Beowulf - the Hero

Epic heroes usually exemplify character traits most admired by their societies. The Anglo-Saxons first told Beowulf around the year 600 AD. When it was formally recorded around the year 1000, their societal structure had changed some, but their idea of a great leader was still the same. Beowulf is not a factual person, but the ideal king and warrior of the time. Beowulf was obviously a man of outstanding courage. When he first heard about the terrorizing …

…their king, while the lords were generous to those who showed loyalty. Beowulf was the perfect man of the time. He was a fierce warrior who knew his place in society. During the time period when this story was written and the time period soon afterward, people probably tried to emulate Beowulf’s characteristics and his view of life, just as many people today look up to and try following today’s heroes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**