In the novel, Beowulf, the main character is the epitome of an epic hero. He has great strength, he is morally sound, and, for the most part, he thinks of others before he thinks of himself. Beowulf comes to the Geats’ aid when an evil monster named Grendel terrorizes their mead hall. He courageously defeats the monster and defeats the monster’s vengeful mother. Through these battles, Beowulf’s strength, humbleness and courageousness is revealed.
Beowulf has come to Hrothgar’s kingdom to kill Grendel, who has been haunting the kingdom and no warrior could defeat him. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel was a great one, he fought Grendel with nothing but his bare hands and emerged victorious by ripping off Grendel’s arm, “so hard, they all said, that not even the sharpest of swords could have cut it through, broken it off the monster’s arm and ended its life, as Beowulf had done armed with only his bare hands.” Beowulf’s strength is a key part to is heroism; After Beowulf killed Grendel he went to battle his mother because she was seeking revenge for her son’s death. Beowulf succeeds in slaying Grendel’s mother by chopping off her head, he then carries her head back with ease while it takes four regular men to lift her head.
Although those are virtually the same, you can go deeper into the tasks and detail his courage. When he fought Grendel, he did it with no armor and that shows tremendous courage. He constantly puts his life on the line for others, because he feels it is his duty to be a protector. The three categories of loyalty, strength, and courage are vividly illustrated in the epic poem, Beowulf. He represents what a hero was back then and always should be.
In Beowulf, an epic poem, Beowulf is the superior character who depicts the true meaning of loyalty. Beowulf feels in a sense he owes Hrothgar, King of the Danes, a favor because the great king had assisted Beowulf's father years back. Although Beowulf is the epic hero of the poem, he is not the only character that demonstrates the characteristic of loyalty. Wiglaf is a Geat warrior who exhibits bravery and courage while helping Beowulf fight and slay the dragon. Even though the epic poem had a devastating ending, it would not have been the same without the characters displaying their loyal sides.
Noel Mendez Mendez 1 Mrs. Hinton English 3Period 2 August 31, 2012 Epic Hero Beowulf achieved many quest of tremendous value to himself and society. In the Epic From Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, Beowulf did something that many people aren’t capable of doing. Beowulf proves to be a man of courage, leadership, and power and he can fit the image of an Epic hero in many ways. Beowulf was considered courageous during his lifetime because of everything he accomplished. Beowulf shows bravery in line 158 “… Death was errand.” He states that he will fight to his death.
This epic poem illustrates the journey and hardship of one Anglo-Saxon warrior named Beowulf, who because of his journey became known as one of the respected heroes of the Anglo-Saxon times. Throughout his journey, Beowulf stumbled upon endless battles with ferocious monster trying to terrorize his king and kingdom. Beowulf was one to never give up on anything or anyone no matter the circumstances. Beowulf is an authentic hero according to the code of Anglo-Saxon times because he is courageous, loyal, and determined.
Andrew Choe English IV Mrs.Zuczek September 17, 2012 Beowulf Essay Beowulf is an epic based on the Anglo-Saxon culture. It was written around 700 A.D, and it is one of the oldest books in the English language. Most books that have a hero fighting an enemy originated from Beowulf. Beowulf also contains many archetypes such as the Monster of Nightmare, Hero, The Fall, Magic Weapon, Heaven vs Hell, and Haven vs Wilderness. For example, “In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s Follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” describes a hero.
God’s approval of Beowulf as a leader is manifested throughout the poem by God’s helping hand. Grendel, a big demon monster was be defeated by an average-sized mortal Beowulf. Similarly, when Beowulf was battling the dragon a magical sword appeared out of nowhere that was able to penetrate the dragon. Once the battle was complete and the dragon was slain, a light appeared on Beowulf demonstrating God’s hand in the victory (2700). Beowulf knows that he has the divine right to be king from God and has no doubts of this.
Mayra Vargas Period 3 Can’t Be Replaced Monster’s that can’t be harmed by a mortal’s weapon, or a battle against a fire breathing dragon; can you handle this alone? With your bare hands? Beowulf in many words is the archetypal epic hero in 4 characteristics. Beowulf is one of the very lucky, not only by being prince of the Geats but his story is being told from generations. A hero in a quest to fight for glory and the greater good of society.
He comes to his ultimate demise in the final slay of the dragon. His final wishes are carried out by the last solider who stood by his side. Beowulf is seen as an amazing leader who was born of normal birth and went on to lead an above normal existence. He has demonstrated his strength and humility in most of the acts that he commits. Beowulf is this huge strong character in the epic who is the leader of a great army.