Why Beowulf Was an Epic Hero

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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. Thus meaning, the hero has great potential for great deeds with abundant amount of strength. The extent of the heroes actions are well above and beyond what the normal people can do. Beowulf shows these examples in some of his fights. An example of Beowulf representing this characteristics is when he battles Grendel. In the battle with Grendel, Beowulf overpowered him with just his hard hands, of great strength. In the epic it states “He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over...” (pg. 43). This quote displays us that not only did Beowulf defeat Grendel, but he defeated Grendel with just his bare hands. This example confirms the characteristic of how Beowulf is an epic hero by completing a great deed with great strength and courage. Another characteristic someone may see in Beowulf, is him being a great warrior. Before a hero completes a journey in his epic, he must establishes his name another way. Most epic heroes typically do this by being in a war or a battle. Beowulf establishes his name by battle and accomplishing tasks most people could not complete. An example of this characteristics being present is when Beowulf is speaking to lord Hrothgar about himself. Beowulf explains

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