Beowulf As A Epic Hero

Beowulf illustrates the both powerful bravery and strength that define the heroic code. The poet describes the Geat warrior as a “man whose name was known for courage” (Beowulf 330). Beowulf knows he is strong and declares himself capable to King Hrothgar stating, “I battled and bound five beasts, / raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea / slaughtered sea-brutes” (Beowulf 420-2). His testimonies of strength and battle achievements are not to boast for personal glory but to credit himself worthy and capable of defeating Grendel. Beowulf succeeds in mortally wounding Grendel, but the demon’s mother threatens Hrothgar’s hall again with another attack. Beowulf does not turn away from this set back but rises to the challenge and encourages Hrothgar to avenge the death of his friend, Aeschere . Beowulf explains to Hrothgar, “It is always better / to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. / For every one of us, living in this world / means waiting for our end. Let whoever can / win glory before death” (Beowulf 1384-8). Beowulf’s concerns are largely of loyalty to his lord and obtaining glory no matter the risks. Critic Joseph Weidenboerner writes, “the clan hero is always conscious of the ‘other,’ focusing on his service to persons or powers greater

Christopher Reeve once said “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endures in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” In other words, a hero is a normal person who is able to be strong and persevere despite difficult obstacles preventing them. In the book, Beowulf, the the nephew of the king of the land of the geats, helps Hrothgar, another king, kill a series of monsters that threaten his kingdom. He helps Hrothgar kill Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and The Firedrake. Beowulf is a hero because he is just an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite the overwhelming obstacles preventing him from doing so. Beowulf embodies Christopher Reeve’s definition of a hero because he defeated the flesh-eating Grendel, who could not be stopped even by groups of elite soldiers. Beowulf also killed Grendel’s mother, a much eviler being who lived in a cave in an endless pool of blood that led to hell. Finally, he defeated The Firedrake, who swelled up and breathed fire when angry.

What do Achilles, King Arthur, Harry Potter, and Beowulf all have in common? They all demonstrate the qualities of epic heroes. Beowulf represents several characteristics of an epic hero and demonstrates the values of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the main character of his story, he has a main goal, he travels and fights with a group of people, and he accomplishes many valorous deeds; the values of the Anglo-Saxons are also shown through the actions of Beowulf, such as courage, loyalty, and fame. For example, when Beowulf heard a cry for help in a far off land, he answered. He fought larger than life monsters, and won. His exceptional strength proves his epic courage and heroism.

Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses.

“He would sleep in the fire, soon. His soul, left his flesh, flew to glory.” This very quote from the epic Beowulf, sets the tone and very intense qualities of older epics. This specific epic, focuses on the hero and Beowulf, who is the only warrior capable of defeating the vicious villainous creature Grendel, and his mother. Beowulf shares the qualities of many other epic heroes such as showing the nature of being almost superhuman, being the deciding factor in the wellbeing of his people, and showing uncontested bravery no matter the obstacle they must face. In more modern times, the United States Delta Force can be considered an epic heroes based on the sheer values and courage held by its members.

“The whole earth is the tomb of heroic men and their story is not given only on stone over their clay but abides everywhere without visible symbol woven into the stuff of other men’s lives,” said Perculus (PR). You’re born, you live a little, and then you die. There is no simpler way to sum up life. Often times this is done through oral tales, paintings, and various other ways. For those whose lives were truly something great, something memorable, their stories are transcripted into writings. Whether these are simple biographies or symbolic fictional works, stories are often based on someone greater than the writer. These “epic heros” are protagonists that fulfill their potential of greatness through using their bravery, strength and

Beowulf is considered to be an epic hero. A character such as himself can even be considered in the same class as different DC Comic heroes such Superman, Batman, Green Lantern or The Flash. It is acceptable to list Beowulf with these heroes due to all of his heroic efforts defeating various monsters and enemies and the fact that he has a DC Comic made about him. Beowulf is a hero that defies the logic of your typical comic book hero; he possesses his own attributes and is in a class of his own with the world of DC Comics.

"History teaches the essential qualities of a typical hero: bravery, courage, wit, though an epic hero utilizes a trait unorthodox to most of humanity -- a fatal flaw. " Beowulf, an epic poem composed by an unknown Anglo-Saxon, is the first piece of work written in Old English. It tells the story of a warrior, (of the same name), and his quests to defeat all evil that terrorizes the Scandinavian regions. The epic poem was told in order to encourage men to help defend their lands. The Anglo-Saxon men were ones who believed in being heroes for their people.

An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. In the epic poem Beowulf, the character Beowulf is the ultimate hero because he fought and killed Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and then defeated by dragons. These accomplishments show that Beowulf has proved himself to be an epic hero throughout the poem. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf portrays traits of being an epic hero by being strong, glorifying and ethical.

An epic poem is a narrative poem telling the heroic accomplishment of a legendary hero. Epic hero is a hero who fights many battles and leaves a legacy. Beowulf is a true example of an epic hero. Beowulf was an epic hero because he showed courage, boastfulness, and loyalty.

An epic hero is more than just someone who saves the people of the town. An epic hero is physically strong, loyal, boastful, courageous, and wise. Beowulf showed these traits throughout his battles against Grendel and his mother. Beowulf’s fight with Grendel’s mother was a lot easier compared to Grendel due to Beowulf’s choice in tactics. Fighting these two monsters was a difficult task, but Beowulf overcame it and pulled through.

An epic hero is someone who performs a heroic deed, and is brave. Beowulf is an epic hero. From the beginning of reading Beowulf you can tell that he shows the characteristics of a epic hero. It all starts off when people in the mead hall keep getting attacked by this monster named Grendel. Beowulf shows courage and he goes and ends up killing Grendel. After killing Grendel he becomes wanted by Grendel’s mother, so he kills her too. In the end of it all beowulf kills the dragon. Beowulf’s courage and strength is what is shown while he is killing all of these evil monsters. All of these killings is what gave him fan in the lands. After reading Beowulf you will realize why he is now classified as a epic hero.

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”( Brodi Ashton) Beowulf is one of the bravest heroes as he kills monsters throughout the poem. He was leader of the Anglo Saxons society. The concept of fate was that he embraced his fate by honor, loyalty, and bravery. Beowulf is an epic hero because he is significant and glorified for his actions, he has superhuman strength, and he is ethical.

The Tale of Beowulf; the Magnificent. Upon research I discovered the comparison between the movie and the book contrast severely, however some aspects of the movie are similar. Beowulf is the epic hero- or so the poem makes him seem. He commits acts of bravery, he’s ready to fight, he’s primal, and he’s willing; all the qualities the poem gives to Beowulf.

Beowulf is a poem that was written in Anglo-Saxon, between 700 and 1000 A.D., and is probably one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. It tells the story of the heroic acts in the life of our protagonist, Beowulf. It takes place in Scandinavia (Denmark and Sweden precisely), around 500 A.D.