Beowulf, the Tragic Hero

Beowulf, the Tragic Hero In the epic poem Beowulf the protagonist, Beowulf, portrays a tragic hero in a variety of ways. Although Beowulf was non a perfect being, he embraces many characteristics of a tragic hero. Beowulfs ego put him into many difficult situations. For example the battles he fought against Grendel, Grendels Mother, and the dragon. Other then(prenominal) his enormous ego along with his cockiness that put him into bad situations, he also embraced the characteristics of a broad leader that many looked up to.In many parts of the poem Beowulf performs many courageous tasks that no star else would even try, making him one that should be idolized. To start off, Beowulf plans out his battle with Grendel. In the real set-back Beowulf tells his people and Hrothgar that he wants to battle and wipe out Grendel with his owns hands. This part shows his over confident ego because he thinks he is so mighty and strong. While Grendel made his way to attack Herot, Beowulf prete nded that he was asleep besides as Grendel would see.As it says in lines (739-746) Grendel snatched at the first Geat (Line745) He then stepped to a nonher still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws. Beowulf all at once leaned up against Grendels arm attempting to get back at him. Grendel was very fearful and at that very moment he didnt even want to kill, he wanted to get away. Grendel struggled until he was free, just now he ran free without his arm. Beowulf ego once again ties into this because he claims that it was fate that he got away and was not his fault. On the other hand, Beowulf went out of his way to protect Hrothgar and his people when no one else would stand up.The befriend instance where Beowulf finds himself in another situation is when Grendels Mother demands to avenge the death of her son. She then decides to kill one of Hrothgars men, who so happens to be Esher, his dearest advisor. After finding out that he had been killed, Hrothgar had summoned Beowulf a sking for overhaul once more. Beowulf agrees and battles her at her wretched home. In this confrontation Beowulf decides yet once again to be on his own and defeat the nasty old hag. With one slash of his sword he gets rid of her and is repeatedly praised for his courageous actions. As mentioned reviously, Beowulf always put people before himself, which embraced his characteristics of a tragic hero. Last just now not least, Beowulf battles the dragon. It began with a slave that had stolen a golden cup from the dragons lair. For the final time, Beowulfs over confident ego ties into it one final time. We know at this point in time, that Beowulf is at an old age and is becoming weak. Therefore, he insists to get by the dragon by himself. Beowulfs decision to fight alone is a reoccurring action, if you can not tell. Ultimately the dragon begins to beat Beowulf his haughty attitude does not comply with his initial strength.At this moment in time, it leads to Beowulfs downfall with his final attempt at battle. As he dies he finds the strength to slay the dragon hoping to save his people, one last time. With the death of Beowulf he achieves the fame he has always longed for. Beowulfs courageous and brave actions along with his tragic death prove that he is a true hero. The events of this epic poem conclude that even heroes too are acceptable to tragedies. Although Beowulf was not perfect, he without a doubt portrayed the definition of a tragic hero.