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Beowulf As An Epic Hero Research Paper

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Beowulf as an Epic Hero An epic hero is an individual who performs heroic deeds and possesses supernatural character traits. Beowulf is considered an epic hero because he killed Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. He is a loyal, head-strong, and a brave character. At the end of the epic Beowulf also exemplifies these traits, when he rules over the Geats. Beowulf is admired for his heroic deeds and has become immortal. Although he is dead, his legacy will live on forever. Beowulf is significant and glorified by many individuals. “ There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful (Line 196-197).” Beowulf was a noble man who created an exceptional reputation for himself; he was …show more content…

“ And so, my request, O king of Bright-Danes…(Line 427), Beowulf goes to King Hrothgar to request his permission to purify Heorot. In doing so, he was able to show readers the moral principles he holds true. An epic hero who is ethical, is someone who is able to differentiate the difference between right and wrong. Another example of Beowulf’s ethical values was when he was competing against Brecca in the swimming match. Instead of trying to win the match, he fights the sea monsters instead to unblemish the sea. As Unferth hassles Beowulf about his competition in the sea with Brecca, Beowulf takes pity on him. Beowulf was able to fathom from Unferth’s actions that Unferth was drunk. He knew the alcohol was talking consuming the thoughts of Unferth. An epic hero is able to portray themselves as respectable, even when they are being inconvenienced by the thoughts of mindless humans("What Are Three Ways to Make Ethical Decisions") When Beowulf fights Grendel, the integrity within him notifies Beowulf he must fight Grendel without the use of weapons. Grendel does not attack Herot with weapons, so Beowulf will not fight with weapons. Beowulf was portrayed as an honest man with very substantial moral …show more content…

Beowulf was not afraid of death. He fought for the people and land he found most respectable. “I marched ahead of him, always there at the front of the line...as long as I live.(Lines 2497-2499.)” Beowulf made alliances with the Danes, defended his people, and he was an extraordinary king. When Beowulf decided to attack the dragon he told the people, “I risked my life often when I was young… and face me in the open.(Lines 2510- 2515)” A strong leader puts his people before his own needs. The kingdom knew Beowulf was far to old to be enduring such combat, but he knew his time was up. Beowulf knew the time had come that he was no longer physically able to rule over his people; he would defend them one last time. A leader was often looked up to be someone who had the traits to influence a particular group. The epic hero knew his time had come to pass his thrown down. He was demonstrating the values of a true commander("What Are Some Examples of Beowulf Having Leadership? | Beowulf Questions | Q & A |

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