Character of Beowulf - Book Report/Review Example

Beowulf was just one of many ancient heroes. Like all heroes, he was strong, valiant, and overcame many evils that got in his way. The story of Beowulf is an ancient one, and is “both the first English literary masterpiece and one of the earliest European epics written in the vernacular, or native language, instead of literary Latin” (Resources). It is one of the oldest English epic tales, and gives us a glimpse into the heroic life of Beowulf. Beowulf was a strong hero, and while at times he was conceited with his strength, it was his belief in his own abilities that led him to victory. Beowulf triumphed over three mighty foes in the entirety of the epic story. Like many other heroes, Beowulf had to fight these foes, and also lost his life in battle with the last foe. The first of these foes was the mighty Grendel. The story opens up with the start of Grendel bothering King Hrogar. Beowulf, having full confidence in himself, decides he can end the kingdoms troubles. It part Beowulf is right, for he is strong and mighty. However, the other key to Beowulf’s success is his self confidence, which sometimes in the story rivals on conceitedness. However, either way, Beowulf and the giant Grendel do battle. Beowulf comes out of the fright triumphant. The celebrations are cut short however, because another foe soon comes to fight Beowulf. During the celebration of Grendel’s death, Grendel’s mother sneaks in and kills Hrogar’s best warrior in revenge. Again, Beowulf called upon the courage he had, and the belief in himself to track down and challenge Grendel’s mother. Beowulf’s attitude toward ultimate heroic can be demonstrated by the passage that describes him getting ready for battle. The story tells that “Beowulf arrayed himself in armor, not at all worrying about his life, putting on his mail shirt, large and decorated, woven by hand so that it could protect his chest as he tried the water, so that hostile grips, the fury's malicious grasps, might not scathe his life (Breeden). This passage best shows that Beowulf was not at all afraid of anything, and was not afraid even to the point of putting his own life in danger. Beowulf was so confident in his own abilities and his strength that he was willing to put himself in harm’s way, just for another chance to be heroic. While these are all heroic qualities, Beowulf’s lack of respect for himself is bordering on the line for vanity. Nonetheless, Beowulf continues on his quest for further fame, in hopes of killing Grendel’s mother. In an epic fight the forces that are Beowulf and Grendle’s mother clash together. At first it looks as if Beowulf is going to loose, however he does not give up hope. As the battle raged on “Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow,Champion of the Geats, would have perished then under the wide ground had not his armor, his hard war net, helped him (and Holy God, who brought about war victory).The wise ruler of the skies decided justice easily when Beowulf stood up again: there among the weapon she saw a victory-blessed sword, an old sword made by giants with strong edges, the glory of warriors. It was the choicest of weapons , good and majestical, the work of giants, but larger than any other man could carry to battle sport”(Breeden). This passage shows that even when faced with almost utter defeat, and even after all of his other weapons had failed him, Beowulf was still as resourceful as ever. It also showed how he credit God for all his victories, and even in the darkest of times he held on to faith to help give him guidance that he would prevail. It also shows his cunning, and that by using his enemy’s own weapon against her he was able to prevail and ultimately fall even more into place with the heroic statue assigned to him. Beowulf’s victory would only assign him more fame and status in his time. He would now become King of his people. And for a time Beowulf does just that, and is content to rule as King, However, a time comes again late in his life where the call to heroism is to great for him to ignore, and he once again feels the pull of his courage and conceitedness to prove himself once more in battle. When the fire of a dragon threatened his realm, Beowulf was once again called into action, and went to bravely fight on the battle field. In another bravely fought, epic battle, Beowulf comes face to face with the ferocious dragon. Not wondering about his own safety, and never flinching, Beowulf once again plunges himself straight into the heart of danger to try to be a hero to his people. In this aspect, Beowulf almost becomes a slave to the call of heroism, and feels he must be a hero and not let everybody down, no matter what the cost is to himself. However, this battle would come at the ultimate cost for Beowulf, thought he could slay the dragon he would loose his own life in the process. The battle raged on, several times with Beowulf coming close to having to give up. “Then the terrible dragon a third time rushed, hot and battle-grim. He bit Beowulf's neck with sharp tusks—Beowulf was wet with life's blood; blood gushed in waves”(Breeden), however, even with these mighty attack Beowulf did not give up. Maybe he had a high tolerance for pain, or maybe he just never gave up on himself, but Beowulf kept at the fight with the mighty dragon. This battle ultimately cost Beowulf his life, who died as any hero should, on the field of battle against a mighty foe. The character of Beowulf was a heroic character, however his belief in him self and his over confidence was what ultimately cause his death. He was heroic and conceited, until his final fight on the battle field. Never giving up and never flinching, Beowulf fought to the death and showed true power and courage, perfect traits for any legendary hero. Works Cited: Breeden, Dr. David. "Beowulf." The Adventures of Beowulf. 11 Jun 2007 . Beowulf." Wikipedia. 11 Jun 2007 . "Resources for the Study of Beowulf." Reno Libraries. University of Nevada. 11 Jun 2007 . Read More