Reputation In Beowulf Essay

In the story Beowulf, noble warriors and kings proved their worth by dying for those they love. Beowulf, king of the Geats, and Jesus, king of the Jews both understood the importance of sacrificing their lives for their people. Traits that define a good king include always keeping your people as your top priority by promising to do whatever it takes to protect them and demonstrating that you are mortal, by being willing to fight and die alongside your people. Beowulf was a very loyal and brave king who always looked out for the good of his people, just as Jesus did for the Jews. Beowulf can be portrayed as a good king because he always put his people first, and even though the results of some situations did not turn out in the favor of the people, he had good intentions.

extraordinary courage in the face of injustice and inhumanity. He had a resolute intent to do what is

“A protector of his people, pledged to uphold truth and justice and to respect tradition, is entitled to affirm that this man was born to distinction. Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere.”

Quite apart from that he was courageous enough to defeat Grendel and grendels mother which

strives for excellence and individual glory by doing heroic deeds. He has an admirable set of

          "....He meant to kill this monster himself, our mighty king, fight this battle alone               and unaided, as in the days when his strength and daring dazzled men's eyes. But               those days are over and gone and our lord must lean on younger arms. And we               must go to him, while angry flames burn at his flesh, help our glorious king! By               almighty God I'd rather burn myself than see flames swirling around my lord.               And who are we to carry home our shields before we've slain his enemy and ours,               to run back to our homes with Beowulf so hard pressed here? I swear that                    nothing he ever did deserved an end like this, dying miserable and alone,                    butchered by this savage beast: we swore that these swords and armor were each               for us all!..."

describes Beowulf's actions as a gift of God and his mercy on him and his land: "First

Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious

Beowulf is a man who desires to help the kingdoms around him with monsters they face. He has fought with sea monsters, ending their reign in the seas with ease, and he has taken on the task of ending Grendel’s rule over Herot, the mead-hall that belongs to an ally kingdom. He has taken on these challenges for the sake of helping the kingdom, however, at the end of chapter twenty-one it is said that, “Only Beowulf would risk his life in that lake; Unferth was afraid, gave up that chance to work wonders and win glory and a hero’s fame,” (Burton 64), hinting that he has also done it for the glory and treasure he will get in payment for his deeds. In chapter

Wiglaf says this after the other men have fled and left Beowulf to die. Beowulf knew he was most likely going to die in this battle but his passion for glory and fame overpowered all logical reasoning of keeping him and others

"Grendel is no braver, no stronger Than I am! I could kill him with my sword, I shall not,

Publius Syrus states that a “good reputation is more valuable than money.” An individual’s reputation is everything in life: it defines character and others’ perceptions. A significant aspect of Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon literature, in general, is the importance of a positive image. The people of the Anglo-Saxon society based their opinions of a person off of what they heard from other people. The text ultimately demonstrates that Beowulf’s awareness of his reputation plays a positive role in his demeanor throughout the story because he strives to recommence the legacy of his ancestors, and he wants to perceive himself as a heroic figure for all people.

Being a hero can be defined many different ways. Several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. A hero is noted for his or her actions for being brave, powerful, and acting with honor. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows all of these characteristics by defending the Danish king, Hrothgar, and his people. He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.

Beowulf is from a time where heros never die. They would live on through stories. There would be amazing tales, poems recited, and songs sung about what the hero had done. To be a hero you had to follow the Anglo-Saxon codes. Which meant showing respect to those who had raised you and in turn helping them when they are in need. It means proving yourself and doing what was expected of you, even when it is something like dieing for your people. To live on through stories, Beowulf fought because of his duty, for glory, and as a sacrifice.

Beowulf’s fame and glory is essential to him much like it is to the rest of the Norse culture. When Beowulf first appears to Hrothgar he makes an effort to brag regarding his achievements as a warrior and claims “‘They had seen me bolstered in the blood of enemies / when I battled and bound five beasts, / raided a troll-nest and in the