An Analysis of the Epic Poem, Beowulf - The Character of Beowulf :: Epic Beowulf essays

The Character of Beowulf         When he arrived at the Danish land, Beowulf was a young macrocosm seeking menace and glory.  Beowulf was distinguished among his people, the Geats, for his fearlessness.  As a young man Beowulf fought in numerous battles and as a result showed his great character to others.         Beowulf had many characteristics which helped him to keep abreast in battle. As a young man, Beowulf was known as the strongest man alive.  His strength allowed him to dominate in battle.  If it were non for his pure strength, he would not buzz off been able to defeat Grendel, for weapons would not work.  By fighting Grendel without weapons, he opened himself up to greater glorification. Beowulfs strength could not be seen as a disadvantage, while the  results of his strength could.         Beowulfs strength allowed him dominance in battle, alone it also made h im cocky.  While his cockiness allowed Beowulf to be sure of himself in battle, some of his peers found it to be a character taint.  Ecglaf, in conk outicular, see Beowulf as cocky and vain, questioning, Are you the Beowulf who competed with Breca...swollen with vanity...  So, while his cockiness was a flaw in the eyes of others, Beowulf saw it as self assurance and utilize it to his advantage.         Beowulf also had a strong spirit of adventure.  His spirit of adventure was part of the reason that Beowulf went to fight Grendel.  Beowulfs strength and spirit of adventure had also lead him to glory in many battles, including that with Grendel.  Beowulf used his glory in prior battles to justify himself when coming to help Hrothgar.   In addition, his self assurance, and known bravery probably guided his decision.  Beowulfs spirit of adventure gained him a lot of glory, however, it could have gotten him into trouble, if he were to have taken an adventure too far.         While in his young age, Beowulf used his strength for glory and recognition.  As he became sometime(a) his great strength was taken away from him, and Beowulf found himself without one of his superlative abilities.  Beowulf then was king of the Geats, and when a dragon attacked his land, it was his responsibility to protect his people.