Beowulf is a epic hero in a lot of ways. He is “stronger” than life, and he does not fear death. He was able to fight the monster and kill him with his bare hands. Beowulf was also able to hold his breath for a long period of time to kill Grendel’s mother. Beowulf looked like a normal person, but with muscle and super strength.
“A hero cannot be a hero unless in a heroic world.”-Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Anglo-Saxon’s describe a hero as being a warrior. A warrior has both mental and physically strength. They have to have courageousness and portray altruism. Not to mention being well prepared to tackle any sort of situation there might be. In the scheme of things, a hero does not become a hero because of what the heroic code says, but because of who they are.
When the story begins, Beowulf has gone to the land of the Danes to kill Grendel for the people, not for the glory. Beowulf brings his own hand picked, group of soldiers with him throughout his battles, and refuses to allow help from others. Beowulf also tells the readers he will not use weapons unless necessary. Before the battle against Grendel, a Denmark officer states, “A chosen warrior who bravely does battle with the creature haunting our people, who survives that horror unhurt, and goes home bearing our love” (ln. 210). Also, when Beowulf’s men abandon him in the battle against the dragon, he does not choose to run in fear, but to continue fighting. In this moment much like in his past, Beowulf shows how honorable he really
Beowulf possesses several distinct traits that allow him to be defined as an ideal epic hero and Anglo-Saxon hero. He is courageous, loyal, wise, and physically powerful. Beowulf puts himself through difficult situations just to keep his people safe from evil. He battles Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon for his people, though he does it for honor as well. Beowulf shows honor in all of his acts, but he is constantly seeking fame and glory through all of his accomplishments. Beowulf has the perfect qualities and characteristics it takes to be an epic
What is an epic hero? An epic hero is the main character of an epic poem, and they are known to embody several characteristics that help them or hold them back in their ultimate quest…to vanquish evil. While reading Beowulf, it is clear to the reader that Beowulf possesses these characteristics. All epic heroes are on their own quest, and for Beowulf, his quest is to defeat Grendel, however you can argue that he was on a quest for eternal fame as well. An epic hero cannot just play the part; he must look the part too. Beowulf does not lack in this department, and this is shown when he comes to King Hrothgar, all the way from Geatland, to explain his mission, and one of the Danes says, “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth
Beowulf as Epic Hero
Epic heroes usually exemplify the character traits most admired in their societies, and Beowulf is no exception. "Beowulf" is set in the Anglo-Saxon society, a time when war was rampant among the many peoples trying to take over the different kingdoms of England. In this dangerous, violent time people lived in constant peril and jeopardy. These conditions only allowed people of great bravery to survive and men of outstanding courage were admired the populous.
The Anglo-Saxons brought with them their own religious beliefs, but when Saint Augustine arrived in 597 he converted most of the country into Christianity.The Anglo-Saxon time period lasted about 600 years, from 410 to whopping 1066, and during that time frame the Britain’s political landscape went through many changes. Beowulf was a man who would do anything for his beloved Geatland. He was not like any ordinary man Beowulf was stronger than the average man would be he was at least 10 times stronger. Beowulf never did back down from a fight from anyone he always went to battle never second guessing for a minute. He served Geatland as best he could Beowulf shows how he is loyal, brave, and also strong. Beowulf will take the time to help others in their time of need, but he always makes sure that his people in Geatland are always safe before anything else. This leads me to my thesis statement, Beowulf proves to be an epic hero through his tremendous bravery, strength, and loyalty.
In the three battles Beowulf fought, he justified the characteristics of an epic hero. Being a hero does not mean a person is consummate, like Beowulf he had many mistakes. Beowulf was superhuman in strength, bravery, and responsibility in three major battles that occurred in his lifetime.
An epic hero is characterized as an overwhelming legend which embodies the estimations of a specific culture. Generally, epic heroes have prevalent qualities such as extreme morality, solid love for their people, and being fearless even when faced with death itself. Beowulf is a heroic character who went on an excursion with a specific end goal to battle enemies and save the people.
Since Beowulf is very courageous, he was not scared to put up a fight with anyone. He and his fourteen men left their country and headed for Herot to fight this monster known by Grendel. “My people have said, the wisest, most knowing and best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes” (149, Beowulf). And that he did. Him and his men got to the country of Herot, stayed the night and Beowulf killed the monster and