Beowulf The Epic Hero

Beowulf: Epic hero or not? There are an ample amount of qualities that one could stigmatize with an epic hero. Four of which are the most predominate; strong, ethical, and quest and glorified. The main protagonist within the story Beowulf is faced with three relentless foes of which no other human dares to go against.

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.

The poem of Beowulf reveals a valiant, epic hero who claims he has endured the impossible. Beowulf is shown exhibiting his public reputation by bragging about his phenomenal endurances and capabilities. The boastful protagonist also displays the value of bravery by defeating foes, like Grendel, using his bare strength to take on foes by himself. In conclusion, Beowulf demonstrates the Anglo Saxon values of public reputation, and bravery in Anglo Saxon society.

The epic poem, Beowulf, was written by an anonymous author, but followed the same heroic character or person who is loyal, just like the Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxons were very dependant on their lord and they would show him their loyalty in various ways. There are several ways that define a hero, such as Beowulf, in this epic poem. A hero is not only loyal, but also unselfish, courageous, and shows his faithfulness.

An epic hero is an individual who must evoke a sense of heroism through legendary and inspiring deeds (Merriam-Webster). These heroes of tragedy have the ability to determine their own fortune due to the amount of admired characteristics they possess. However, the ideals of an epic hero are constantly fluctuating due to the ever changing ideals of society. Although the characteristics of an epic hero are under constant modification, Beowulf is still an effective modern-day hero due to his acts of courage, compassion, and dedication in relation to his people. Courage can be defined as any individual possessing moral or mental strength in the face of physical pain or indescribable hardship (Personalitytutor).

Beowulf is a classic Anglo Saxon poem about heroism. In fact one scholar notes, “Legends and superheros present us with something very local in its ethics. It's not messianic. It's far more tangible” (Rhys Ifans). Beowulf is considered a legend in the English Literature world.

People in this world connect to stories with heroes and conflict between  good and evil. Beowulf also shows examples of selflessness and, a  noble man who makes a journey to save others from dangerous situation and  gives his life to save his own people. Between those situations he shows his code of honor, when he was awarded a name that many wanted him to have, he turns it down because it belongs to another. Beowulf is a  good role model, he sticks to his own morals rather than falling into peer pressure. Loyalty, honesty, family tie, and christianity play a key role in the epic poem.

Beowulf was a heroic figure in the epic poem “Beowulf”, but was he an Ideal epic hero? He slayed both Grendel and his mother, but was he lucky or powerful? There is evidence that he is an ideal hero: he willingly was ready to fight whatever was scaring the Danes, killing Grendel and his mother, and returning to give all he just earned to his king. There is also reasons he's not: his courage and pride has flaws and he got lucky in the fight against Grendel's mother.

Beowulf The epic follows a strong hero. The hero 's name Beowulf son of Ecgtheow. The epic starts with the death of a king that was well loved to the end of his life. The king 's death brought mourning to the land not only mourning, but a monster named Grendel.

An epic hero is someone who has to preform heroic deeds. The King of Geatland at the beginning of the poem was Hrothgar, Beowulf is just a Geatish Warrior, once Beowulf finds out about Grendel attacking he steps in to help the tribe. Beowulf kills Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon in this poem. The battles Beowulf fought were beyond human strength and capabilities. Beowulf’s first battle was with Grendel, whose arm was ripped off with a pair of bare hands, this became his first heroic achievement.