Alexiss Jenkins Ms.

Faher A1 12/6/13 The Heros Journey: A Closer Look at Beowulf

When thinking of a hero and the definition of what it takes to become one, Dictionary.com tells us, A man of distinguished courage and ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities is a true definition of a hero. The story of Beowulf and his ancestry, is told in the form of an epic poem, which is a long narrative poem telling of a heros deeds. It is an epic novel that has been translated Michael Alexander, which has been written to show life back during the Anglo-Saxon occurrence. It takes place in Geatland and Denmark, setting a view of Christianity and Pagan beliefs based throughout the story. Beowulf is a supreme epic hero known for his supernatural strength while being an intelligent brave and courageous man, who became a responsible leader throughout his life. He was a man of action who surpassed in war and adventure by battling monster demons, being controlled by faith, and risking his life for glory and for society.

Beowulf courageously fought Grendel by using his superhuman strength and fighting fairly. With bare hands shall I grapple with the fiend, fight to death here, hater and hatred (Alexander, 18). By not using a sword, shield, or any amour he kept his word and fought Grendel. His strength was like no other. In the battle with Grendels mother he found a giant sword and killed her. Wonder of its kind, yet so enormous that no other man would be equal to bearing it in battle play (Alexander, 57) His unordinary strength made it so that he was able to fulfill his deed by killing Grendels mom. With his fight with the dragon, even though Beowulf was bitten and burned by it, he held on and slayed the dragons head off. The Geat Chieftain raised his hand, and reached down, such a stroke with his huge ancestral sword on the horribly-patterned snake, that meeting the bone (Alexander, 92). Although he was king, he still was the only one who could defeat the dragon with his superior strength.

Jenkins 2 Beowulf was a strong responsible leader by leading his men through battle so they could fight with him. With 14 men he sought-wood; sea wise Beowulf led them right down to the lands edge (Alexander, 10). He took responsibility and showed that he was a good leader. Beowulf courageously led his men to Grendels mom. Going on ahead with a handful of the Kenner men to reconnoiter, Beowulf saw where some ash-trees hang above rock (Alexander, 52). He showed his leadership by leading them on. Beowulf also had to be a leader and fight the dragon for it was his given duty. He had to do what he had to. I shall venture this feud and again achieve glory, the guardian of my people... (Alexander, 90). By being king, he was the protector of his kingdom and land; he had to take care of the more important things, like protecting his land.

A man of action Beowulf was, when he heard about Grendel and decided to journey to Denmark and stop him. They whetted his quest thirst, watched omens... (Alexander, 10). The fact that he proceeded down to Demark quickly to help his Allies showed him being a man of action. When Beowulf was battling Grendels mom, he was about to die but he quickly spotted a giant sword and grabbed it. While putting his life in danger, but killed her, showing how fast he was to get rid of her. The Scylding Champion shaking with war rage, caught it by its rich hilt, and careless of his life, brandished its circles, and brought it down (Alexander, 57). He showed how foolhardy he was by responding to the situation really fast and being a man action. Beowulf was also ready to fight the dragon. If this evil destroyer dares to come out of his earthen hall, I will battle him... (Alexander, 90). He provided himself with the mentality of fighting the dragon for his people.

The superhuman warrior surpassed in war and adventure when he asked the king to let him and his men fight Grendel without amour. That I alone maybe allowed with my loyal determined crew of companions cleanse your hall of Heorot (Alexander, 18). Other than gaining glory from this deed, he would have never been so persistent in asking to fight Grendel unless he was supreme in battle play.

Jenkins 3 He was also full of adventure when he searched for Grendels mother. The sons of men made their way up steep screes, by scant tracks, where only one might walk, by wall faced cliffs (Alexander, 51). Beowulfs love for adventure was so great; it pushed him to journey from place to place. During his fight with the dragon, he was able to kill it because of his past experiences of battles that he fought. Battle in plenty he had survived, valiant in all dangers, he had come through many clashes since his cleansing of Heorot... (Alexander, 84). He had advanced in battle, excelling higher than levels could reach, for he achieved victory in all his battles.

Beowulf battled Grendel, a monstrous demon, ken of Cain, and tore his arm off. Flesh frame showed his shoulder, muscles sprang apart, snapping of tends bone-lock bursts (Alexander, 31). He destroyed Grendel by the tearing of his shoulder. Beowulf was also helped by supernatural beings when fighting Grendels mother. He found a sword which allowed him to cut off her neck. The Ruler of the Heavens rightly settled it as soon as the Geat regained his feet and saw among the amour there the sword to bring him victory (Alexander, 57). As he was battling Grendels demonic mother, God helped him out in a great victory. Beowulf was also hindered by supernatural beings while fighting the monstrous demon dragon. The first in his life when fate had not assigned him the glory of the battle (Alexander, 92). Fate made it so that this time he would die, but heroically.

For risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, he did well by battling Grendel without any amour or weapons. This vow I shall accomplish a deed worthy of an earl, otherwise here is this mead-hall to meet my ending day (Alexander, 25). Beowulf fought Grendel with bare fist knowing that if he made it out alive the more glory he would attain. He also risked his life for Hrogthars people by almost losing his battle with Grendels mom. Edgetheows son would now end his venture deep underground there the Geat fighter had not the battle shirts then brought aid to him (Alexander, 56). Beowulfs life was in jeopardy for the sake of his people. When he battled the dragon, Beowulf showed how he cared for his people for he risked his life once again by killing the dragon but dying after.

Jenkins 4 I shall venture this feud and achieve glory, the guardian of my people (Alexander, 90). Since Beowulf was the protector of his people he did what he had to do, which was fighting the dragon even when it meant death, just so others could live. Although he knew that he would gain immortality through his great deed. Therefore, in conclusion, Beowulf was a supernatural man, a leader among many, being a man of action, surpassing in war and adventure by battling monstrous demons and being hindered by nature and fate. Risking his life for the glory and the greater good of society was Beowulf. He surely proved to be an example, the spitting image of the Anglo-Saxon nation, providing the true definition of a sincere epic hero!

Jenkins 5 **Alexander, Michael.Beowulf(I).London:Michael, Alexander,1973,2001.