Is Beowulf a Hero - 2129 Words

Is Beowulf a hero? It is vital when approaching the question of whether or not Beowulf can be viewed as a hero to attempt to understand the concept of a ‘hero. Joseph Campbell, the American theorist, studied mythological characters and texts in great detail and developed the concept of the monomyth (or Heros Journey) which he suggested all heroes undertook: A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow men. If we are to take this statement as being accurate it is fair to say that at least in so far as what actually occurs in†¦show more content†¦Shortly before his contest with Grendels mother we are told he is ‘indifferent to death a point which is exemplified when prior to the fight he sets out his wishes to Hrothgar for what should be done should he perish. He is not arrogant enough to assume victory is assured and yet he is also courageous enough to not fear the possibility of defeat. In Seamus Heaneys translation of Beowulf we constantly see him referring to the great Geat as a hero. For instance ‘the hero arose and ‘heros helmet are but two of the references made. Although it is a hugely contentious issue, if we are to assume that Heaney is attempting, if only on the point of calling Beowulf a hero within the actual translated text, to give as direct a translation as is possible then it would seem apparent that the original author was making no secret of the fact he wanted him to be seen in this way too. There have been many criticisms of the character of Beowulf that highlight certain traits which could point away from the notion of him being a hero. One such idea is that he fought the monsters chiefly for personal reasons: ‘Beowulf steadily shifts from a primarily defensive role to an aggressive one, motivated to varying degrees in each of his battles by thoughts of glory, vengeance and treasure It is particularly the stance that Beowulf was motivated by thoughts of glory that I believe endangers the belief that he was a hero.Show MoreRelatedBeowulf Is A Hero Of Beowulf1017 Words   |  5 PagesIn the movie and book Beowulf, Beowulf represents a hero. Beowulf is like our modern day heroes, firefighters, policemen, military men, doctors and EMT’s. All of these men do the same thing as Beowulf did in the movie. The fight the villains and protect the innocent. Beowulf had super strength to help him defeat the villains and protect the innocent. I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelac s fame and gladden his heart, I herebyRead MoreBeowulf : A Hero Or Hero?1092 Words   |  5 PagesCole Jackson Miss Sibbach Honors English IV 10 December, 2014 To Be a Hero, or To Not Be a Hero Countless people have tried to say that Beowulf represents the qualities required of an epic hero, but many people also suggest that Beowulf does not show any of these qualities. While Beowulf shows heroic characteristics in all of his acts, both pride and greed motivate his actions. The story of Beowulf contains all of the information needed to show this, but people do not notice that which they do notRead MoreBeowulf the Hero1005 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf The Hero â€Å"†¦ A fiend out of hell†(Heaney 100). These words describe the monster Grendel, who is truly an evil entity. Only an epic hero with strength, courage and confidence is able to defeat this mighty foe. 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The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: