Courage In Beowulf

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“In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful,” (Lines 197-198). In Anglo-Saxon literature an epic hero must be courageous, strong, sacrificial, and humble. Beowulf is the epitome for an Anglo-Saxon epic hero. He maintains these qualities throughout each battle for the sake of morality and victory. In Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon hero is well defined by the actions of Beowulf. Courage is an essential quality to an Anglo-Saxon epic hero. Beowulf understands the significance of courage. He states, “For undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked,” (Lines 572-573). If a man possesses courage, he has the ability to change his fate. Beowulf is, “The man whose name was known for courage,” (Line 340). Once…show more content…
The biggest sacrifice any hero can make is the will of sacrificing his own life in battle for the greater good of his people. Throughout all three battles, Beowulf accepts the probability of death. “I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform to the uttermost what you people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall,” (Lines 632-638). Beowulf’s boast demonstrates the suitable attitude of an Anglo-Saxon epic hero. Sacrifice must be validated through the hero’s willingness to be met with death in order to achieve glory in battle. Beowulf displays his sacrificial readiness in the face of nearly impossible…show more content…
Despite Beowulf powerfully defeating Grendel, he does not boast about effortlessly defeating Grendel’s mother. Beowulf remains humble and acknowledges the severity of his upcoming battle with Grendel’s mother. He understands that it will be grueling battle with the likeliness of his death. He declares, “Now that I have come to the point of action, I ask you to recall what we said earlier…if I should fall and suffer death while serving your cause, would act like a father to me afterward. If this combat kills me, take care of my young company…And be sure also, my beloved Hrothgar, to send Hygelac the treasures I received. Let the lord of the Geats gaze on that gold, let Hrethel’s son take note of it and see that I found a ring-giver of rare magnificence and enjoyed the good of his generosity. With Hrunting I shall gain glory or die,” (Lines 1474-1491). Not only does he stay humble with the outcome of this battle, but he furthers his modesty by leaving his well-earned treasures to his

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