Kinsey Moore
Journal #1
Beowulf. What is your definition of a hero?  Do you see Beowulf as a hero?  Why or why not?
A hero is a person who acts selflessly for the good of others, many times putting him or herself in mortal danger.  A hero can also be someone who has accomplished feats which seem impossible and are desirable to most.  Even a person with desirable personality traits or physical possessions can be a hero for those alone.  This includes people who regularly donate large amounts to charities or those who have managed to collect a complete set of very rare items.  Personally, a hero is anyone who I admire and look up to; who I aspire to emulate.

Beowulf has some aspects of the traditional hero, such as self endangerment for the good of others, but also takes action for personal reasons.  He is out to bring more glory to his name and his family.  He is attempting to leave a legacy for his progeny so that they may also do as he does.  These are certainly selfish reasons, but from the outside, he still appears to be a hero to others.  The perception of the populus defines a hero.  If the populus considers Beowulf a hero for his deeds, then he is indeed a hero and his internal motivations do not matter so long as he continues to be that hero in the eyes of the people.  In the culture described by the story, these self motivations are also heroic in their own way.  The story told in response to Unferth reinforces his heroism to the people of Heorot.  It tells of his bravery, strength, and sheer force of will.  Beowulf's feat at Heorot was the severing of Grendel's arm and shoulder by brute strength alone.  He truly was a hero in the culture of his time.  Whether he is still considered a hero today depends on the opinion of the audience.