A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Christopher Reeves. In the novel of Beowulf it clearly shows that he is a great hero who overcomes many obstacles in his life to protect his people. Beowulf embodies several beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon values. Beowulf is based around courage, fighting prowess, and loyalty.
First characteristic of Beowulf is courage. Beowulf had great courage because he was willing to take on great challenges most people would never have accepted. In the novel it tells how Beowulf stands up to Grendel and his mother while all the other warriors tried to help but ended up just hiding in terror. When the king describes how foreboding the she-wolfs home was Beowulf still decided to go alone in the depths of her territory and face her in battle. Never once did he let himself get intimated by any of his surroundings. Not only was Beowulf courageous but he was always able to back up his courage with actions.
The Second characteristic of Beowulf is fighting prowess. During his battle with Grendel he showed great skill and strength defeating Grendel without even using a weapon. The novel explains how Beowulf grasps Grendels claw with one had and bends it back breaking it then ripping his arm away from his body leaving him to die. When Beowulf goes to battle against the mighty she-wolf a part of the novel explains how no sword could slice her evil. So Beowulf looking around her home sees hanging on the wall a heavy sword made by giants and blessed with their magic. He draws the sword from its scabbard lifts it over his head with all the strength he has left and cuts her head off. Although he was a strong warrior Beowulf remained dedicated to the people throughout the land.
The third and strongest characteristic of Beowulf is loyalty. Beowulfs loyalty grew out of such needs to protect the people from terrible enemies or monsters in the wilderness. In the beginning of the novel it tells how Beowulf hears stories of how Grendel fills the nights with horror. As quickly as possible he gets warriors together to sail the sea to Herot to save Hrothgar and his people. At the end of the novel Wiglaf a great warrior shows loyalty to Beowulf by helping him defeat the dragon when everyone else ran in terror. Although they are victorious Beowulfs life comes to an end when he was struck by the dragon. Even until death Beowulf proved his loyalty to the people.
Thus as you can see Beowulf truly embodies many beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon values. Through everything Beowulf has done he shows great courage, strong fighting prowess, and true loyalty to his people.
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