These events show us that Beowulf is an epic hero because he possesses strength greater than anyone else in the world, he accomplishes great feats, impossible for anyone lesser, and his actions echo values of a good and strong leader. To begin with, the book clearly tells one
He manages to get inside the palace with out his cover being blown. The only one that really knows who the beggar really is his son. Odysseus truly shows his strengths when he fights the suitors with the bow that can only be strung by the strongest. He isn’t just raw power, his gracious hands and sharpshooters eye help nail down the suitors. All of these traits add up to be strengths because they all aid him in finishing his tasks.
Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, a modern day hero, was also able to be brave when his men needed him the most. Sgt. Giunta was also had good instincts like an epic hero which kept him alive. Odysseus also had good instincts like all other epic heroes.
Beowulf's unselfishness and unfailing loyalty gave him quite a reputation and much popularity with both the Danes and Geats subjects and their kings. Reputation is what motivates thanes to be loyal to their rulers. The more courageous acts they performed for their country, the better their reputation and popularity. Therefore their rank in the social ladder would increase as well. The fact that not all thanes could be as courageous and have so many heroic achievements for their countries and rulers is why Beowulf seems so ideal and extraordinary.
The greatest value we found in Beowulf was his bravery, the epic heroism. He is not afraid to die. He is without a doubt the greatest warrior. When he tells Unferth "I count it true that I had more courage, More strength in swimming than any other man" it might be interpreted in a bragging way but in fact he is stating the truth. In addition to that in order for him to succeed he must orally deliver his strength.
Wait for me close by, my friends“ (2530). Because of the intensity of this fight, he is lacking in the confidence category and uses actual weapons. Shockingly enough Beowulf doesn’t endure this fight alone, he chooses Wiglaf to defeat the dragon with him. Beowulf is seriously injured during this fight and ends up dying which concludes in his title as an epic hero. All in all, Beowulf’s transition starts as if a baby starts the stages of walking.
I know I couldn’t but I guess that’s where bravery kicks in for this well-known hero name Beowulf. Beowulf is very wise and i stick with my statement because he thinks before he talk or do anything. Like with Grendel, the whole entire land of the kings’ men was trying their hardest to kill him. But Beowulf stayed up all and analyzed Grendel as he killed one the men. He prepared for every fight thoroughly.
Luke Molnar Beowulf Is Beowulf really a hero, or is he an over confident boastful fool? In the epic poem Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, the reader reads about an intelligent, confident, strong, and courageous man who is also quite boastful in some instances. Beowulf defines an epic hero by possessing supernatural strength, courage, and his will to fight for what’s right. A characteristic of a hero is the character must have an ability no one else in the story has. The reader sees how Beowulf possesses unbelievable and supernatural strength because Beowulf claims he can defeat Grendel with his bare hands.
An epic hero is a brave and noble character from an epic poem. Beowulf is exactly that. Beowulf demonstrates most of those traits. Beowulf demonstrates an epic hero because he was charged with a quest, he had super strength, and traveled underwater to a supernatural world. These are just some of the values shared by the epic hero Beowulf.
Elegant and classy in all their ways, epic hero’s usually carry the characteristic of being fearless and accepting all that may come their way, making them the respected hero’s they become. “no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine.”(267-268) Was that exact confidence and fearlessness that allowed Beowulf to be the king, warrior, and leader he was. “my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster.” (172-174) Having that type of mentality and courage I’m sure that was the debut of his upcoming fame as a epic hero. The most important characteristic trait in a Epic hero is their relationship with the people. Without recognition of your accomplishments and status there could be no epic hero.