Beowulf is a Genuine Hero Essay - 496 Words

Fear is a painful emotion excited by the expectation of evil. In â€Å"Beowulf†, translated by Charles W. Kennedy, fear is not an option, or emotion, nor does it even exist for the hero. The hero, Beowulf, is also given strength equivalent to thirty men. These things are demonstrated in the tale of the most celebrated hero of Anglo-Saxon times, Beowulf. A man, of which people loved and respected throughout the entire region where he lived. He made the people feel that they had someone to rely on through times in which failure seemed unavoidable. Beowulf, from the epic poem â€Å"Beowulf†, is an extremely courageous hero and confronts his many difficult battles without fear. Danger is confronted in every situation Beowulf faced, but he never†¦show more content†¦Then the fiend step nearer,(558-564).† Beowulf still sat unfrightend by what occurs and waits for the right moment to attack Grendel. He approaches Grendel after the consumption of the man and grabs his arm and begins to crush it with his hand. â€Å"His courage fled; but he found no escape! He was fain to be gone; he would flee to the darkness,(571-572).† Beowulf full of rage and anger began to beat this monster with his bare hands. â€Å"And Beowulf gained the glory of battle. Grendel, fated, fled to the fens, to his joyless dwelling, sick unto death,(632-634).† Beowulf without fear or hesitation fought this monster and won. This beast had killed many men at a single time, but Beowulf’s courage let him prevail in a situation where fear takes over the hearts of many men. Beowulf’s next test of courage came when he fought Grendel’s mother in her lair, she like Grendel, has incredible size and strength. Grendel’s mother wants to get revenge for the murder of her son, Grendel. Beowulf jumped in the lake, leading to the lair, going after Grendel’s mother without any thought that would suggest the slightest hint of fear. After swimming in these murky waters Beowulf finds his enemy. â€Å"Swift she grappled and grasped the warrior with horrid grip, but could work no harm, no hurt to his body; the ring-lockedShow MoreRelatedEssay on Anglo-Saxon History and Beowulf1586 Words   |  7 PagesAnglo-Saxon History and Beowulf By definition the word â€Å"hero† might be interpreted in one of four ways. First off in mythology and legend, a hero is often of divine ancestry. He is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods. Secondly, a hero is a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life. 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