Furthermore, Beowulf’s impulsive and competitive nature urges him to act swiftly, frequently putting him in difficult situations. Despite the fact that Beowulf is a strong and talented warrior, his behaviors rather than his continual bragging should expose his abilities and brilliance. In the end, Beowulf is still a hero, despite his flaws.īeowulf’s first shortcoming, pride, is evident in his boasts upon his arrival at Herot. Beowulf’s hubris, lust for fame and glory, and impulsiveness would have been viewed as evidence of his courage and bravery. In the Anglo-Saxon culture, Beowulf’s tragic flaws would have been seen as part of his heroic character. While Beowulf’s tragic flaws may detract from his heroism in the eyes of modern readers, it is important to remember that the poem was written in a different time and culture. Beowulf’s impulsiveness often puts himself and others in danger, and while his intentions are good, his actions often have negative consequences. This impulsiveness was on display when Beowulf chose to fight Grendel bare-handed, as well as when he decided to fight the dragon. Beowulf is often so eager to save those in need that he rushes into dangerous situations without thinking about the consequences. While Beowulf’s desire for fame and glory is understandable, his single-mindedness often leads him to make poor decisions.įinally, Beowulf’s tragic flaw is his impulsiveness. For example, Beowulf puts himself and others in danger when he fights the dragon because he knows that defeating such a creature would solidify his legacy. Beowulf is so driven by his desire to be remembered as a great hero that he often makes rash decisions without thinking about the consequences. While this may have been seen as acceptable behavior in the Anglo-Saxon culture, modern readers often see Beowulf’s boasting as an indication of his overinflated ego.Ī second tragic flaw that Beowulf possesses is his lust for fame and glory. Throughout the poem, Beowulf constantly brags about his past accomplishments and heroic deeds. This decision not only put Beowulf at risk, but also put those around him in danger, as Grendel could have easily harmed others in the hall while Beowulf was occupied.īeowulf’s hubris is also evident in his boasting. For example, Beowulf could have easily killed Grendel with a sword when the two first met, but instead Beowulf chose to fight Grendel bare-handed. Beowulf is so confident in his own strength and abilities that he often takes unnecessary risks and puts himself and others in danger. The first of Beowulf’s tragic flaws is his hubris, or overweening pride. ![]() Though Beowulf’s character is representative of the Anglo-Saxon epic hero, he also has three significant flaws that contemporary readers may overlook in their focus on his ultimate heroism. ![]() The Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” written by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet, recounts the courageous journey of a young Geatish hero named Beowulf who travels to the Danes’ land to save them from the lurid demon Grendel. Beowulf’s tragic flaws ultimately lead to his demise, but he is still remembered as a heroic warrior. This greed leads him to make poor decisions, such as going into the dragon’s lair without backup. Beowulf is always seeking more wealth and treasures, even when it is not necessary. This eventually leads to his death, as he underestimates the dragon he fights in the final battle.Īnother tragic flaw of Beowulf is his greed. Beowulf is often boastful and arrogant, which leads him to make rash decisions and underestimate his opponents. One of Beowulf’s tragic flaws is his hubris, or excessive pride. ![]() ![]() Beowulf has several tragic flaws, which ultimately lead to his downfall. Beowulf is an epic poem that tells the story of Beowulf, a heroic warrior who defeats monsters and goes on many adventures.
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