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Who Is Beowulf A True Anglo-Saxon Hero?

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Beowulf is a timeless poem that reflects the great duress and peril Denmark is under in 1066. The piece foregrounds the essential attributes that is desired amongst its warriors. A true Anglo-Saxon hero needs physical strength; however, brute muscle alone is not enough to fulfill the title. At a time when there are many corrupt warriors, Beowulf shines as the quintessential Anglo-Saxon hero through the use of his strength, intellect, courage, selflessness, and humility.
Beowulf’s intelligence culminated with his strength helps set him apart from other strong warriors. Warriors are eager to go to risky lengths to discover chances for showing their physical might, from meaningless swimming competitions to getting rid of another country’s local threat. Beowulf exemplified his strength by defeating Grendel’s mother in battle. She was one of the mightiest of all monsters: “I have never seen so impressive or large an assembly of strangers. Stoutness of heart, bravery not banishment, must have brought you to Hrothgar” (Beowulf 337-339). This was quoted by one of the warriors who saw Beowulf arrive in his decorated shield and armor. He was one of many who were amazed by the strength that was physically observable in Beowulf’s …show more content…

This can be considered to be the backbone characteristic to describe an Anglo-Saxon hero. It’s his perseverance and constant fearfulness that illustrates him as a hero during this time period. When Beowulf decides to fight Grendel without his sword it proves how he is an honorable and courageous warrior. In his eyes, death is honorable: “Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked” (Beowulf 572-573). Beowulf's comment about the relationship between courage and fate implies that if a man does not fear death he can win fate's favor and therefore is actually less likely to

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