The Perfect Epic Hero In the heat of the battle, you’re life flashing before your eyes, who would you what to be there to save you? An everyday guy with no strength to be seen or an epic hero with supernatural strength that’s got a list of victories on his hands. The Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf tells the story of the Anglo-Saxon’s values and shows the traits of the perfect epic hero. Beowulf conveys the perfect epic hero because he fights for helpless with nothing but his courage and bare strength. Beowulf is a true epic hero according to Anglo-Saxon times because he has supernatural strength. One example is seen when he fights Grendel in the mead hall and rips off the monster’s arm with his bare hands. “He twisted in pain, And
The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Beowulf would have even been considered a model human to the Anglo-Saxons due to how he consistently demonstrated these qualities.
The movie The legend of Hercules was captivating. It depicts the archetype of a Greek hero. Betrayal, treachery, slavery and the odds of his life did not stop him to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. He was bold and brave. We can find a very similar hero in the Anglo-Saxon literature of Beowulf. In the Anglo-Saxon culture a hero was a warrior. He/she was strong, clever, God-fearing and venturesome. Beowulf, a famous Anglo-Saxon poem, was about the adventure of a hero who had inhuman strength that fought a monster named Grendel, Grendel’s mother ,and a fire-breathing dragon that’s hung-over from sleep. Beowulf exemplifies the archetype of a perfect hero through his warrior like, admirable, and loyal characters.
“Epic heroes possess qualities that mere mortals lack. Bravery beyond compare, superhuman intelligence, strength or skills and a driving desire to find success.” This is a description of what an epic hero is and it perfectly describes Beowulf and his actions throughout the story. Anglo-Saxon heroes are willing to risk their lives in order to do what’s right. Beowulf went to battle
Beowulf was an immense poem about a courageous warrior - by the name of Beowulf. This warrior was brave and had a lot of confidence, which led him to act foolishly. Beowulf was respected by the people of Denmark and Sweden. Throughout the poem, Beowulf proved he was a hero by protecting the Geats and Danes, but also foolish with the beasts he defeated.
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.
A true “Epic Hero” is near spotless with no visible flaws or imperfections. Beowulf, in the poem, embodies these traits. He stands by the true heroic values that the Anglo-Saxon culture demands of him. His behavior, actions and words all speak true that he is an Epic hero. The text goes on about this fact, “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am Mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger on a hero’s armour.” This quote sums up Beowulf in the text perfectly. In the film, Beowulf fails to meet this criteria. The Beowulf we see on screen has a cesspool of flaws to tear him down.
An epic hero, an Anglo-Saxon hero, a modern-day hero; A hero is is often defined by certain qualities, looked upon traits. We have heroes amongst our lives everyday, from saving a life to simply helping someone out. In the epic poem, “Beowulf”, Beowulf was the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The Anglo-Saxon code reflects much of the code of Chivalry, the code of the Samurai, to the modern-day code of just doing good. He embodied courage, honesty, loyalty, and much more, attributes that were all valued by the Anglo-Saxon code. Beowulf was truly an Anglo-Saxon hero of his time as he possessed all the traits of an Anglo-Saxon hero.
When discussing epic heroes, some of the more prominent ones that come to mind are Beowulf (from Beowulf), Hektor (from The Iliad), and Achilleus (also from The Iliad). These are all characters from literature who have displayed a multitude of the characteristics embodied in epic heroes. Each one of these literary figures has exhibited necessary traits needed to be considered an epic hero. Whether those traits are some of the common ones such as strength, honor, loyalty, perseverance, and bravery, or some of their own such as pride, intelligence, and morality. Whatever the case, these three have undergone difficulties and shown ties to the values held by their cultures within how they deal with issues. In this essay, I will attempt to
The Hero of the Anglo-Saxon Period In every culture, there are certain standards set forth for heroes. The epic poem Beowulf, renders a legendary hero.
An epic hero shows the traits that are most important to a society. During the Anglo-Saxon culture; supper human actions, bravery, and battling evil were important. Beowulf shows all of these and many others. While Beowulf was alive he fought and killed Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. Therefore he was an epic hero during the Anglo-Saxon time
The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sent down to Earth in its time of need by God’s hand. Beowulf, the main character in the epic poem Beowulf, is blessed with superhuman strength, a magical weapon only he can yield, as well as a fierce sense of loyalty to his people and an obligation
Being a hero can be defined many different ways. Several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. A hero is noted for his or her actions for being brave, powerful, and acting with honor. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows all of these characteristics by defending the Danish king, Hrothgar, and his people. He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.
During the Anglo-Saxon time period loyalty and bravery were necessary characteristics of a man. During this time period, where surviving was difficult only the strongest survived. Beowulf was one of the warriors that lived in this time period. Monsters, warring armies, dragons, and creatures of the sea made life perilous. Society was looking for an epic hero. Beowulf was the answer to society’s search. Strength, bravery, and the desire for glory were three qualities that make Beowulf an epic hero.
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.
"Epic" is a word can be very confusing. In ordinary conversations, one could refer to an epic hero as just a hero possessing remarkable strength, and personal characteristics, which are considered timeless. However, a true, literary epic hero has to meet a given set of criteria concerning his character and abilities: qualities, which make him to be different or at a level that is above other great people.