Beowulf as an Epic Hero

What are the qualities of an epic hero? An Epic hero is a hero on a

quest, with superhuman powers displaying courage, generosity, and

loyalty. Translated by Burton Raffel, the epic story Beowulf is one of

the best and well known epics of its time. In the novel Beowulf the

epic hero Beowulf shows characteristics of courage, physical strength,

loyalty, self-confidence, and wisdom, much like heroes today.

In the epic Beowulf, the title character, shows his physical strength

and courage in several ways. “‘Dripping with my enemies' blood. I

drove / [f]ive great giants into chains, chased / [a]ll of that race

from earth”’ (Beowulf 232-234). Beowulf boasts at his extensive

bravery and initiative in battle by naming some of his impressive

accomplishments. “‘In the blackest of night, hunting monsters / [o]ut

of the ocean, and killing them one / [b]y one; death was my errand

and the fate / they had earned ’” states Beowulf (Beowulf 235-238).

Here Beowulf brags his bravery once more to tell of his journey and

the lives he’s taken. “‘ My Lord Higlac / [m]ight think less of me if

I let my sword / [g]o where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind

some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me...”’ (Beowulf

248-252). Beowulf exhibits his courage by fearlessly offering to

defend the kingdom in battle. “‘ I have heard / [t]oo that the

monster’s scorn of men / [i]s so great that he needs no weapons and

fears none. / Nor will I”’(Beowulf 245-248). Beowulf proves his

extreme amount of courage with his offer to take on the monster

without using any weapons, only physical strength to defeat him. Even

though Beowulf has a large amount of courage, he has the amazing

physical strength to back it up.

While physical strength and courage are essential characteristics of

an epic hero, wisdom, loyalty and self-confidence also play a major

role. “‘ Our errand / [i]s a great one, our business with the glorious