Essay, Research Paper: Beowulf: How To Make A Hero

"It was belief and commitment that fostered not only heroes

but hero worship; not only great leaders but devoted followers."
Such a statement is one of wisdom, standing the test of time. The
composition of a "hero" is universal, no matter how grand the
scale. It all originated with belief and commitment--but it can
also be applied to the devoted fans. These characteristics
are shared to make the system work for thousands of years.

The beliefs of a hero are the stepping stones for the
other components. It is all centered around the trust and
faith of the world around him, earthly and ethereal. A hero must
believe in a superior being, whether it be a master or God. For
example, in Beowulf's last words to Wiglaf, he speaks, "...the
Ruler of men has no cause to blame me for the slaughter of kinsmen,
when my life passes out from my body." (Pg. 49) This explains both
his trust that he will be protected by God and his fellow Geat.

Another attribute of the hero is commitment. One does not
become a legend through a brief fling or giving up easily. Wiglaf,
who appears to carry on the torch for Beowulf and the end on the
epic, is the only warrior who is willing to stay behind and risk
his own life. He says, "...we promised our lord who gave us these
rings, that we would requite him for the war gear...if need such as
this came upon him." (Pg. 48) Commitment also includes an abundance
of perserverance. Beowulf was not obligated to be a good samaritan;
he willingly and continuously proved to be a "good king."

The concept of a "hero" would not exist if there were no
supporters. It's the followers that glorify the deeds of these
protagonists. They have their beliefs too--heroes symbolize
perfection and the solution to all of life's problems. Once Beowulf
emerged from the swamp with the head of Grendel's mother, his
followers took off his armor, carried off the head, and hung it up
in the mead-hall. (Pg. 30) They live vicariously through Beowulf;
they want the fantasy.

Heroes and hero groupies are integrated into today's society,
1300 years since Beowulf's time. The late Mother Theresa is most
likely at the status of a heroine. Her devout belief in
unrelentlessly aiding the lowliest of the world attracted millions
of admirers and sponsors. She almost takes the quality of a
superhuman being or divinity. Even after death, her glory and
message of justice and humility survives through other supporters.
It can ultimately be assumed that, "A hero cannot be a hero unless
in a heroic world."