Beowulf Epic Hero

An epic is a long narrative poem that has been around ever since the earliest forms of literature were created. The main character of an epic is the epic hero. Beowulf is an epic hero. The qualities of an epic hero include: being introduced in the midst of disaster, being a great leader, warrior, and speaker, possessing god-like characteristics, taking on challenges that no other person is brave enough to do, and defeating almost all of the enemies, according to the article “What are the Characteristics of an Epic Hero?”. Beowulf exceeds all of the qualities of an epic hero in the epic “Beowulf” by saving the town in distress, always being a great leader, never backing down from a battle, being noticeably god-like, and leaving the world while

Grendel was conceived by monsters born of Cain, who was the oldest son of Adam and Eve that murdered his brother, Abel. Herot, the kingdom ruled by Hrothgar, was where Grendel feasted every so often during the night. After the men of Hrothgar had finished drinking, Grendel would make his appearance. Thirty men, within seconds, were snatched up by Grendel and brought back to his lair. Hrothgar mourned for his loss of men and had to flee with the ones who were not slaughtered because Grendel came again. After trying to bargain with Grendel, Herot became deserted for twelve years because he would not accept any gold or riches. All the beast wanted was men to feed on. This is the disastrous moment when Beowulf makes his

As many would conclude, Beowulf puts up a great fight against this dragon. First, Beowulf tells of how he will defeat this monster and inherit all of the dragon’s treasures that are kept away in the tower. Then, he travels to the dragon’s castle, feeling the heat from afar. When he approaches the dragon, his shield and armor protect him for awhile, but then start to melt. For the first time, Beowulf knows fate is against him. So, he puts his sword into the monster’s skin and draws blood, but the sword then brakes. The dragon then comes at Beowulf and all of his men run except Wiglaf, a good soldier who saw his king burning and suffering. Quickly, he helps Beowulf and defeats the dragon. As Beowulf lies on the ground dying, he tells Wiglaf to take all of his riches and keep the treasures found in the tower. Wiglaf, being the great soldier he is, retrieves the treasures but does not keep them.

Instead, Wiglaf and Beowulf’s men, the ones who bailed when Beowulf needed them the most, build a tower to bury Beowulf in as he wishes. They also put all of the riches and treasures in the tower with Beowulf’s body. This is a huge sign of how much the men of this great leader respect and honor him for his bravery and being a tremendous warrior. Beowulf’s men knew they did not deserve any of his wealth because they are not worthy. The men did not show enough leadership characteristics to inherit