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Beowulf Essay Examples

In various works dwelling throughout British Literature, the main characters obtain individual moral qualities.  These qualities are what differentiate the distinctive complexity of the character.  In this heroic epic, Beowulf, the famous warrior from the land of the Geats, must carry out his duty by assisting the Danish people, ruled by King Hrothgar, to kill the evil monster who was continuously invading the royal meadhall, Herot, for over twelve years.  This eminent tale, translated by Burton Rafael, presents Beowulf as a heroic and courageous, noble and overall powerful warrior.

Being heroic and courageous means not being afraid of anything and taking on and accomplishing the toughest of challenges.  There are many examples that exhibit Beowulfs heroism.  One example of this is said by the author:   [Beowulf] heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out proclaiming that hes to go to that famous kingnow, when help was needed. (16 Keach) Another example of his heroic nature and courage is when he says, I have heard, too, that the monsters scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none, nor will I.(18 Keach).  This scenario is showing that Beowulf will fight the evil monster with out weapons further demonstrating his bravery.  Moreover, Beowulf says, I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one: death was my errand and the fate the had earned (18 Keach) In addition, as Grendel makes his final invasion on the meadhall, Beowulf rose to the occasion and defeated the wicked monster.  These examples have clearly demonstrated the bravery of Beowulf. He fearlessly fought in the hardest of battles and came out victorious everytime.  Beowulf truly was a hero.
Although Beowulf was an extremely valiant and resolute person, he also was a very noble warrior.  Having the quality of nobility means being honorable, courteous to others, and being loyal to his country and friends.

There are also more cases in Beowulf that reveal his nobility.  One representation of this is when he says, And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance I had from Hrethel (18 Keach).  This quote displays Beowulfs loyalty to his country and to the king.  It also shows that he has a great deal of honor.  Furthermore, Beowulf quotes, Now Grendel and I are called, together, and Ive come.  Grant me, then, Lord and protector of this noble place, a single request!  I have come so far (18  Keach).  In addition, this great warrior says, My people have said, the wisest, most knowing and best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes Great King. (17 Keach).   In this quote, Beowulf states that it is his duty to go to the land of the Danes and protect the people.  This expresses how Beowulf matches up with his high and honorable reputation further demonstrating his nobility.  Through these examples it is vividly distinct that Beowulf is a noble man; however, although Beowulf is very noble, he is also a very vigorous and supreme fighter.

The strength of Beowulf is displayed a countless number of times in this epic.  The author says, In this far-off home Beowulf, Higlacs follower and strongest of the Geats greater and stronger than anyone in the world (16 Keach).  This shows that Beowulf is immensely strong; However, Beowulf is not modest about his forcefulness.  He presents his strength in a very boastful manner  this detail adds to the character of Beowulf.  He also says to Hrothgar, They have seen my strength for themselves and have watched me rise from darkness of war, dripping with my enemies blood…(18 Keach).  In addition to this he states things such as, no strength is a match for mine (20 Keach).  Moreover, towards the end of the tale, the author speaks of how even the great and fearless monster, Grendel, became scared after receiving a taste of Beowulfs power.  The author says, [Grendel] knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder: his mind was flooded with fear. (24 Keach).  Furthermore, the author continues to say, hells captive caught in the arms of him who of all the men on earth was the strongest. (25 Keach).  This statement goes on to further present Beowulf as a very forceful man.  Through these specific samples given it has been proven that one of the predominant characteristics of Beowulf was his strength.
Beowulf was mainly characterized by three main qualities: heroism/courage, nobility, and strength.  In this outstanding classical epic, Beowulf turned out to be a very rememberable and interesting character.

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