Heroism in Beowulf Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essay

Heroism in Beowulf A hero is one who is not only strong, but one who uses his strength to uphold others. A hero is humble, philanthropic, magnanimous and selfless, a humanitarian at best. In the unprecedented epic Beowulf, the tales namesake exemplifies every characteristic befitting an Anglo-Saxon hero. He is honest, loyal, and courageous. He portrays these characteristics in the battle against Grendel, the affray with Grendels mother, and the fight against the dragon that inevitably ended his life. Beowulf was a man of admirable exploits. He had the strength of xxx men in his fortifys, and would use this strength to aid anyone in need. Upon hearing of the plight of Grendel and the ill happenings in Hrothgars kingdom, Beowulf immediately gathered his entourage to function the king and defend Heorot. When Beowulf encountered the beast that had terrorized for 12 years, he single-handedly ripped off Grendels arm, an act ultimately killing the creature. To further delineate his heroi sm, Beowulf kept the arm as a trophy of his victory. Upon learning of her sons death, Grendel...