This document provides an analysis of Beowulf as the quintessential hero based on Anglo-Saxon values and definitions of heroism. It argues that while Beowulf displayed great physical strength and courage in battling monsters, he was also a humble and kind king who had a good relationship with his people and was willing to sacrifice himself for their protection. The document examines Beowulf's heroic acts at both a young age and as a leader, showing how he embodied virtues like loyalty, generosity, and moral character. It concludes that Beowulf deserves the title of the ultimate hero for putting his people's needs and safety above all else.

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Analysis of Beowulf.
A hero can be described as one who exemplifies what society considers remarkable and
almost impossible to achieve by maintaining normal standards. Such is what the society
considers as ideals, and they encompass honorable values like morals, humility, chivalry,
courage and strength. Currently, people consider a hero as someone admired by many for their
courage, honesty, bravery, loyalty, and portray characteristics of self-sacrifice for the sake of
others. Such heroes may not please everyone, but the result of their work, particularly their
devotion to others, put them as perfect heroes. The character presented by Beowulf in the poem
Beowulf exemplifies such features of a hero. Beowulf's journey, which is explored in the
youthful stage and the adult stage, encamps exemplary leadership qualities. Such quality are
what make one to trump over life challenges. The two stages of Beowulf's life go hand in hand
with heroic models of virtue and moral reflection. Beowulf is the ultimate hero because of his
chivalry, his good relationship with his people, heroic records and his exceptional moral skills he
portrays both as a leader and as a warrior among his people.

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It is common knowledge that Beowulf is the quintessential hero who should be given the
ultimate hero award based on the morality, relationship with his people, personal endeavors, and
Anglo-Saxon’s definition of heroism. Aside from his unmatched physical strength and courage,
he is a humble king and a kind king. . As such, he qualifies as perfect hero. Beowulf might have
failed in regard to his temper and arrogance, still, in terms of morality and heroic records, the
buffeted warrior-like skills and Beowulf heroism as a reliable king put him as the perfect hero.
Beowulf heroic life from his youthful stage to adult stage correspond to his different models of
virtue that make him the perfect hero. Somehow, it can be argued that Beowulf had a good
relationship with the gods, that is why most of his endeavor went successfully. A hero is
considered to be giving sense to his people and inspiration. “His ideal kingship was apparent by
his excellent fighting skills as a warrior, his perseverance, leadership, loyalty, and generosity”.
Thus giving people a way of facing their life challenges even if the challenges may seem to be
beyond human comprehension. The characters portrayed by Beowulf have been inspirational to
many people that he led. During Beowulf's youthful stage, he showed great warrior-like skills,
majorly because of his great feats of supernatural powers and courage. To mention his fabled
swimming match against Breca, such qualities perfectly embody the values and norms desired.
His strength and courage is further confirmed by his ability to rip Grande’s hand off. He still
faces Grandle mother and lash her using a sword that could only be lifted by physically strong
men. He carries Grendel’s mother home, a load that required four men to carry. This till prove
his physical strength and courage. Beowulf has no fear of death, his strength as a super-warrior
is emphasized by his descriptions as the ‘dream of Rood” which offer a powerful portrayal of
him as both the hero and as a savior among his people. The defeat of Grandle and Grendel's
mother validates his strength and courage that establishes him as a hero. “Grendel was driven

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under the fen-banks, fatally hurt, to his lonely lair. His days were numbered, the end of his life
was coming over him, he knew it for certain, and one bloody clash had fulfilled the dearest
wishes of the Danes” (Heaney, 150). Ideal heroism is shown by Beowulf when he went against
Grendel, a monster that tormented his people. He also faces obstacles that test his strength and
validity, which he triumphantly proves he is capable of defeating. Beowulf's youthful life is
coupled with warrior-like skills; in most stages of his life, he proves that he is fearless. Thus he
was adored by many for such qualities. This is what gives him the title of a hero.
Driven by the spirit of chivalry, heroes work to create something positive for themselves.
As such, fitting in the category of the chivalry qualifies one to be a perfect hero based on the
characters shown to others. They provide for their families, and most importantly, they ensure
that they have a relationship with society. The moral principle that society cherish in regard to
heroism are reflected in Beowulf's life. While growing, he is fixated on creating a name for
himself. Personally, he goes for adventures and battles that will earn him a name. "Afterwards, a
boy-child was born to Shield, a cub in the yard, a comfort sent by God to that nation. He knew
what they had tholed, the long times and troubles they'd come through without a leader; so the
Lord of Life, the glorious Almighty, made this man renowned" (Niles 3). Heroism can be seen in
leaders. Beowulf’ relationship with the society can be said to be one who looks after his people.
One who is willing to put their servants first beyond their leadership? They do not thirst for
leadership, and rather, they live their lives for the service of others. Many instances describe
Beowulf as someone who loved his people. For instance, he wishes that upon his death which he
is unknown, his assets be given be to the people. He says “And if death takes me, send the
hammered mail of my armor to Higlac and return the inheritance. I had from Hrethel, and
Wayland. Fate will unwind, as it must”. Somehow, it can be argued that as a hero, Beowulf

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understand that his glory will follow him to the unknown world, therefore, he worries not,
instead, he chooses to either win or die for his people. He seem to understand that as a hero or a
leader for his people, it either goodwill or doom that can be outcomes of their leadership.
Having a good relationship with the society qualifies one to be a perfect hero because,
one’s most important duty was for his people and not of himself. Not only is Beowulf a good
king, the poem present him as an ideal king. In most instances, the poem depict him as
accomplishing his duties. “His ideal kingship was apparent by his excellent fighting skills as a
warrior, his perseverance, leadership, loyalty, and generosity”. While discussing the second part
of Beowulf in the second section of the poem, Beowulf is shown as a loyal leader and a very
respectful person to his servants. Unlike others who scramble and claimed thrown, he chooses to
be a leader for his be people because he believed in service and not rushing for the thrown. It is
for this need that he supported Hrothuld to get his thrown back (Niles, 1452). Besides, his desire
to bring back the throne to King Hrothgar shows his natures as a respectful king to other leaders.
This is an indication of respect for others and a great manifestation of loyalty for other leaders.
Also, his encounters as a king also reflected his ability to be a responsible leader for his people
and the neighboring communities.
The most founding moment as a responsible leader is when Beowulf decided to take the
battle to the monster, yet there were warriors who could take such battle. He chose to face the
monster knowing that his chances of survival were minimal. Beowulf encounter with the dragon
reflect his nature as responsible leader who does things for the good of his people and not for his
own glory. He thus differ with other heroes whose endeavor is to create a name for themselves
while not putting their people first. Beowulf choses to put sis people first, a sign of chivalry in
leadership. By sacrificing himself, he therefore qualifies to be a perfect hero and this gives him

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an overwhelming credibility as a perfect hero. Beowulf traveled to the Danes to set his people
free from the monster. Beowulf says that “The strength of my body. Themselves they beheld me
when I came from the contest” (“Beowulf” Line 786). At this time, he was very old, fifty years
of leading his people, by all definition, he was already tired because of age, but disregarding his
age, he still sacrificed his life for his people. This can be interpreted as a nobble responsibility to
redeem his people from the tormenting monster. Somehow, Beowulf has narrowed alternative
not to face the dragon because, in one way or another, the dragon was a problem among his
people. He thus must sacrifice himself for their sake. One can argue that the qualities shown by
Beowulf were the expectation of the Anglo-Saxons, which exulted fame, strength, cottage as the
true definition of heroism. Such qualities are what people need to survive life challenges; his
nobility of nature by ensuring that he builds himself as a hero full of courage and strength, he
goes further to serve his people with loyalty and charisma. He put his people first before his
ambition. The poem presents him with the bravery of character, and he has formidable courage
to face battle and his challenges. He is ready to defend his people irrespective of the challenges
that are inherent on the way. Other than this quality, he is wise and a righteous leader; he knows
what to do when the need arises. Such qualities are what put Beowulf as a perfect hero by
choosing his society first against his own life.
Strength and courage are vital for one to be called a hero, however, the ability to put your
people first, showing chivalry among your people, ability to portray morality of characters and
good relationship with your people are what can guarantee the ultimate hero ward. Beowulf
portrays these qualities among his people. At a young age, he prove himself with courage and
valor. He fight the Grendel’s to free his people from bondage and he fights the monsters by
sacrificing his life for his people. Other than the fight, Beowulf shows good qualities as a perfect

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hero when he decides to donate his wealth for his people, and helping king Hrothgar to claim
back his thrown. Beowulf might fail in regard to his temper and arrogance, but his exceptional
leadership qualities put be first to be awarded the ultimate hero award among his peers.
Works Cited
Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. A New Verse Translation. (2000). P. 150. Retrieved from:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=df679ab487&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-
f:1697662002035595638&th=178f4e98a4029976&view=att&disp=inline&realattid=f_kn
rkokdi0
Niles, D. John. Beowulf: The Poem and its Tradition. Harvard University Press. (1983).