Beowulf: From a Warrior to a Hero Essay

From a Warrior to a Hero

In the epic poem, Beowulf, the protagonist, has great expectations of the Anglo-Saxon audience, he reveals three qualities: trustworthy, resposible, and strength. These are the qualities that best describe Beowulf. Beowulf, Ecgtheow's son is a hero with fame and honor, but he has his personal traits that make him who he is and what people expect him to be.

In his past, as a young hero he had many victories which he is known for. Beowulf, my friend, you have traveled here to favor us with help and to fight for us."(457-458). Hrothgar was very pleased with Beowulfs presence because he knew that he was as much as a warrior just like his father and that the feud that needed to be taken care of will properly be managed. Beowulf had backtracking history from his father that was greatly known by those among the presence of Beowulf and as his son he had to carry that on. "With measured words she welcomed the Geat and thanked God for granting her wish that a deliverer that she could believe in would arrive to ease their afflictions."(625-628). As the lady of the house, Wealhtheow courteously greeted Beowulf and thanked him for his admirable help. There was fear among the Dane's that nobody would come to the rescue and help with the battle that is upon them but, luckily Beowulf was brought upon the situation which was a relief to many. Never, since my hand could hold a shield have I entrusted or given control of the Danes' hall to anyone but you."(655-657). The King of the Danes' was placing pressure against Beowulf, because Beowulf knew he had a mission to accomplish, at the same time he was being honored more. Trust from others and trusting yourself leads to another characteristic found in a person.

All situations Beowulf has accomplished in his past are a valuable part of his life. His stories are carried on as proof of him showing how responsible he is. I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea.. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiends clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall.(632-638). Beowulf has placed the hands of the people of Dane on himself. He is acting as if the feud was his own problem and is handling it in a calm manner, not saying that he will take all glory, but, he will try his best to prove himself as the hero he is. We are all retainers from Hygelacs band. Beowulf is the name. If your lord and master, the most renowned son of Halfdane, will hear me out and graciously allow me to greet him in person, I am ready and willing to report my errand.(342-347). With much pride he courteously introduces himself and his group to the danish kinsmen. Beowulf does not take this chance to battle Grendel for granted, so he follows along with what must be done. I can show the wise Hrothgar a way to defeat his enemy and find respite- if any respite is to reach him, ever.(219-281). Beowulf looks at the situation and figures out that instead of this battle being a simple victory game, he will show to Hrothgar that he can also defeat one like Grendel, only if he believes in himself as much as Beowulf does. Beowulf is not saying that Hrothgar does not know how to battle like a warrior as himself but, is stating that there should be no pity. Taking responsibilities and not knowing how to handle them is not the way to go, so it is important that strength is found in the inside and out.

Beowulf is admired by many because as a hero and as a person he shows both his inner and outer strength. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful.(197-198). Beowulf might have gotten some of his fame from his father, but at a young age he was already a hero. He has a numerous amounts of victorious battles in his past that have made him stronger inside and out. because all knew of my awesome strength. They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes. (418-422). Using the informative facts about his past battles make it seem that he is very strong as he is said to be. Having battled at sea in the dark must take a lot of bravery and power, so Beowulf is proving himself and saying that if he was able to do that then he is certainly capable of fighting against Grendel. I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with a fiend.(436-440). Surely Beowulf knows what he is capable of doing. He is aware of his strong points and his weak. He gives up the usage of weapons and shields and decides to use his own inner and outer power. Strength is held in a persons mind, only they know if they are strong or not, like Beowulf, he is big but his inner strengths make him bigger.

A hero is not a big buff person, a hero is somebody who has traits such as Beowulf. Beowulf definitely has more to give than trust, being responsible and his strengths. Yes a hero like himself is honored and is given fame but only the person themselves can make themselves the hero, and it is not easy as to just be called a hero because that position must be earned. Beowulf carries along his pride through every battle that he goes through, which is why others look up to him for his well-being.