Beowulf as a Hero Essay -- Seamus Heaney

The poem, Beowulf, by Seamus Heaney, depicts Beowulf as a perfect hero. Beowulf is the mythical son of Edgetho and later(prenominal) becomes the king of the Geats. In the poem, Beowulfs shows heroism in two different phases of his life, youth and old age. Throughout the poem, Beowulf typefaces three difficult conflicts with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon. Throughout the novel Beowulf is a state and respected warrior from Geatland. During Beowulfs youth, he is considered to be a great warrior, portrayed by his strength, courage, and bravery. Beowulf begins his legacy in Denmark with an evil junky, Grendel. Grendel is ruining King Hrothgars kingdom and is ritually tormenting him. The monster breaks into the castle and eats as many of Hrothgars men as he can hold each night. King Hrothgar calls Beowulf for help because the king has tried everything else. Beowulf arrives with a ship of his warriors to help King Hrothgar in stopping Grendel. King Hrothgar accepts Beowulfs ple dge to kill Grendel. Beowulf pledges to face Grendel with, no weapons, therefore, for either this night unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares (47). When Beowulf meets Grendel he fights barehanded and rips his arm off. Beowulf comes back with Grendels arm. It is hung in the battle hall as a trophy of Beowulfs bravery, courage, and victory over the monster. Beowulfs stamp out of Grendel certifies his reputation for bravery and establishes him as a full hero. Even though Grendel is dead, the danger has not passed. Grendels mother comes to King Hrothgars battle hall. She retrieves, their trophy, Grendels bloodied hand (91). Hrothgar is very scotch and calls on the hero, Beowulf, once again. Beowulf travels with his men to the fiery lake whe... ...he only one left of the WaegmundingsNow I must follow them (189). Wiglaf is the only warrior who stayed to help Beowulf, the rest fled. Therefore, Beowulf leaves Wiglaf to recipe his kingdom. Beowulf should be considered a hero becau se he gives his life to keep his kingdom safe. Beowulf is a great warrior, portrayed by his strength, courage, and bravery. Beowulf also exemplifies the manner and values fit(p) by the Germanic heroic code. He is considered to be both a warrior and a king. When Beowulf encounters the dragon, the responsibilities of being king are thrown. He must act for the reasoned of his people, not just for his own glory. Throughout the poem, Beowulf holds a good reputation and is respected by the people.Works CitedBeowulf. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed M H Abrams, et al. Vol. 1. 6th ed. NY W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1993.