Heroic Code of Honor Embraced

Jennifer Mitchell The Heroic Code of Honor Embraced by Beowulf In the epic poem, “Beowulf,” the reader is quickly introduced to the hero, Beowulf who voluntarily enters confrontations with three problematic monsters. The purpose of each confrontation is evident, it is Beowulf’s duty and desire to defeat and kill each monster so that safety is restored among the people. Each of the three fights provide examples of defining moments in Beowulf’s life. It …

…that caused his death. However, do not be confused, it was Beowulf’s pride, an essential characteristic to those obeying the heroic code, that caused his death, not greed. Beowulf did not attempt to defeat the dragon for himself, he attempts to save his kinsmen. In the end, although obedience to the heroic code of honor resulted in Beowulf’s death at the hands of the dragon; he continued to display honorableness to his countrymen.