Beowulf Response

Beowulf was the embodiment of an epic hero in the Middle Aged times filled with grief, despair, and a lack of overall confidence. Therefore, when Beowulf steps forth with his arrogant and confident self image, the people are drawn to this idea of what can be seen as a personal savior. Here is a man, who boasts of his conquests, yet finds the humbleness inside his heart to unlock Herot from its grief and terror. It is Beowulf's bare hands that bring the people joy and happiness amid their pain and suffering. For me, Beowulf was inspiring, yet a little out of touch in the modern world. In a society where boasting and arrogance are frowned upon, Beowulf would be looked upon as a self serving, air headed yet talented man. Speaking honestly, if facing such a foe as Grendel, I would not have the courage to fight with my bare hands for fear of death. Rather, I would take up a sword, knowing that with its help I would have greater odds of being successful. Doubt of course is not a sin, but rather a bad habit. Questioning oneself removes confidence, however, which is a necessary part when tackling life's battles. Beowulf was so puffed up with confidence that he was able to throw all his inhibitions out the window and take on the monster with much more strength. Each day, we face "epic" battles as Beowulf did. Right now, I am plagued, like all seniors, with the challenge of college plans. Each day I question the decision, yet instead of tackling it with my bare hands, I use my sword: family, friends, and God, my ultimate support system who will help me face my toughest fears. Despite the battle wounds that result from every encounter of "evil" it is important to maintain confidence, and learn from each experience. As a relatively independent person, I enjoy tackling things on my own to ensure that the results are up to my standards. Therefore, it is often hard for me to trust others. However, this past year I have learned how necessary the sword is to a battle, not only to hold but to use. God has not designed me to have every talent imaginable, but he has designed us to come together and use our talents for His glory. Therefore, in order to defeat the monsters of our lives we must realize that unlike Beowulf we cannot do it alone. Surely we can try, but ultimately it is our choice to embrace the sword and be confident in its power. I believe that Beowulf is a good mythical war hero, as he embodied the self confident spirit that the people needed to get out of the dark, depressing rut they were stuck in. A challenge cannot be defeated until it is confronted, and this is the stance I hope to take with all of life's struggles as I embrace my inner hero.