Beowulf: The Qualities Of An Epic Hero

Throughout the history of mankind there have been many books and stories written which preview a hero doing dangerous, epic deeds for the good of others. The same is true in the story of Beowulf, titled Beowulf. Beowulf was written by the Anglo Saxons by an unknown author. In the book Beowulf, Beowulf follows the role of the archetypal hero and fulfills it by going on epic quests to help, and save kingdoms. This is shown whenever Beowulf sets out to fight Grendel, an awful beast who is terrorizing Hrothgar’s kingdom.

Beowulf, being the hero of this story showed how much this was true. To exploit means “a bold or daring feat” according to the Oxford Dictionaries. Like many protagonists in any story, they are the hero.

There are many points through-out Beowulf from life lessons, good vs evil, and many more that make Beowulf. This speculates Beowulf’s strength, it’s what keeps him going. Through this it is clear that he yields fearless characteristics. Beowulf’s power is shown numerous stages in the poem/story.

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).

Homer’s epic, The Odyssey has had a profound impact on all types of art that incorporates a hero. The archetype of a hero is followed to a ‘t’ and sets the stage for following works that include a main hero’s quest. Odysseus’ trials, tribulations, adversity, vengeance, and final victory outline the common tale of the hero’s journey throughout a plotline to an eventual victory over evil. This rough outline can be whittled down into two main themes of perseverance and vengeance. Homer’s two principal themes of a hero’s journey has come to influence many preceding works of art; specifically, In the Coen Brothers’ film O Brother,

In this compare and contrast essay we will focus on two literature-linked heroes from the Iliad, Achilles and Beowulf. Both are considered as true heroes in the eyes of many, having super natural strength and immense courage when facing evil shows how much of a larger than life heroic-figures they are. We can kickoff this essay by comparing our two literature linked heroes. both Beowulf and Achilles possess certain attributes that would condemn them as superhuman, both are somehow lead to their downfall by self-inflicted fatal flaws, which will be mentioned further into our essay. So, the main focal point for each character is their possession of a wide range of enviable masculine powers.

The journey of Odysseus: An epic hero In “The hero’s journey” article, Joseph Campbell's monomyth concept is introduced. Through this concept, it is easy to understand the journey of an epic hero. Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem, Odyssey follows the hero’s journey model. Odysseus’ heroic traits of being clever and skilled can be seen in entering the unknown and tests/supreme ordeals.

We are enchanted by the hero of the tale, Beowulf, who saves kingdoms, becomes a great king that was revered by many and then dies tragically as a hero. He was a charismatic leader that a reader or an audience member might infer was needed during the time it was first recited.

Homer, a great poet of their time, collected many of Odysseus’ stories so they could be told all in order. The stories recounted Odysseus and his men who existed on the island of Ithaca are extremely daring and give an incredible subtle element of Odysseus' trip. Odysseus had been far from home for a long time, battling

Beowulf was invincible in his strength. He battles terrifying monster and risks his life. He showcases his heroic stoicism through his super-human physical strength. Grendel was a horrendous monster that was the incarnation of maleficence. Beowulf’s men had tried to use their weapons to fight, but Grendel “ blunted every mortal man 's blade” (Line 485).

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.