How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable

Jamila Bethea English 4 Joyner December 2015 Beowulf’s Heroic Qualities In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, Beowulf is not only a warrior, but he is also an epic hero. An epic hero is someone who is admired for his/her hard work.

In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.

In the epic poem “Beowulf” the character Beowulf is the foundation for all of our modern heroes, but was he really a great hero? A hero is classified as a person who is admired for their bravery, achievements, or nobility. Although Beowulf displays all these qualities, there are several reasons he is not a hero, mainly him being egotistical and arrogant. This is why Beowulf is not a heroic person.

“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.

Was Beowulf a hero? A hero is a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage. Not just anyone can be a hero it takes a great amount of bravery and great outstanding achievements. In the Anglo-Saxon a hero was to be a warrior. They had to be strong, intelligent, and courageous and be able to face any odds.

The poem, Beowulf, is about an extraordinary man with superhuman strength and courage that embarks on a quest to defend and save the Danes from the vicious monster, Grendel. J.R.R. Tolkien says that the theme of this poem involves a “man alien in a hostile world, engaged in a struggle which he cannot win.” I agree with this statement because Beowulf is superhuman like an alien, lives in a very hostile world, and is involved in a constant struggle that he is bound to lose.

In this poem, it talk about a warrior named Beowulf that leaves his home to go protect another kingdom. He heard about the chaos that was going on because of the monster named Grendel. He came to Hrothgar to fight and kill Grendel to seize the chaos. This then leads to him fighting Grendel’s mother who ends up killing. The question is, what makes beowulf an epic hero.

A hero does not fight for fame and glory but for the greater good. A hero is someone who goes through adversity to help others in desperate times. A hero fights evil, and defends people. Beowulf should be considered a hero because he is a strong, brave warrior who defended his people and slayed evil monsters.

“Beowulf” is an epic poem that happened to be set in Scandinavia even though it was written in England. This medieval poem consists of 3,182 lines, it is even said from archaeological discoveries that this story, is oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon manuscript (also considered one of the most important) may be true. Beowulf, the protagonist in the story is known as the bravest and the strongest warrior. In his time, only to later be named as a kind, gentle and generous king. For instance: “Crying that no better king had ever / Lived, no prince so mild, no man / So open to his people, so deserving of praise” (lines 895-897). Though seen as a great warrior, and perhaps even a great king(which he may be) does it actually make Beowulf a hero?

What would you truly call an epic hero? Do you think Beowulf is in epic hero, or maybe he’s not an epic hero to you? Threw this paper I will give you examples of why Beowulf would be considered an epic here in my standards. If you don’t think my opinion isn’t strong enough well that’s you. Let’s start out what’s an epic hero? In my opinion an epic hero should have strength, skills, succeed in battle and values his wins. Not all heroes will have that ether there can be other traits that in my opinion can make him an epic hero. He actually fights in battles not scared to do it ether. He rules the kingdom where he keeps all the people safe. Just things like that would make anyone an epic hero.

Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic hero. What is an epic hero, you may ask? An epic hero is one who is determined to show their strength, bravery, and honor by heroic and dangerous actions. In the epic, Beowulf, the main character himself shows many qualities that defines him as an epic hero. Beowulf’s many battles are examples of how he is an epic hero.

In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf is seen as a hero of the Geats and the Danes. He saves the Danes from the monster descendant of Cain, Grendel. He also saves the Danes from the atrocity’s mother. He saves the Geats by becoming their king for fifty years and killing the dragon which factored in his ultimate demise. The idea of a hero has existed throughout the ages. In ancient times the idea of someone risking their life to save someone else’s is astonishing. From modern times to tales in ancient epics, the idea of a hero has been passed down through generations. Throughout the story, the characteristics of Beowulf make him a hero. A hero exhibits strength, bravery, honor, and is able to complete tasks with divine intervention; Beowulf embodies

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.

Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.