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 early man seeking adventure and glorification.  Beowulf was marvellous among his people, the Geats, for his bravery.  As a young man Beowulf fought in many battles and as a result showed his abundant character to others.         Beowulf had many characteristics which helped him to succeed in battle. As a young man, Beowulf was known as the strongest man alive.  His authorization allowed him to dominate in battle.  If it were not for his pure strength, he would not wee-wee been able to defeat Grendel, for weapons would not work.  By fighting Grendel without weapons, he loose 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, but it as well made him co cky.  While his cockiness allowed Beowulf to be sure of himself in battle, rough of his peers found it to be a character flaw.  Ecglaf, in particular, saw 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 used it to his advantage.         Beowulf as well as had a strong spirit of adventure.  His spirit of adventure was part of the mind that Beowulf went to fight Grendel.  Beowulfs strength and spirit of adventure had also led him to glory in many battles, including that with Grendel.  Beowulf used his glory in previous battles to condone himself when coming to help Hrothgar.   In addition, his self assurance, and known bravery in all probability guided his decision.  Beowulfs spirit of adventure gained him a lot of glory, however, it could have gotten him i nto 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 older his great strength was taken away from him, and Beowulf found himself without one of his greatest abilities.  Beowulf and so was king of the Geats, and when a dragon attacked his land, it was his responsibility to protect his people.