Beowulf Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Beowulf - Essay Example It is also evident in the way that he does not touch the treasures that he finds in beside the dead body of Grendel’s mother. This shows he is rich enough already, with his own wealth and the gifts that he receives for defeating the monsters, and not greedy in the way that a lesser warrior might be. Beowulf’s nobility is the kind that comes with breeding and character, and not the kind that comes with material wealth. Beowulf is ambitious because he sets off to fight an enemy that no one else has managed to defeat. He has a great belief in himself and his own powers, and this is an important quality for someone who leads others. He is undoubtedly very brave, because he tackles and kills Grendel with his bare hands. The scene with Grendel’s mother is very scary because of the monsters and the dark, slimy cave location, as well as the superhuman elements that surround the figure of Grendel. He is almost defeated, but does not give up, and grasps the strange sword with great courage. It is obvious that he is quite willing to sacrifice himself in the attempt to kill the monsters troubling the Scyldings. Beowulf is physically very strong. His hands are able to kill Grendel and wield the huge magic sword. This physical strength is a necessary quality for a Germanic hero because there was so much fighting and war in those days, and a hero had to be able to hold his own on the battle field. Beowulf is stronger and braver than everyone else, which makes him the ideal warrior hero. The quality of generosity is seen in the way that Beowulf takes the gifts he has received from Hrothgar for his feats of strength, and gives them all to his King Hygelac. The economy of the time was based on exchange of goods and services, and it was extremely important that subordinates show loyalty to their superiors. Beowulf is not obliged to give the treasures to the king, but he does so to demonstrate