Beowulf's Heroism

Chelsea Doyle

Survey: English Literature I

2-22-11

Beowulfs Heroism

In the poem Beowulf, ones value as a hero is built on what he has done, and what he
will do or the good of some other mass. A hero is someone who puts his or her ingest needs
excursus to do what is best for others. Heroism comes in many forms, hardly they all share a
fundamental similarity: self-sacrifice. In Beowulfs case, in that respect is no question as to
whether or not he is a hero. He travels far and wide, telling tales of his exploits and
underpickings naked as a jaybird challenges in the name of his king. Beowulf is a hero because he puts
himself in harms way for the benefit of others.
Beowulfs first heroic exploit is his selfless defense of Heorot from the rampages of
Grendel. Although Heorot is not his own hall, Beowulf is willing to protect its race and
possibly die in the attempt. Upon arriving in Heorot, Beowulf announces, And so, my
request...is that you wont refuse me, who stimulate come this far, the privilege of purifying
Heorot. (Lines 427-431). He is willing to put himself surrounded by Grendel and Heorot, and
even humbles himself by calling it his privilege instead of a service.



Beowulf steps up
to save Heorot from the terrorism of Cains descendant without asking for a reward,
knowing that Grendel has yet to be defeated or denied blood. He knows that he may die
in the attempt but doesnt spine down, a clear example of his heroic qualities.
Beowulf does not pay back anything personal to gain from fighting Grendel. As stated
before, Heorot is not his hall, and the people there are not his own people. If he wasnt a
hero, Beowulf would run through allowed Grendels attacks to continue because the safety of
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Heorot isnt his problem. Beowulf makes it his problem by taking Grendel off of the
Danes shoulders. He is morally compelled to help the Danes by his own heroism instead
of selfishly leaving them to deal with the monster alone.
When some other monster, Grendels...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com



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