Beowulf Hero
In the classic epic, Beowulf, the ideals of conduct held so dear to the Anglo-Saxon people embodies the main character in the story, Beowulf. He was not a hero because of his great accomplishments alone but also by the way he conducted himself in attaining those conquests. Beowulf exemplified the ideals of conduct a true hero should compose himself by.
The most obvious pair of ideals were those of strength and wisdom. These are most apparent not only because they are obvious but also because of Beowulf himself proclaiming them to all whom will hear. King Hrothgar said, "He was the strongest of the GeatsÂ…greater and stronger than anyone else in the world." He also outsmarts many of his adversaries with his keen wit and great wisdom. He was the "wisest, most knowing, and best of them." One example of this is his encounter with Unferth in the sea where he used his strength and wisdom instead of the sword to win. With Beowulf's superhuman strength and vast intelligence, he was a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Another pair of virtues that Beowulf carried were those of honor and dignity. He displays admirable honor of war throughout the epic but is most apparent when he is in conflict with Grendel. He states to Grendel, "Since you have no weapon of iron, nor shall I." He did this because he wanted it to be a fair fight and the sword would make it unfair and since Grendel had no weapon but his bare hands, Beowulf followed suit and the two engaged in combat with their fists. The dignity that should be displayed by all great heroes didn't spare this one of itself. Beowulf lives, fights, and especially dies with the same dignity that made him great in the first place. He constantly told his followers that they need not engage themselves in the aid of Beowulf for it would be unfair to the adversary. He also gave all that he had to Wiglaf, his one true follower, in his dying moments. As cited by the aforementioned deeds, Beowulf was a man of great...
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