Download Beowulf Essay

Paris Coleman
English 4/1B
Mrs. Dent
20 September 2021
Homeric Hero Beowulf Essay
The beloved “Land-Prince” who is known for becoming the greatest epic hero is
named Beowulf. He was a Geatish hero who fought against monsters like Grendel, a
dragon, and Grendel’s mom. Beowulf is revealed to be the strongest and bravest warrior
around. He is able to conquer the evil demons with the help of fate. Beowulf exhibits
characteristics of dying young in battle than old in bed, believing the greatest insult is to
withhold honor that is earned, and seeks eternal fame as his greatest glory.
Beowulf exhibits characteristics of preferring to die young and in battle than as an old
man in bed. Beowulf is a very devoted leader who didn’t let fear overcome him. He did
everything in his power to defeat the monsters. “They have seen my strength for
themselves, have watched me from the darkness of war, Dripping with my enemies’
blood”. The quote means that Beowulf knows the consequences of what the outcome of
the war could have been which was death, but he isn’t afraid of defeating the evil
monsters. “I swam In the Blackness of night, hunting monsters Out of the ocean, and
killing them one by one”. This quote also exhibits Beowulf’s drive to do the right thing
and kill the monsters who are destroying the town. This also exhibits that Beowulf will
not let the evil get into his path and will defeat the monsters till he dies.
The next characteristic Beowulf exhibits is believing the greatest insult is to withhold
honor that is earned. Beowulf defeats the monster Grendel without weapons. “Go where
my feet were afraid to, if I hid Behind some broad linden shield. My hands alone shall
fight for me”. This quote means that Beowulf fought Grendel the right way and isn’t
scared of a real fight. Also, means that Beowulf wants Grendel to know that the
honorable way to fight is without weapons. “By a bloodthirsty fiend. No Dane doubted
the victory, for the proof, hanging high from the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was
the monsters arm.” The meaning behind the quote is that Beowulf defeated Grendel and
honored his win by hanging up Grendel’s arm on a wall.
The last characteristic Beowulf exhibits is seeking eternal fame as his greatest glory.
Beowulf considered external fame to be an accomplishment and reward. The reward of
it all is gaining people’s trust and becoming a homeric hero. “His hands, the strength of
his fingers. So, fame Comes to men who mean to win it and care about nothing else!”
The meaning behind the quote is that Beowulf wanted Grendel’s mom to know that with
fame comes a price. Not willing to do the right task at hand will hinder your
accomplishments and fame. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless
battles. I am old now, But I will fight again seek fame still”. The meaning behind the
quote is that Beowulf still sought fame as he was defeating the dragon. He wanted to be
heard and known to the world his accomplishments and being a hero.
In conclusion, Beowulf’s characteristics showed how powerful of a Homeric hero he
had become. Beowulf is a one in a kind hero, who was seeking for justice for the life of
others.