Beowulf - The Immortal Hero Essay - 1490 Words

The epic poem of Beowulf is a story filled with majesty and mourning. Heroes and villains, struggles and victory. Men die, all the time. Along with all of this there is an underlying theme ever present throughout the script. It is the basis for actions, the reason for such passion behind a mans own bloody sword, the lust in his hungry eyes for revenge and conquers. In this time where the afterlife is uncertain, and familiarity is only known to a name, true heroism is the only assurance of identity and remembrance. This theme can be seen in several areas of the book. It begins with the infamous Geats entering the area of the Danes, where such stress is placed by the guard of the coast on the names of the mens fathers and their†¦show more content†¦(20-25) Here, the idea of having a good name is set forth form the very beginning of this tale. The link between heritage and identity is set forth as the most valuable asset in this perplexing time. A father must be a warrior to obtain gold for his heir, an heir must be a warrior to live on and prosper. The way to this fame is through battle and valor. The sword is the symbol of success or complete failure, depending on how courageous the hand is that carries it. Beowulfs answer also confirms this idea. He does not fight the coastguard and coax him to ask him of what he, Beowulf, has done, but he answers the questions put forth. We are Geats, men who follow Higlac. My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men. His name was Edgetho. His life lasted many winters; wise men all over the earth surely remember him still (260-266). Here, Beowulf was quick to explain how great his father was. He also mentioned him as a famous soldier, which seems the best way to become renowned. He was obviously proud to be the son of Edgetho, for he had no problem pronouncing it to the man. His fathers valor is the base of what Beowulf wishes to build on. Unferth is quick to question the authenticity of Beowulfs fame and his story of the swimmers race. It is pointed out that Unferth is jealous of the eminence attained by Beowulf and the lack ofShow MoreRelatedLiterature and HIstory Essay1000 Words   |  4 Pagesmentioned in her quote, literature always have reflected the historical event that was happening on the time the books were written. For instance, expansion of Christianity and the belief of immortal life through being a hero on their own epic, during Anglo-Saxon period is shown on the famous epic; Beowulf. Beowulf himself always summons the lord before his fights and tries to fight Grendel for his own heroic journey. Inhuman behavior of British toward Irish farmers are reflected in Jonathan Swift’sRead MoreBeowulf as a Epic Hero Essay960 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf Paper A true hero does not fear death or, but instead risks all that he is for what he believes to be right, moral, and just. 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Beowulf is the earliest surviving epic poem written in a modern European languageRead 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 not