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In the ancient narrative of Beowulf, the titular character emerges as a figure embodying both conventional and unconventional heroism within the context of contemporary society. Beowulf, the valiant son of Ecgtheow and a loyal thane of Hygelac, strides onto the stage as a fearless warrior, earning the immediate respect of the audience. The magnitude of Beowulf's heroic stature is vividly captured at the outset of the poem with the narrator's proclamation, "The man whose name was known for courage, the Geat Leader" (Heaney 25).
This grand introduction establishes Beowulf as a well-respected individual, laying the groundwork for his journey toward heroism.
Bravery, a quintessential trait of heroism, defines Beowulf's character throughout the epic. His unwavering valor is evident in various episodes, from his daring swimming competition with Breca to his intense battles against formidable adversaries like Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon that ultimately proves fatal. In these trials, Beowulf exhibits not only physical strength but also wisdom and motivation.
Beowulf's heroic status is evident in his fearless actions.
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He confronts and defeats Grendel by using his best sword, ultimately slaying the monster. After vanquishing Grendel's mother, he is rewarded with a trove of gold. Beowulf's bravery shines through his willingness to face two battles, uncertain of the outcome. The narrator vividly describes the aftermath of the battle, stating, "The monster's whole body was in pain; a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder... Beowulf was granted the glory of winning..." (Heaney 55). The decisive defeat of Grendel solidifies Beowulf's heroic legacy and sets the stage for further challenges.
Following Grendel's demise, Beowulf faces the vengeful Grendel's mother in a watery battleground, emerging victorious once again.
True to his word, Beowulf proves his worth by defeating this formidable opponent. As the epic unfolds, Beowulf encounters his ultimate challenge—a fierce dragon wreaking havoc upon the city. Despite the awareness that death might await him, Beowulf fearlessly confronts the dragon, declaring, "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 bear your lord away" (Heaney 171). In the end, Beowulf triumphs over the dragon but succumbs to his wounds, facing death with the same bravery that defined his heroic deeds.
However, Beowulf's portrayal as a quintessential Anglo-Saxon hero is not without its complexities, as certain qualities in his character would render him less heroic in contemporary society. From the very beginning, Beowulf's introduction carries an air of conceit and aggression. During the initial feast, he boasts of his swimming prowess, claiming, "I was the strongest swimmer of all...Time and again, foul things attacked me...but I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my sword..." (Heaney 37). This display of arrogance contradicts the humility often associated with modern heroism.
Moreover, Beowulf's violent encounters with Grendel and Grendel's mother reveal a darker side to his character. The brutal act of tearing off Grendel's arm during their wrestling match and the subsequent decapitation of Grendel's mother, even after determining her death, challenge the conventional notions of heroism. These actions, though successful in fulfilling his heroic duties, are marred by a certain ruthlessness that modern society may find incompatible with the heroic code.
In conclusion, Beowulf's journey unfolds as a tapestry woven with threads of both heroism and flaws. His unyielding bravery, strength, and determination distinguish him as a formidable hero of the Anglo-Saxon era, while his arrogance and violent tendencies cast shadows upon his heroic image in the eyes of contemporary society. Beowulf stands as a paradoxical character, embodying the complexities inherent in the concept of heroism, transcending the boundaries of time and inviting reflection on the ever-evolving nature of heroic ideals.
Beowulf: A Hero's Odyssey and the Paradox of Virtues. (2016, Jul 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/beowulf-as-a-hero-in-modern-society-essay
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