thesis statement beowulf epic hero

The Epic Poem “Beowulf”: Arms and Armor Essay (Critical Writing)

The authors of epic poems and heroic ballads have always drawn attention to arms and armor, using them for pictorial and symbolic means. Beowulf is not an exception, depicting a warring and savage heroic world. Beowulf uses all manner of tools to slay and protect himself from being slain, and the poet constantly compares the hero to the monsters he fights. Beowulf’s three great battles are the most prominent: the fight against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. The author vividly describes these battles, not leaving out a detail. Every battle is more challenging than the previous one, and Beowulf’s arms and armor point that out. I believe that what Beowulf wears and carries is used to show his progression as a hero and inevitable aging as a human.

In the poem’s first part, Beowulf comes to King Hrothgar’s aid and fearlessly brawls Grendel, a coarse and violent giant, naked. The hero is young and powerful and sees Grendel as equal in terms of strength, boasting of his ability to fight the giant ‘without edges.’ Grendel is not skillful in the art of war; thus, weapons and shields would give an apparent advantage against him. It seems, however, that the decision to fight barehanded is not made out of honor or chivalry. The battle is an ultimate show of Beowulf’s power and courage. While Beowulf and Grendel are grappling, Beowulf’s band tries to finish the giant off with their weapons but cannot do so because Grendel’s skin repels all steel. In the end, Beowulf rips Grendel’s arm, and the giant runs away mortally wounded. The remark that weapons do not harm Grendel makes the hero appear absurdly strong and hardy.

Preceding the second battle, Beowulf tracks Grendel’s mother to the moors, where he prepares for the one-on-one fight. Interestingly, he wears some armor this time and uses a weapon, which indicates that Grendel’s mother is more fearsome than her son. Her sheer will to kill Beowulf out of vengeance gives her strength, and the moors are filled with lesser monsters as well. The hero wears a hand-woven breastplate and a chain helmet and carries a sword gifted by King’s retainer. Such preparations suggest that Beowulf is not as confident that he will survive and show that he is not reckless and can strategically assess the upcoming battle. True enough, the breastplate saves his life, although the blade that supposedly has not failed anyone till this time proves to be useless against Grendel’s mother. Again, Beowulf shows his power and cleverness by using a giant sword from the layer’s walls to kill the monster.

The third battle occurs many years later when the dragon ravages Beowulf’s land. Beowulf prepares to slay the beast, ordering a wholly iron shield, dressing in a full chain-mail armor, and carrying a couple of swords and a dagger. Beowulf shows his tactical mind yet again as the dragon is the strongest foe he has ever fought. The shield will protect him from the beast’s fire, while several weapons will be necessary if any of them breaks. Surely enough, the swords fail him one after another, and ultimately Beowulf uses the dagger to kill the dragon. Beowulf knows that he is old, and the preparations make it clear, but the hero’s fatal mistake has been to think that he can slay the dragon alone. No matter of armor could replace Beowulf’s youth, and he dies because of his prideful nature, trying to prove that he is as strong as he has been.

Warriors battle their foes using weapons and armor, and the same goes for heroes, the best warriors known. Beowulf’s equipment in his major battles progressively improves with the increasing strength of his foes. It shows that Beowulf is a clever but boastful hero who loves to prove his power to others. He always wears and carries a bare minimum needed to slay the monster, leaving no advantages to himself. Beowulf believes the combatants must be equal; therefore, Beowulf always strives for this equality. In the end, it kills him because he overestimates himself.

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IvyPanda. (2022, December 14). The Epic Poem "Beowulf": Arms and Armor. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-epic-poem-beowulf-arms-and-armor/

"The Epic Poem "Beowulf": Arms and Armor." IvyPanda , 14 Dec. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/the-epic-poem-beowulf-arms-and-armor/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'The Epic Poem "Beowulf": Arms and Armor'. 14 December.

IvyPanda . 2022. "The Epic Poem "Beowulf": Arms and Armor." December 14, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-epic-poem-beowulf-arms-and-armor/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Epic Poem "Beowulf": Arms and Armor." December 14, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-epic-poem-beowulf-arms-and-armor/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Epic Poem "Beowulf": Arms and Armor." December 14, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-epic-poem-beowulf-arms-and-armor/.

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Beowulf Characteristics of an Epic Hero

This essay about Beowulf analyzes the characteristics that define him as an epic hero, emphasizing his bravery, loyalty, pursuit of eternal glory, and humanity. It illustrates how his heroism is manifested through his formidable physical strength, seen in his battles with Grendel and a dragon, and through his moral virtues, such as his unwavering commitment to duty and his leadership qualities. The narrative explores how these traits not only fulfill the Anglo-Saxon ideals of heroism but also offer a timeless model that resonates across different cultures and eras. Beowulf’s story is presented as a transformative journey from a fearless young warrior to a wise king, reflecting on the universal appeal of his character and the enduring influence of his heroic ideals.

How it works

Beowulf, a figure enshrined in the annals of classic literature, serves as the prototype of the epic hero, embodying virtues and traits that echo through centuries. This enduring figure’s narrative does more than recount formidable deeds against monsters like Grendel and dragons; it illustrates the qualities that define legendary heroism, reflecting not only the values of the Anglo-Saxon era but also offering timeless insights into the essence of courage and leadership.

At the forefront of Beowulf’s heroic traits is his unmatched bravery.

Venturing alone into a hall terrorized by a fearsome creature, Beowulf’s actions speak to a fearless leader willing to face insurmountable odds. This bravery is coupled with extraordinary physical strength, seen in his hand-to-hand combat with Grendel, where he triumphs without weapons, relying solely on his warrior might. Such feats underscore the physical dimension of his heroism, a key aspect of his character that inspires awe and admiration.

Beyond physical prowess, Beowulf exhibits unwavering loyalty—a virtue as pivotal then as it is today. His dedication to King Hrothgar by answering the call to rid Heorot of its curse without promise of reward demonstrates a commitment to duty and honor. This loyalty extends to his own people when he returns to Geatland, eventually becoming their king and protector. His reign epitomizes the leadership qualities of an epic hero, blending wisdom with the valor of his youth, illustrating how true leaders must adapt and evolve.

The desire for eternal glory drives Beowulf, propelling him beyond mere survival to a quest for a legacy that outlives his mortal days. This pursuit is evident in his final battle with the dragon, a venture he knows might end in his demise. Yet, he proceeds, driven by the prospect of protecting his kingdom and securing his place in history. This complex layer of Beowulf’s character reveals a nuanced view of heroism—one that includes self-awareness and a profound understanding of one’s impact on future generations.

In his twilight years, Beowulf’s confrontation with mortality paints a complete portrait of an epic hero. He faces his final adversary with a clear acceptance of his human limitations, showcasing the depth of his courage. It is here that Beowulf’s tale pivots from the exploits of a young warrior to the reflective valor of a seasoned leader, providing a narrative bridge between youthful exuberance and matured insight.

Through the lens of Beowulf’s life, we see the blueprint of the epic hero adapted in various cultural narratives, transcending his origins to become a universal symbol of heroic ideal. His story, weaving between extraordinary feats and deep personal sacrifices, continues to influence modern interpretations of heroism, proving that the essence of a true hero is timeless and resonant across eras.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Beowulf — Comparison Of Beowulf And Sir Gawain As Heroes

Comparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain as Heroes

• Categories: Beowulf Sir Gawain and The Green Knight

About this sample

Words: 1274 |

Published: Dec 16, 2021

Words: 1274 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

• Jambeck, T. J. (1973). THE SYNTAX OF PETITION IN" BEOWULF" AND" SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT". Style, 21-29. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/42945149)
• Burrow, J. A. (2019). A reading of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Routledge. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780429060557/reading-sir-gawain-green-knight-burrow)
• van Meeuwen, R. S. (2018). Monstrosity in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Bachelor's thesis). (https://studenttheses.uu.nl/handle/20.500.12932/30271)
• Thomas, A., & Thomas, A. (2018). Writing, Memory, and Revenge in Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Hamlet. Shakespeare, Catholicism, and the Middle Ages: Maimed Rights, 113-147. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-90218-0_4)
• Hunter, S. M. (1984). TALES, TELLERS, AND AUDIENCES: NARRATIVE STRUCTURE AND AESTHETIC RESPONSE IN" BEOWULF"," PEARL"," CLEANNESS"," PATIENCE", AND" SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT". University of California, Riverside. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/d6dcc469b38fea5f718bc195f8ec9e14/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y)

Should follow an “upside down” triangle format, meaning, the writer should start off broad and introduce the text and author or topic being discussed, and then get more specific to the thesis statement.

Provides a foundational overview, outlining the historical context and introducing key information that will be further explored in the essay, setting the stage for the argument to follow.

Cornerstone of the essay, presenting the central argument that will be elaborated upon and supported with evidence and analysis throughout the rest of the paper.

The topic sentence serves as the main point or focus of a paragraph in an essay, summarizing the key idea that will be discussed in that paragraph.

The body of each paragraph builds an argument in support of the topic sentence, citing information from sources as evidence.

After each piece of evidence is provided, the author should explain HOW and WHY the evidence supports the claim.

Should follow a right side up triangle format, meaning, specifics should be mentioned first such as restating the thesis, and then get more broad about the topic at hand. Lastly, leave the reader with something to think about and ponder once they are done reading.

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Beowulf hero essay

Beowulf thesis statement hero.

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