Beowulf as a Hero Essay -- Seamus Heaney

The poem, Beowulf, by Seamus Heaney, depicts Beowulf as a perfect genius. Beowulf is the mythical son of Edgetho and later becomes the king of the Geats. In the poem, Beowulfs shows resolution in two different phases of his life, youth and old age. Throughout the poem, Beowulf faces trinity difficult conflicts with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon. Throughout the novel Beowulf is a noted and consider warrior from Geatland. During Beowulfs youth, he is considered to be a great warrior, visualized by his strength, courage, and bravery. Beowulf begins his legacy in Denmark with an evil monster, Grendel. Grendel is ruining King Hrothgars kingdom and is ritually tormenting him. The monster breaks into the move and eats as many of Hrothgars men as he undersurface hold each night. King Hrothgar calls Beowulf for help because the king has tried everything else. Beowulf arrives with a ship of his warriors to help King Hrothgar in stopping Grendel. King Hrothgar accepts Beowulfs pledge to kill Grendel. Beowulf pledges to face Grendel with, no weapons, therefore, for either this night unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares (47). When Beowulf meets Grendel he fights barehanded and rips his arm off. Beowulf comes subscribe with Grendels arm. It is hung in the meshing hall as a trophy of Beowulfs bravery, courage, and success over the monster. Beowulfs defeat of Grendel certifies his reputation for bravery and establishes him as a to the full hero. Even though Grendel is dead, the danger has not passed. Grendels mother comes to King Hrothgars battle hall. She retrieves, their trophy, Grendels bloodied hand (91). Hrothgar is very disappointed and calls on the hero, Beowulf, once again. Beowulf travels with his men to the flaming lake whe... ...he only one left of the WaegmundingsNow I must describe them (189). Wiglaf is the only warrior who stayed to help Beowulf, the rest fled. Therefore, Beowulf leaves Wiglaf to rule his kingdom. Beowulf should be considered a hero because he gives his life to keep his kingdom safe. Beowulf is a great warrior, portrayed by his strength, courage, and bravery. Beowulf also exemplifies the manner and values dictated by the Germanic heroic code. He is considered to be both a warrior and a king. When Beowulf encounters the dragon, the responsibilities of macrocosm king are thrown. He must act for the good of his people, not just for his own glory. Throughout the poem, Beowulf holds a good reputation and is respected by the people.Works CitedBeowulf. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed M H Abrams, et al. Vol. 1. 6th ed. NY W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1993.