Beowulf

What is it that makes Beowulf a true hero? How do Beowulf's deeds, words, and beliefs come together to create the "perfect" medieval warrior?

         Beowulf may very well be oldest depiction we have of a warrior and hero in Anglo-Saxon culture and in today our go-to depiction of a typical hero is not much different from that of Beowulf’s. In essence what makes Beowulf a true hero in this poem is also what made him a “true” king. In the setting the poem describes as to what a king should be like and act, Beowulf seems to fall into that description. He is generous, a tough guy, loyal, believer, brave and protector of those he has duty over. Consequently, through these qualities he has he performs deeds that then fall under true heroism.

       For example, he doesn’t only fight Grendel but his last warrior and king act is fighting and killing the dragon and remained loyal and brave while doing so. Before he attacks the dragon he reminds his men how loyal he is remaining to his king duties when he says, “I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight (2510-2513).” He also went into his battle with the dragon as he did with those prior battles. He did not whine or fear the out come as it shows in lines 1443 and 1444, “Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death.”

       In the end of his fight with dragon he is triumphant but dies as well, which I think then enforces Beowulf’s true heroism and establishes what a great medieval warrior he was. He was not only a great king but also went out bravely to face his enemies and performed the ultimate sacrifice for his men and kingdom.