Beowulf - the Ideal Hero - 1948 Words

Achilles, Beowulf, Gilgamesh, Samson and Heracles can all be characterized as heroes. However, each of these characters embodies different attributes that earn them the heroic distinction. This paper will seek to show that Beowulf is the most heroic figure based on his adherence to the heroic ethos. Also, the character of Gilgamesh will be used as a means of comparison to further showcase the heroic nature of Beowulf. The heroic ethos is a set of values that prioritize and glorify the valor of an individual. The motivation of the hero is to garner fame and immortality in legend, resulting in feats of excellence. Characteristics of the heroic ethos include service to people in the upper level of the hierarchy (e.g. relationship†¦show more content†¦In both of these tasks, Enkidu played a major role. He had to continually encourage Gilgamesh along the way. Unlike Beowulf who completed all of his feats on his own with no doubt in mind, Gilgamesh could only accomplish a task with the help of Enkidu in both the mental and physical aspects. He constantly had recurring nightmares of being defeated. His fears materialized itself in his dreams: Did you call out to me, just now, in the night? Why did I waken? Was it you that touched me? Was it a god went through the camp? A dream? What makes my skin creep? I had a dream. I dreamed we were going through a mountain gorge And the huge mountain fell down on the two of us (Ferry, 22). The irony of Gilgamesh is that the one person who deserved to live had to die. Enkidu died even though he proved to be more courageous than Gilgamesh. With the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh became obsessed with becoming immortal. He decided to go on a quest to find Utnapishtim and uncover the secret of immortality. After his long, tiring journey, Gilgamesh finally reached his destination. To uncover the secret of immortality, Gilgamesh was given a task. Gilgamesh did not have to fight and kill three dragons; he did not even need to face one! He did not have to brave the open seas or defend a kingdom. Gilgameshs great task was to keep himself awake for a week, six nights and seven days! Almost as soon as Gilgamesh the kingShow MoreRelatedThe Ideal Hero in Beowulf1090 Words   |  5 Pageswhether or not Beowulf is an ideal hero, one would have to understand the definition of an ideal hero, and then the decision and whether he has any flaws within this understanding can be made. Beowulf identifies many traits to allow the reader to make his own assumption on this epic poem. According to the dictionary, â€Å"a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities† (dictionary.com?) is the proper guideline to determine if a character is an ideal hero or not. Read More Beowulf - The Ideal Hero Essay1911 Words   |  8 Pages Achilles, Beowulf, Gilgamesh, Samson and Heracles can all be characterized as heroes. However, each of these characters embodies different attributes that earn them the heroic distinction. This paper will seek to show that Beowulf is the â€Å"most† heroic figure based on his adherence to the heroic ethos. Also, the character of Gilgamesh will be used as a means of comparison to further showcase the heroic nature of Beowulf. The heroic ethos is a set of values that prioritize and glorify the valor ofRead MoreEssay Beowulf: The Ideal Anglo-Saxon Hero858 Words   |  4 PagesOriginating in the Anglo-Saxon period, the epic poem Beowulf portrays a legendary hero. Beowulf established the earlier form of heroism, and was then later introduced in to the English culture. 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In Anglo-Saxon culture, being called a hero was an honor. Heroes were treated like kings. One of the most popular hero stories that bled into Anglo-Saxon life was the heroic epic of Beowulf. Beowulf was the perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon hero as heRead MoreBeowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight897 Words   |  4 PagesDuring the Middle Ages, two poems, Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight embody heroic figures. Beowulf, who demonstrates all the characteristics of an ideal hero, is faced with physical and moral challenges that no other man could face during his existence. Beowulf was not only looking to become a hero, he wanted to reveal the importance of establishing identity. However, Beowulf was not the only hero during this time period. Sir Gawain also participates in challenges that define his characterRead MoreHeroes Are The People In The Society That We Admire For1048 Words   |  5 Pagescommunity, anyone who attains the hero status, he/she creates ideals and ideas that the community creates and strives for. Heroes are individuals who assist in shaping the culture of the community they are associated with in the literature, the community also shapes the heroes too. The motivation and zeal of the heroes to attain more are always shaped by their culture (Heroes and The Homeric Iliad). Social conditions and culture create the essence of the hero in which the people need at the timeRead MoreQualities of an Ideal Anglo-Saxon Warrior Illustrated in Beowulf638 Words   |  3 PagesAn Anglo Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, which was originally passed down through an oral tradition during the 5th century was written into literacy by an unknown Christian monk during the 10th century. This classic poem explicitly illustrates an ideal Anglo Saxon hero of possessing the characteristics that many people during that time reg arded highly. Beowulf is an epitome of an Anglo Saxon ideal hero who possesses loyalty to both of his people and king, desires to gain glory and fame for his own recognitionRead MoreComparing Beowulf And The Redcrosse Knight1363 Words   |  6 Pagesand the Renaissance, the hero figure remained an important character for authors, but it was shown in different ways. While it was still important in both times, the definition of hero changed. During the Middle Ages a hero was someone who possessed bravery, fortitude, and loyalty. This changed during the era of the Renaissance where the hero was someone who possessed values of a Protestant: fidelity, hope, and charity. These ideas of a hero can be seen through Beowulf and the Redcrosse Knight