Mind Over Might Beowulf Essay Research Paper

Mind Over Might (Beowulf) Essay, Research Paper

What is a hero? Would one label a hero as a bloodthirsty warrior? Today, this epitomizes the opposite of our society s heroic standards. However, in Anglo-Saxon times, blood and guts was all the rage. The epic poem Beowulf is a prime example of these values. In the last 1,500 years the characteristics of a true hero have changed drastically. An almost bipolar comparison can be made between today s realistic, humble heroes and the mythical, self-righteous heroes of the Anglo-Saxons.

This description of Anglo-Saxon value is at its height in the literature of the times. Since, their stories were originally oral traditions, they are not completely accurate, but there is not mistaking a general theme: An Anglo-Saxon hero is portrayed as humanly flawless, without any faults (Goldsmith 65-72). Our modern heroes are more humble. A ruggedly human persona is very valued. Accomplishments lose to a personality that accepts that, although they are good at what they do, there will always be someone better than himself or herself. Beowulf, on the other hand would, first of all, brag relentlessly of his conquests. First, Unferth accuses him of being a braggart You re Beowulf, are you-the same/ Boastful fool (239-240). Also, in the poem, Beowulf tells of his battles. They have seen my strength for themselves,/ Have watched me rise from the darkness of war,/ Dripping with my enemies blood (151-153). This is also an example of the other characteristic of Anglo-Saxon literature, brutal, pointless violence.