Tolkien’s Definition of the Hero
“the actual heathen warrior…used his great gift of
strength to earn glory and praise among men and
posterity…”
- “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” (c. 1936)
Tolkien’s Heroic Ideal
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Strength
Glory
Praise Among Men
Posterity
– From the Latin posterus, meaning “coming after”
– Basically, you will be remembered in the
generations coming after you.
Comitatus
• A warrior band that pledges allegiance to one
another, and to a lord.
• In return for loyalty in battle, the members
receive treasure and entertainment.
• The expectation is that you will fight in battle
with the lord until your death.
• Defined by the philosopher Tacitus.
Comitatus