Beowulf possesses many of the traits of an archetypal epic hero; he is strong, humble, and willing to fight to death if necessary. One of the most obvious heroic traits of Beowulf’s is his strength, which is a vital feature in Anglo-Saxon heroes. Beowulf had the strength of thirty men and is blessed with strength beyond that of an ordinary man. Although strength is a key characteristic in defining an epic hero, it alone is not enough to define an epic hero (Greenfield 3). Along with strength, one must have other distinguishing traits to be considered an epic hero.
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.
He was considered a “larger than life” hero and the writer of the story did a great job portraying the good characteristics of Beowulf and how he was able to conquer all. He came from a large community or group where he wanted to protect all. Without this, there would be no good meaning to this story because he was well trusted and the
In addition, in order for him to succeed he must orally deliver his resume. Nevertheless, bragging aside, Beowulf is undoubtedly a brave man. When Beowulf sets out to kill Grendel's mother he simply "donned his armor for battle, Heeded not the danger..." (1328-29 60). When his sword fails him he uses his physical strength: "On the might of his hand, as a man must do Who thinks to win in the welter of battle Enduring glory; he fears not death" (1420-23 62). Certainly he is in search of fame.
Beowulf shows bravery in line 158 “… Death was errand.” He states that he will fight to his death. He will not back up from his fight with Grendel even if it might cost him his life. Beowulf also shows courage in line 154 “… I drove five great giants into chains.” By Beowulf’s statement he shows how he is not afraid of fighting anyone. Beowulf shows courage which makes him fit the image of an epic hero. Beowulf is also considered to be a leader.
Only a giant and a strong-willed person can go through huge mountains and face wraths of the oceans, forest and conquer them all. That is what heroes do in life. They go through struggles and come out very strong. To conclude, Enkidu can be considered as a hero but Gilgamesh’s actions, his works contradicts that of Enkidu’s which makes many writers and readers proclaim Gilgamesh as the true hero in the story. Heroes do extraordinary things on their journeys to be crown as one.
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.
A hero in a quest to fight for glory and the greater good of society. Brave deeds to help others to put to an end there nightmare. Beowulf was a mortal but had the strength like no other human; he was a super human with courage and intelligence. Risking his life for the safety of others where his death came upon it. First, Beowulf heard about Dane land being tormented
Every society/culture since the creation of man has created this type of hero to embody the values and mores of that time period. To be thought of as an epic hero the character must be endowed with specific traits. A few of these traits are: having great stature, always larger than life, have traits most valued by that society (i.e. tremendous courage, humility, super human strength.) a quick wit accompanied by extraordinary intelligence and a perspicacity for the journeys he must endure and the adversaries that he will have to thwart.
When I hear the word hero, I think of someone who is idealized for their courage and bravery, having outstanding achievements, and having noble qualities. Policemen and firefighters are heroes to me. Heroes can come in all different shapes and sizes and that’s important for some people to understand, just because they aren’t super tall and lusty doesn’t mean that they can’t be a hero. In the earliest English epic poem, “Beowulf”, the hero is Beowulf. As a hero, the Anglo-Saxons made Beowulf have certain hero characteristics.