is known to be a Anglo-Saxon poet. The poem, Beowulf, is an Old English epic poem. The character, Beowulf, is a noble hero who offered to help King Hrothgar by fighting a demon named Grendal. He fought many enemies before and while becoming a king. Beowulf is a loyal and noble hero to the people of Geats and Danes. Epic heroes are defined with specific