Heroism and Leadership Beowulf - 1382 Words

In the era of my rule, a king was not someone who simply delivered orders to his â€Å"men† while he sat on his throne awaiting confirmation of a victory. Men admired their leader for: outstanding courage, selflessness to his tribe, personal valor, and ability to survive despite the toughest opposition. Heroism and leadership are characteristics that brought my fellow men to abide by my side despite the situation, which in response led me to become such an aspiring leader, and in the end a hero – the demonstration to attain glory through brawls. Traditions, natural laws, and religion are descriptions of my heroism and leadership. In medieval literature, heroes are defined to be courageous, valiant, courteous, generous, and loyal. According to†¦show more content†¦As an anglo-Saxon warrior, lineage is just as critical as my endeavors. Napierpowski states that at a familial level, I conceitedly announced my relation and identity to my father, whereas Grendel is fatherless (509). When Hrothgar’s horseman asked me who I was, I said â€Å"In his day, my father was a famous man,/ a noble warrior-lord named Ecgtheow./ He outlasted many a long winter/ and went on his way. All over the world/ men wise in counsel continue to remember him† (â€Å"Beowulf† 262-6). I do agree with Napierkowski as in that I do not try to boast about my lineage; since that is not a way a leader would act. Like all Anglo-Saxon’s we are characterized by ancestral history, my purpose was to form my ancestry as well as perform one of my duties as a leader: honor my father and uphold my reputation. My behavior and actions also represent heroic and leadership qualities through tradition. My behavior began with my relation to my ancestry as previously mentioned, but also upon approaching Heorot. Prior to my arrival, I stated my resolve, â€Å"Give us the right advice and directions./ We have arrived here on a great errand/ of the lord of the Danes †¦I can show the wise Hrothgar a way/ to defeat his enemy and find respite-/ if any respite is to reach him, ever† (â€Å"Beowulf† 269-81). Even if it were a lie, the fact that I was ableShow MoreRelatedEpic of Beowulf Essay1106 Words   |  5 PagesThe 8th century epic poem Beowulf illustrates a loss of community, cultural values and tradition. On the other hand, an elegiac passing of an extraordinary hero and the relationship between the themes of mortality and heroism are well discussed in Beowulf. Beowulf’s character exemplifies the Germanic and the Anglo-Saxon ideals of the hero: strong, fearless, bold, loyal, and stoic in the acceptance of fate. Despite his lack of humility, Beowulf was the definition of a hero in his own time by hisRead MoreBeowulf Is The Longest Epic Poem1316 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf is the longest epic poem written in Old English. The story centers around the exploits of Beowulf, a heroic warrior known for his strength and bravery. The theme of heroism is prevalent throughout the poem through the use of conflict between good and evil forces. Beowulf is often engaged in selfless conquests in the pursuit of saving others, resulting in his emergence as the hero of the story. The text, while focusing on the main theme of heroism, is divided into two main parts, Beowulf asRead MoreThemes In Beowulf1510 Words   |  7 PagesFrom the beginning of Beowulf we are able to understand and see the central themes and points that are being focused on. From the assigned readings of Beowulf and after finishing the entire piece I found it stuck with its major theme in which we are given from the prologue of the story. From the start of the story we are able to identify with Scyld Scefing and his role as king and leader. Power plays a major role and theme throughout the entire story which allows the story to flow well and keep theRead MoreThe Characteristics Of Heroism In Beowulf857 Words   |  4 PagesHeroism Essay What really defines a hero? Beowulf has been known as one of the greatest heroes in Anglo Saxon history: Strong, brave, and a great leader who will lay his life down for his people. Heroes now, show many of the same qualities, but can come in many different shapes and sizes, some even in the shape of a kitchen sponge. Beowulf’s stories depict epic quests across new and foreign lands. He goes on these quest either to keep his people safe from monster, or earn fame and glory throughoutRead More Beowulf: A Hero Essay782 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf: A Hero Beowulf is a hero during the Middle Ages because of his generosity, strength, power, and courage. A hero is one who places himself or herself at great risk while performing acts of courage. Beowulf is a hero that put his life on the line for an entire kingdom. He has heroic and superhuman qualities. He must prove his worthiness of a superior warrior. He is recognized for his strengths and power of protecting his people. Beowulf is faced with three forces to fight, Grendel (a monster)Read MoreBeowulf Is a Hero Essay877 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf Essay Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities:Read MoreThe Themes Of Heroism In The Wander By Anglo-Saxon830 Words   |  4 PagesTo start of I selected Beowulf by Anglo-Saxon, the second text I chose was The Wander by Anglo-Saxon. The theme of Beowulf is heroism. Beowulf himself represents the heroic ideal because of his features, strength, and courage, but also because of his intelligence and honor. Beowulf is proud of his strength and great his honor. When Beowulf goes to Heorot, waiting for Grendel, he refuses to keep a weapon. He believes in himself that he can defeat the monster who has devoured many men without usingRead MoreTheme Of Heroism In Beowulf740 Words   |  3 PagesThe theme of Beowulf is heroism. Beowulf himself represents the heroic ideal because of his features, strength, and courage, but also because of his intelligence and honor. Beowulf is proud of his strength and great his honor. When Beowulf goes to Heorot, waiting for Grendel, he refuses to keep a weapon. He believes in himself that he can defeat the monster who has devoured many men without using any weapons. It turns out that Beowulfs intelligent approach was right. Glory is also one of the themesRead MoreAn Analysis of Beowulf160 8 Words   |  6 PagesThe Old English epic Beowulf is built around the archetype of the journeying hero. Beowulf exemplifies a classical hero, one who is not immune from hubris, but who channels his strong will into judicious endeavors. Thus, Beowulf dies with the honor and glory befitting a king. His story is one of distinct binaries between good and evil. On the side opposite to Beowulfs goodness is the gruesome Grendel. Grendel is a monster, and the original epic poem does nothing to introduce moral ambiguity thatRead MoreComparison Of Beowulf And The Rancher Dan Evans1462 Words   |  6 Pagesothers differing from the norm and achieving heroism through other means. This variation of heroism is represented through characterizing traits that, although similar for most, are unique for some non-conforming heroes. Throughout the poem Beowulf and the movie 3:10 to Yuma, the two protagonists both possess numerous qualities befitting of a hero. However, the difference between the her oism of the famous Anglo Saxon hero, Beowulf, in the poem Beowulf and the rancher Dan Evans from 3:10 to Yuma is