Characteristics Of An Epic Hero In Beowulf

“A hero is someone who given his life to something bigger than oneself.” (Campbell) Beowulf is the Anglo Saxons. Beowulf most courageous warrior ever. He goes on quest and journeys and chose his path of being a hero and to kill monsters who ever tries to hurt Beowulf people. He keep his promises what the people ask him to do he will do it and serve his people. Beowulf is an epic hero because he is significant and glorified, risk deaths and he is ethical.

“…the whole of Grendel’s shoulder and arm, his awesome grasp” (Heaney 130) illustrates Beowulf’s feat in destroying Grendel. The battle between Beowulf and Grendel shows the loyalty, courage, and strength that Beowulf possesses. The theme of battle describes the elements of good (Beowulf) and evil (Grendel). He takes on the responsibility of protecting his people by battling the evil monster. Beowulf puts his trust in the God and lets him determine his path of victory.

When one hears the word hero many think of a man in tights with a cape who possess powers that he uses for the greater good, but not all heroes wear capes. In the epic poem Beowulf, author unknown, the main character, a man who the work is named after, shows heroic characteristics as he battles monsters that threaten the safety of the people. Beowulf exemplifies himself as a hero throughout the story by displaying heroic characteristics such as: bravery, honor, and loyalty. One example of how Beowulf is a hero is that he is brave. Throughout the story Beowulf exemplifies courage and bravery as he encounters the challenges of facing monsters that cause havoc.

Darian Aker Mr. Tate English IV 27 September, 2017 Beowulf Essay In this epic, the main character, Beowulf, faces many horrendous monsters. However, as the reader, and the interpreter, I am asked to explain how Beowulf portrays the qualities of an archetypal epic hero. After reading of his battles, his character displays great acts of courage, intelligence, and strength, while warriors revel as Beowulf defeats the creatures. Following his battles, Grendel and Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar and his men celebrate and thank him for his acts of bravery with many cherished gifts. Beowulf is also glorified as his people construct a barrow in his memory.

Epic Hero or Epic Zero Would one think of Odysseus as an epic hero? Although he had excessive pride and cheated on his wife, he has many traits that makes him an epic hero. For example, Odysseus was able to come up with a genius plan to injure Polyphemos before he could eat any more of Odysseus’ men, that demonstrates the trait of intelligence. Odysseus has been through many hardships and has always used his traits to help him get through any obstacle. Throughout Odysseus’ journey home, he demonstrates leadership, intelligence, and superhuman strength.

Beowulf is motivated by glory, duty, and sacrifice to take on Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. He shows an inspiring amount of courage to fight all three deleterious monsters in his life. Even though glory is important to Beowulf, it isn't the most important aspect. The fact that Beowulf was able to conquer all three monsters is fortuitous. Beowulf knew he was expected to save the day for many of his followers, which at the end meant that sacrificing his life was

Irony was used in the fight with Grendel to greater the themes presence. As an illustration, “no blade on earth, no blacksmith’s art could damage their opponent ... He had conjured every weapon.. His bodily powers failed him,a tremendous wound / Appeared on his shoulder.” (801-816). To illustrate, the previous passages show a form of irony since it explains clearly that the opposing demons, the evil, cannot be harmed; however, Beowulf, the good, was able to cut off Grendel’s shoulder which lead to his death. In addition, the author used a tragedy to promote the theme even more.

Wiglaf, as I just mentioned, is a good man. One of simple proud qualities. He is a man of his word and the only mighty warrior who deserved a Leader such as Beowulf. He knew what kinship meant and was not about to let his comrades forget their words of bravery when the time came for them to assist Beowulf in battle. In lines (711-713) you see what it meant to be a good man,” And only one of them/ Remained, stood there, miserable, remembering/ As a good man must, what Kinship should mean” To give you an overall thought of Wiglaf is to sum up his good human qualities.

“A Hero is an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”, quoted by Christopher Reeve. Beowulf however, tends to be an epic hero based on the definition of one. Beowulf was definitely a hero, not because of his super strength, smartness, or even his sword. But because when everyone backed down he was the one to step up & sacrifice his life to save others. “ Beowulf fights in various battles which shows his hero characteristics such as supernatural, bravery, and leadership.

The demonstration of courage begins with the slaying of Grendel without the use armor. Beowulf shows his skills and courage, which is what is thought to be found in a hero. The decision behind the use of no armor is because Beowulf felt that there should be no advantage over Grendel. After the slaying of Grendel, Beowulf reassures the people that he really is courageous and skillful. Beowulf depicts his courageousness by stating; "I count myself weaker in war or grapple of battle than Grendel himself.