What is a hero? A hero is a person who is viewed as someone who is brave and admired for courageous actions including some putting their lives at risk. There are many kinds of heroes, such as a Tragic hero which we read in Beowulf by the unknown Anglo-Saxen poet. A Tragic hero is a hero who possesses a bad quality that ends up taking over and leading to their downfall. Another kind of hero is an Avenging hero which is seen in the novel Macbeth by William Shakesphere. An Avenging hero is in a way out for revenge but it is for a good and justified reason. There is also an Everyman hero, this hero is viewed as an underdog and has very admirable qualities including one being selfless, we see this kind of hero in The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. All of these authors portrayed these heroes in unique ways.
Beowulf went through the twelve-step process of the Hero's journey. Beowulf is first introduced in his ordinary world when he heard stories of a monster known as Grendel in Geatland. Grendel was hunting the warriors of Herorot and the people needed a hero so they called Beowulf. He was then called to adventure when he hears that Grendel has injured many people after the celebration in the hall. Beowulf is reluctant at first to fight Grendel because he felt like when he fights him he should not fight with any weapons but he should fight with his bare hands. Hrothgar represents Baywolf's mentor. He encourages Beowulf to fight Grendel and to take the victory. Beowulf passes his first threshold when he journeys out of his calm in the world and he goes to fight Grendel. He then encounters many challenges including his reputation being tested. Beowulf made allies with the Hrothgar, the Geats, and the Danes. He then encounters his enemies Grendel and Grendel's mother. He defeats Grendel and takes his arm as a trophy. He then reaches the innermost cave, and he throws a feast thinking everything was over since he conquered Grendel but he realizes he has to fight Grendel's mother as well. He has to endure the supreme ordeal which is fighting Grendel's mother to save the Danes. Beowulf is then rewarded by King Hrothgar with many fine treasures and his finest horses. Beowulf then goes back on his way back home to rule over his homeland for 50 years. Beowulf is then called upon again (resurrected) to defeat a dragon that had been awakened and was very angry. Beowulf is not strong enough to fight the dragon and the dragon kills him. Although Baywolf was killed, Wiglaf stays loyal to him. Beowulf’s last wish was to leave a legend of his name and not be forgotten. Although Beowulf saved many lives and wanted the best for his people this turned into a tragic story because he let his ego and pride get a hold of him and he wanted to do things by himself.
In conclusion, this story had a hero. They all didn’t have the same story but they all went through the process of the hero's journey. They all faced many challenges and conquered them in the end. A good Bible verse for them is Deuteronomy 31:6 which says “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” They all had to be brave and not only believe in themselves but they had to know that what they were doing was right. They all were life-saving men who cared for the wellness of others.