The true definition of an epic hero is a character that will take on any challenge even it risks death, posses’ godly strength and ability, and finally will valiantly sacrifice themselves for the good of their people and ideals. In this case, Beowulf is the spitting image of an epic hero. Not only does he fit the description but also he emits pure heroism in almost every thing he does from fighting Grendel to the Dragon. Beowulf portrays the epic hero in the following ways such as taking on seemingly impossible challenges like his swimming competition with Breca, possessing godly and superhuman strength when fighting Grendel and his mother, and finally sacrificing himself by fighting and defeating the Dragon while also dying for his people. Beowulf could not fit the image, attitude, and qualities of an epic hero any more perfect.
He was also extremely arrogant. Beowulf decided to do what no other warrior would do, to go to Daneland and defeat the demon Grendel. He wanted to do this so that he would be viewed as a hero, instead of just a young, unproven warrior. He knew who he was, but he wanted the
Nina Ybarra Mr. Butler English 12CP 1-27-2015 Beowulf the Epic Hero A true hero does not fear death and will risk all that he is to protect people from great danger. Beowulf is an epic hero and tells a great story about a legend who overcomes all difficulties; almost as if he was immortal. All heroes share their characteristics of their preparedness to die, this is what marks their actions heroic. Throughout the epic Beowulf exhibits various characteristics that makes him an epic hero. One of the characteristics Beowulf demonstrations is his capability of deeds of great strength and courage.
He is strong because he is able to and control of his crew in dangerous situations and make them calm. Odysseus is a true hero. Odysseus made stupid mistakes and bad judgements. However, he is strong, clever, and intelligent. A hero is someone you can bet your life on and know that they will have your back whatever happens.
This paper will tell examples and reasoning of why Beowulf is all of these things. An epic hero is one that stands out among all the rest. Even after hearing many stories of Grendel’s wrath, he still planned to fight the best without any hesitation. The reader would believe this is an example of a very brave fighter. Beowulf shows his abilities and proves brave enough as he resolves to kill the “lady monster”, (excerpt page 40).
Anglo-Saxon society judges its individual’s behavior on specific values and morals. This society focuses on a strong sense of community and it treasures fame. The values of the Anglo-Saxon society are embodied by the brave, fearless and exemplary soldier, Beowulf. Beowulf is the protagonist in the epic poem, Beowulf. This character is brought upon conflicts and challenges by inhuman creatures that threaten his existence and the perseverance of his culture.
In the epic poem, the Anglo-Saxons value strength as a characteristic of a superior and great warrior. Beowulf throughout the entire story portrays this by fighting the battles with the monsters and by defeating them when no one else could or were too afraid to. The author states of how Beowulf and the other warriors are “greater/ and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world”(110-111). Beowulf was a powerful warrior who fit the idealistic of a warrior in an Anglo-Saxon society. When fighting with Grendel and Grendels mother he never needed the protection of armor or swords.
Every man during that time wanted to be Beowulf because he was known widely for his bravery and honor during times of battle. Beowulf fought Grendel with his bare hand because he cared about his image so much that he wanted people to know he was the strongest man alive. Image hasn’t changed much throughout time because all men still want to be the modern day Beowulf. People still care about how others see them and that will never change. Being seen as strong and brave is still a very popular image today.
In order to understand the intense elements of heroism in Old English poetic texts, we must first understand the Anglo-Saxon culture. People in this “warrior-society” (where warriors fought to defend their homes, kinsfolk, and to gain the approval of their lord), placed great value on the ‘heroic code’ and simultaneously on the give and take relationship between a warrior and his lord. This reciprocated love derives from an emotional bond built by the shared dangers of battle, and the rewards in the mead hall. This intense bond gives warriors a sense of identity within the group, and his necessary for their society to function effectively. Within this “warrior-society” the goal is ultimately immortality of ones name, established by gaining power through displays of courageous acts.
These heroic qualities consist of extreme bravery, courage in the face of obstacles, superhuman strength/abilities, confidence in fighting abilities, and never, ever yielding to an opponent. Each hero is seen as a shining star amidst the other warriors in their respective camps. However, the time comes that these two, remarkable heroes must face each other, one on one, in battle. One would expect this to be an explosive battle with two great warriors fighting to the death, neither allowing the other to gain any ground. To the surprise of most, the battle does not occur in that way.