ipl-logo

Selflessness In Beowulf

467 Words2 Pages

Every past and modern culture over the course of history, has its hero’s. A hero is a person or figure that others look up to and use as forms of protection. Many cherish the hero’s, they make up who we are today. The Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, and the postmodern hero/hero’s, the soldiers, both show the traits of bravery, selflessness, and loyalty. To have the trait of bravery you have to have lots of confidence in yourself and have courage. In part one of “Beowulf” the hero, Beowulf goes to the Danes with courage and confidence to defeat Grendel and the dragon in part two. He had lots more confidence and courage when it was time to face Grendel than he did when it was time to face the dragon. He had more confidence fighting Grendel then …show more content…

To be selfless is to make sure the needs of others is put before your needs. Beowulf the Angelo-Saxon hero, made sure the safety of the Danes came before his. He put his life on the line just to fight off the monsters or dragons that made the lives of others miserable. In part two, Beowulf fights off the dragon but he dies after killing the dragon, his last words were to Wiglaf, he told him to take care of his people. The soldiers leave their home and families to fight for our country and our freedom. They put their life on the line for the citizens of the United States of America. The final characteristic of a great hero is loyalty. Loyalty is staying true to what you say or say you will do. Beowulf was loyal to the Danes and Geats, when he said he will fight off the enemies he stuck to his word. He had no fear fighting off Grendel, but he did have fear fighting the dragon, but he was not going to give up. Beowulf was so loyal to the Geats he died after killing the dragon. The soldiers in the world are loyal to our country by protecting the citizens and obeying orders. Some soldiers die fighting, but most soldiers would be happy to die that way knowing that they fought for our

Show More
Related

  • Character Analysis: The Man In The Red Bandana

    201 Words  | 1 Pages

    Heroes put others before themselves and will do anything to ensure that thing’s safety. Many people have either risked their lives or have loss their lives due to trying to save others. An example of this would be the man in the red bandana or Welles Crowther. Crowther was working in the twin towers as planes were crashing into them. Crowther could have ran away from the other people when the planes hit, but he chose not to spare himself, but to save others and sacrifice his own life.

    Read More

  • Loyalty In Beowulf

    485 Words  | 2 Pages

    Heros can’t and shouldn’t be scared of doing anything. “ Boast and , standing erect, stopped the monsters flight, fastened those claws in his fists till they cracked, clutched Grendel closer.” (334-336). It took a lot for Beowulf to even do such a thing to Grendel, but since it was a monster and it was for his Lord, he wanted to show that he was brave enough to do that. Beowulf showed the Lord that he was courageous in this way.

    Read More

  • Beowulf Hero Quotes

    550 Words  | 3 Pages

    We have heard of those princes' heroic campaigns.” (1-3) These lines show that courage is seen as a type of greatness. If Beowulf would have not been blessed with the courage that he has, the kingdom would not have viewed him the same way as a hero. It takes a lot of courage to be brave enough to stand up to a demon that has been terrorizing a kingdom for twelve years. Luckily, Beowulf had this courage and defeated Grendel which made him a

    Read More

  • Examples Of Archetype In Beowulf

    745 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf showed bravery when he had heard that king Hrothgar was in trouble and went to help the king immediately. Beowulf came to help the king on his own free will. He knew that he was going to be fighting a monster. So that made him brave because everyone else was scared of the monster Grendel. Grendel had taken over Herot for 12 long years, so this was bewoulf time to show his bravery and defeat him.

    Read More

  • Confronting The Dragon In Beowulf

    691 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sacrificing his life for his people, Beowulf proved in his triumph over the dragon his legacy and hero status would resound forever within the Norse community. I do support the idea of confronting the dragon differently, but I insist Beowulf wisely decided to encounter the dragon. Since Beowulf lost his life as a result of the clash, questions arise when evaluating his preparation to battle the dragon. However, the conflict proved inevitable and necessary. Honoring his family and nation, Beowulf stood up to the dragon with valor and never needed to consider avoiding the burdensome task.

    Read More

  • Motivation In Beowulf's Obligation

    774 Words  | 4 Pages

    When Beowulf was going to fight grendel he felt as if it was his obligation, the people were relying on him to fight. Edwin Markham quotes “Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out.” and what this means is that Beowulf had a duty to prove something to his people. It was part of the Anglo-Saxon code. He had morals and

    Read More

  • Beowulf's Loyalty

    595 Words  | 3 Pages

    Now there is a way we view everyone when we first are introduced to them or when we first meet them. Those views change however by the course of the person's actions and we have seen Beowulf's actions change my view to say that he is a selfless hero. The way he didn't ask for any treasure, his actions and decisions during his fifty years of rule, and his final battle with the dragon. These scenes in the book were the biggest acts of being a true selfless

    Read More

  • Beowulf: An Example Of An Epic Hero

    472 Words  | 2 Pages

    Again, Beowulf, even in his old age, stands up with his men to fight and protect his kingdom from a great dragon. Although he dies in this battle, Beowulf’s courage and heroic actions are celebrated by his people. A hero is someone willing to stand for others with courage, and one who does not allow fear to prevent them from helping others. Heroes are the ones that will put their lives on the line for family, friends, or strangers even if they are afraid.

    Read More

  • Oliver Stone's Where I Find My Heroes

    740 Words  | 3 Pages

    Genuine heroes do not concern themselves with whether or not they are better than anyone else; their intention is only to aid other people. Sometimes we treat people as heroes simply because of their important accomplishments or because they have otherwise elevated themselves above others. However, it is the common people in life who stand out from the crowd only because of their goodness that demonstrate true heroism. Although heroes show moral greatness as they act with integrity and are unwavering even in dire circumstances, they are not always those whom we celebrate as great.

    Read More

  • Essay On Good And Evil In Beowulf

    472 Words  | 2 Pages

    As king, Beowulf stepped up and fought the malevolent dragon in his last battle. In his last boast he uttered, “ I’ve never known fear, as a youth, I fought endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” (62). Beowulf was very confident for the circumstances.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay Beowulf

    427 Words  | 2 Pages

    However, Beowulf did not give up. Not giving up takes courage, especially when fighting an enormous monster from Hell who is eating your people alive. Beowulf is full of audacity and determination, and that’s what differs him from typical

    Read More

  • Hrothgar's Selflessness In Beowulf

    254 Words  | 2 Pages

    The heroic protagonist Beowulf, from the epic poem “Beowulf,” can be viewed as a righteous, altruistic hero rather than an egotistic person. One occurrence of his selflessness can be found within the conversation between Beowulf and Hrothgar. Beowulf explains that if he defeats Grendal, then he prefers that the victory news will not be spread throughout the land. Beowulf proclaims,”I beg one favor—refuse me not,/ Since I come thus faring from far-off lands—/ That I may alone with my loyal earls,/ With this hardy company, cleanse Hart-Hall”(333-336).

    Read More

  • Beowulf Is A Hero Essay

    626 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.

    Read More

  • The Knight And Beowulf Comparison Essay

    656 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.

    Read More

  • Why Is Beowulf A Hero

    948 Words  | 4 Pages

    A hero does not fight for fame and glory but for the greater good. A hero is someone who goes through adversity to help others in desperate times. A hero fights evil, and defends people. Beowulf should be considered a hero because he is a strong, brave warrior who defended his people and slayed evil monsters. Beowulf proves himself to be a strong, brave warrior by killing Grendel the monster.

    Read More

More about Selflessness In Beowulf

Open Document