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Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

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Beowulf fulfills all the requirements of an epic hero. First, he is the Prince of the Geats and the nephew of his king. This satisfies the need for a noble person. Second, Beowulf is of historical importance as he is the focus of the epic poem Beowulf. The focus on him and belief that he was real makes him legendary and important to come cultures. Third, Beowulf has character traits that reflect the societal ideal. Many admired him for his outstanding courage in battle. Beowulf was fiercely loyal to his king. The main value that Beowulf represented was that he only ever battled for the fame it would bring him, never just to battle something or someone. Finally, Beowulf performs actions that determine the fate of the Danes. However, some may …show more content…

He comes to Hrothgar, the result of a familial loyalty because Hrothgar helped Beowulf's father out of a difficult spot many years before. Ridding the kingdom of Grendel and his mother fulfills his duty as a hero.
Beowulf rounds out his epic qualities by proving himself to be a capable ruler. He clearly does not want power, as he initially refuses the throne of his country and only becomes king when it's clear there is no other option. He then goes on to rule for fifty years, and it seems as if the period of his rule is marked by peace and prosperity. As such, Beowulf is epic not only because he is a skilled fighter, but also because he is capable of justly ruling the kingdom entrusted to him.
Beowulf is the epic hero of this poem. He is a hero, such as bravery, loyalty and strength, both physical and mental. He is the archetypal hero. And not only does he fight for good, but he represents it as well. For Beowulf to signify good there must be a contrasting evil to complete the balance. Beowulf, who comes to help the Danes fight the dreaded Grendal. Beowulf is a classic epic hero and is honored by being passed down in the story. Beowulf embodies the ideals of conduct in the Anglo-Saxon culture by being loyal, seeks fame and

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