Beowulf Character Sketch

1. “Beowulf then kept in mind 
the speeches he had made
in the evening and stood 
upright, firmly grasping 
Grendel’s hand until
the fingers broke.” (“The Epic of Beowulf” 9)

2. “Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow,
champion of the Geats,
would have perished then under the wide ground
had not his armor, his hard war net, helped
him (and Holy God, who
brought about war victory). ”(“The Epic of Beowulf” 20)


3. “ It was the choicest of weapons, 
good and majestical,
the work of giants, but
larger than any other man
could carry to battle sport. 

He who fought for the Danes,
fierce and sword grim, 
despairing of life,
seized the chain-wound hilt,
drew the ringed sword,
and angrily struck--” (“The Epic of Beowulf” 20)

 

DESCRIPTION OF BEOWULF 

 

     As strong as an ox, Beowulf is the star of the epic poem made a long time ago. Beowulf has all the heroic quality a hero needs, to be a hero, in my personal opinion. First of all, Beowulf had incredible god like strength. With just only grasping on, He was able to break the monstrous demon, Grendel’s fingers and then later tearing it’s arm off. Being already physically strong, Beowulf is also mentally strong, by being loyal, being brave, having courage and having faith. 


     Beowulf keeps his loyalty to King Hrothgar throughout the story as King Hrothgar, has once saved Beowulf's father, Edgtheows life. He is also seen keeping loyal to his own men, as he made the decision to stay and sleep in the same place as them rather than choosing the place of honor.Courage stays with Beowulf, when he chooses to fight the monsters that appear and kill those who’ve came before him. For example, when Grendel threatens Herot and the King by killing those who have called a duel upon him, Beowulf, with no hesitation made his mind to kill and slay the monstrous demon creature. Faith, another characteristic Beowulf goes by. He is never faith unfaithful after he has made up his mind. Beowulf has faith/gratitude to “God” as he often states “God” before a fight or whenever he defeats a monster and gains victory in the end. 


     Beowulf doesn’t have any flaws for being a hero, protecting his people till his death. Never backing out of a fight and never leaves his people alone till the end. His death scared many across the land as many of them mourned his death, but Beowulfs death was not in vain as when he had died he had also brought the treacherous curse down with him that was tied to the treasures ahead. Beowulf was a hero and was an epic one.