Hubris and Pride: The Need for them in an Epic Hero
The need for the Hubris and Pride in an epic hero is clear. However it must be understood first the definitions of the terms before understanding how it affects the necessary aspect in a hero. An epic hero can be defined as a hero who is in either history or legend. In addition, hubris and pride are almost the same thing though the synonyms associated with hubris being arrogance, cockiness, or over-confident- and pride being the more moderate versions of the before-said terms. The need for them in a hero resides in the fact that the people or characters that surround the epic hero are often in need of guidance and hope and it can be found in a strong and confident leader such as Beowulf. Beowulf leads his men to the Danes and confidently boasts his stories of his past feats. An example of this is when he describes the race with Brecca in a test of swimming through the waters. "He could never leave me behind, swim faster across the waves than I could, and I had chosen to remain close to his side" Lines 274-276 Pg. 28 It is also shown in effect of the arrival of the hero in the Danes through the excitement of the presence of the hero Beowulf "A poet sang, from time to time, in a clear pure voice. Danes and visiting Geats celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced." Lines 229-232 pg 27
WRITTEN BY: GREG CHEW
The need for the Hubris and Pride in an epic hero is clear. However it must be understood first the definitions of the terms before understanding how it affects the necessary aspect in a hero. An epic hero can be defined as a hero who is in either history or legend. In addition, hubris and pride are almost the same thing though the synonyms associated with hubris being arrogance, cockiness, or over-confident- and pride being the more moderate versions of the before-said terms. The need for them in a hero resides in the fact that the people or characters that surround the epic hero are often in need of guidance and hope and it can be found in a strong and confident leader such as Beowulf. Beowulf leads his men to the Danes and confidently boasts his stories of his past feats. An example of this is when he describes the race with Brecca in a test of swimming through the waters. "He could never leave me behind, swim faster across the waves than I could, and I had chosen to remain close to his side" Lines 274-276 Pg. 28 It is also shown in effect of the arrival of the hero in the Danes through the excitement of the presence of the hero Beowulf "A poet sang, from time to time, in a clear pure voice. Danes and visiting Geats celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced." Lines 229-232 pg 27
WRITTEN BY: GREG CHEW