Essay on Does the Hero Decline in the Epic of Beowulf

Does the Hero Decline in Beowulf? Beowulf, a rousing Old English poem of man and monster, narrates the rise and fall of a superhuman hero named Beowulf. It is the interpretation of some readers that he declines markedly through the poem. This essay will explore that point of view. In Beowulf, the main character, a Geat warrior named Beowulf, possesses extraordinary qualities: â€Å"He was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty and noble.† Upon spotting Beowulf approaching, the sea-guard of the Danes says, â€Å"Never have I seen a greater man on earth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  King Hrothgar of the Danes says of Beowulf, â€Å"Seafarers who took gifts to the Geats say that he has the strength of 30 men in his hand grip.† Beowulf chooses to fight†¦show more content†¦Beowulf’s example of extreme heroism motivates others to extraordinary deeds: Wiglaf, seeing Beowulf’s strength compromised by the dragon’s fire, risks his life to aid Beowulf in his final battle. It is obvious that the hero possesses superhuman qualities. As critic Donald fry states in TheBeowulf Poet: â€Å"Beowulf is †¦ one set aprt from ordinary men by his size, nobility, and splendid appearance† (Fry 3). But does this super-hero decline toward the end? Or is his behavior admirable till the end? The final lines of the poem is a logical place to begin consideration of this question: They said that he was, of the kings of this world, the kindest to his men, the most courteous man, the best to his people, and the most eager for fame (3180-82). It seems that the final word of the poem, â€Å"lofgeornost,† which translates â€Å"most eger for praise,† leaves the reader with this question in his mind: â€Å"Was Beowulf right in challenging the fire-dragon alone?† I don’t mean in a statistical, factual sense, because the answer there is already quite obvious: It was a total disaster for his people for the hero to do this fatal error, since the people, without a strong leader, are now subject to reprisals from all their enemies. Perhaps for this reason the poet does notShow MoreRelatedPagan And Paganism In Beowulf1699 Words   |  7 PagesMany people believe that originally, Beowulf was a Pagan artifact. In fact, such belief has developed further to support that an anonymous Christian rewrote the piece with intent of applying Christian characters to the first script. Academics, however, differ on whether the central thematic argument was Christian or Pagan. The author remarkably puts actions into th e context of the Bible owing to the impulse at the era of converting everyone to Christianity. By, interlocking the old Pagan elementsRead More Is Beowulf an Heroic Elegy or an Epic Narrative? Essay4711 Words   |  19 PagesIs Beowulf   an Heroic Elegy or an Epic Narrative?      Ã‚  Ã‚   There is considerable debate as to whether the poem Beowulf is an epic narrative poem or an heroic elegy. Which is it. This essay intends to present both sides of the story.    Some great literary scholars think that the poem is an heroic elegy, celebrating the fantastic achievements of its great hero, and also expressing sorrow or lamentation for the hero’s unfortunate death. In â€Å"Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics† Tolkien states:Read MoreEssay about A Comparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain794 Words   |  4 PagesComparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain A hero is someone who is idealized for his courage and noble qualities. 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