Beowulf: The Heroic Qualities Of An Epic Hero

Beowulf is a long epic poem, though some people may say it’s a story, that presents heroism. The story of Beowulf is one of the oldest examples of what society views as a hero. Though the story was written in Anglo-Saxon times, the credentials one would need in order to be considered a hero by society remain the same. The main character in the epic poem Beowulf, is a true epic hero.The Anglo-Saxons believed that a hero was strong and courageous, but humble and kind as well. They also believed that a hero was intelligent and dignified, in which he would fight until death in order to defend his people. During his journey he usually crosses a large body of water and encounters many challenges along the way. During these epic journeys he displays many heroic qualities. There is also examples of how he embodies the values of his society which proves he’s humble and kind. Hrothgar and his men, for years, had feared Grendel and his attacks.

Beowulf shows qualities of an epic hero in all of his actions while he was fighting Grendel. Beowulf choose to battle Grendel hand to hand with no weapons simply because Grendel didn’t have any additional weapons but Beowulf had very strong armour. As unreal as it may seem Beowulf defeats Grendel with courage and intelligence not by slaying him but with his strength by literally tearing his arm off. Beowulf has won almost every one of his battles except for one of them and this one battle where he fought against a dragon. Beowulf fought with strength and intelligence and he fought fair so when he went against the dragon he fought him by himself. His plan was to get the dragon to the edge and push him over hard enough so when he falls the impact will be unbearable. Sadly the dragon’s fire stuck before he could finish his plan although Beowulf didn’t go down without a fight. While he was dying one of Beowulf’s greatest warrior went to get revenge and slayed the