How to determine a hero? Whether it's the one who puts his own life in danger for the lives of others or the one who lends a helping hand, our world is made up of heroes. Throughout the poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, the reader is continually reminded of Beowulf's supernatural strength, his fearlessness, and the way he fights to protect people. As if that were not enough, Beowulf continues to demonstrate courage, loyalty, generosity, hospitality, chivalry, and maintains a good reputation by having good political skills during his reign as king. With such honorable qualities, it doesn't take much thought to come to the conclusion that Beowulf can be called a hero. Beowulf's admirable traits are displayed through three major battles throughout the poem, where Beowulf faces two demons and a dragon. Beowulf illustrates Anglo-Saxon culture. When Beowulf learns that Heorot is being terrorized by a demon, he gathers fourteen of his men to sail to the foreign kingdom of the Danes to accept battle. Before the battle takes place, the poet gives a description of Beowulf's appearance. “There was no one else alive like him. In his time he was the most powerful man on earth, well-born and powerful” (Heaney lines 196-198). This is the author's recognition of Beowulf's incredible strength. Later, when they arrive in Denmark, they disembark from their ship without fear, attracting the attention of the guard, who claims to have never seen men disembark without taking precautions. “Never before had an armed force landed so openly – without bothering to ask if the sentries had allowed them safe passage or if the clan had consented. Nor have I seen a mightier man of arms on this earth than he who stands here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble” (Heaney, lines 244-250). This Coast Guard says it has never seen such bravery from men carrying weapons who walk on foreign soil without the consent of the land, or without guarantee of safety. The coast guard notices Beowulf's massive stature and claims to have never seen anyone of such strength. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Soon after, Beowulf proves his loyalty to King Hrothgar by explaining his personal family ties to the king. “In his time, my father was a famous man, a noble warrior lord named Ecgtheow. He survived long winter nights and continued on his way. Throughout the world, wise men continue to remember him. We come in good faith to find the shield of your lord and nation, the son of Halfdane. . . We have come hither on a great mission to the lord of the Danes, and therefore I believe there should be nothing concealed or concealed between us” (Heaney lines 262-272). Only later can the reader discover Hrothgar's generosity towards Ecgtheow, to whom Beowulf owes him a debt. However, Beowulf boasts about his father, showing that he is of good lineage, and comes to help the Danes in the battle between Grendel, and advances his cause by saying that there should be nothing hidden between the Danes and the Geats. Belatedly, Beowulf and his men are allowed to speak to Hrothgar, where Hrothgar's herald and officer declares, "I have never seen so impressive or so numerous an assembly of strangers." Valor of heart, bravery and not banishment, must have brought you to Hrothgar” (Heaney lines 336-339). Hrothgar's herald, Wulfgar, admits that Beowulf is brave. The word he uses to describe Beowulf's heart, sturdy, hastwo meanings that can both apply to this given situation. One defines a person as somewhat large or heavy-built, while the other describes someone's actions or qualities as courageous and determined, both of which are applicable to Beowulf. Even when opposed, Beowulf does not retaliate with hatred. When Unferth mocks and taunts Beowulf for losing a fight against Breca, Beowulf defends himself by telling the truth behind the story. As described by Beowulf, “Often, because of unwavering courage, fate spares the man it has not yet marked. Regardless, my sword had killed nine sea monsters. I never heard of such nightly dangers and trials, nor of a more desolate man in the crashing waves. But exhausted as I was, I survived, I survived my life” (Heaney lines 572-579). Although Unferth, jealous as he was, lashed out in an attempt to bring down Beowulf, Beowulf responded by telling his side of the story in a mature manner, showing gratitude for his life. Now that Beowulf had boasted about himself, he could not lose the battle against Grendel without his reputation being ruined. Beowulf's culture valued strength and courage in battle. "Instead, I will seize Grendel and fight for life with this formidable foe. He who is dead, his doom is undoubtedly decreed by the Lord. If I allow this creature to defeat me in battle... He will feast freely…” (Heaney lines 386-93). in the hands of God, affirming that ultimately it will be in God's favor no matter how the battle ends. Although this is just the beginning, there have been many descriptions and acknowledgments. of Beowulf's size and strength, but the reader can better understand how powerful Beowulf is through his first battle with the demon Grendel Beowulf is brave and fair, fighting Grendel without any armor. complete confidence in the strength of his limbs and in the favor of the Lord He began to remove his iron coat of mail, took off the helmet and handed his servant the patterned sword, a blacksmith's masterpiece. ordering the equipment to be guarded” (Heaney lines 669-674). Again, he recognizes that his destiny is in the hands of God, which means that he is aware that God is more powerful than him. When Grendel attacks Heorot, he attacks Beowulf, but soon realizes that he has made a mistake, although Beowulf is not wearing any armor or weapons. Engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Grendel tries to flee when he is mortally wounded; his shoulder began to tear until his arm was torn off. “The captain of evil found himself in a grip harder than he had ever encountered in any man on the face of the earth. Every bone in his body shook and moved backwards, but he couldn't escape. He desperately wanted to run away to his lair and hide with the devil's stretcher, because in all his life he had never been cornered or cornered like this. The fingers burst, the monster reversed, the man was in control” (Heaney lines 749-760). Looking a little deeper into Grendel's background, it is said that the first night he attacked Heorot, he had killed thirty men and brought them back to his lair. This involves a great supernatural force, where he then continues his raids for twelve years while the people of Heorot live in fear of him. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get Throughout. . ..