ipl-logo

Why Beowulf Is An Epic Hero

764 Words4 Pages

Beowulf is characterized as an epic hero because of his glorious legacy. This epic hero was in constant danger from evil but always defeated it. He also had a moral code that separated him from mere mortals. The epic hero portrayed many traits that made him great. Although he died in battle, Beowulf’s leadership, bravery, and sense of morality made him an epic hero among men.
Beowulf was a great leader and he was well respected by his warriors and his people. The men that followed Beowulf into Herot were prepared to die for their leader and one did suffer this fate. Janoski proclaimed in her article “Why Beowulf is an Epic Hero”,” Beowulf becomes King of the Geats and is responsible for guiding his kingdom. During his 50-year rule, the kingdom is attacked by a …show more content…

The keeper of the mead
Came carrying out the carved flasks,
And poured that bright sweetness. A poet
Sang; from time to time, in a clear
Pure voice. Danes and visiting Geats
Celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced.”
Beowulf also portrayed an epic hero in his trait of bravery. Janoski wrote “Anglo-Saxon epic heroes are willing to put their own lives in danger for the greater good.” Gilchrist-Brodeur proclaimed in his book The Art of Beowulf that “The three great events of the main plot-- the killing of Grendel, the victory over Grendel’s dam, and the fight with the dragon-- display striking structural similarities…in each, the hero, after a hard and dangerous struggle, slays his foe.” Although he was greatly vulnerable in his battle with the dragon, Beowulf was still brave enough to defeat the dragon before it took more lives. “The Geats’ Great prince stood firm, unmoving, prepared Behind his high shield, waiting in his shining
Armor. The monster came quickly toward him,
Pouring out fire and smoke, hurrying
To its fate. Flames beat at the iron
Shield, and for a time it held,

Show More
Related

  • Beowulf Hero Quotes

    550 Words  | 3 Pages

    We have heard of those princes' heroic campaigns.” (1-3) These lines show that courage is seen as a type of greatness. If Beowulf would have not been blessed with the courage that he has, the kingdom would not have viewed him the same way as a hero. It takes a lot of courage to be brave enough to stand up to a demon that has been terrorizing a kingdom for twelve years. Luckily, Beowulf had this courage and defeated Grendel which made him a

    Read More

  • How Does Beowulf Qualify As A Mythic Hero

    335 Words  | 2 Pages

    Beowulf is considered a mythic hero because there are three types of passages in “ The Hero with a Thousand Faces”. The first type is the separation, which is where the hero decides to go on an adventure to do good things and save lives. An example of this is when Beowulf hears about grendel and decides himself to go and make a difference and defeat Grendel. The second type is initiation, which is the hero actually doing the things that

    Read More

  • Beowulf: A Modern Day Hero

    663 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf is a true hero showing no fear and selflessly volunteering himself to fight Grendel for killing men in Herot with his, “Hell-forged hands,” and accomplished victory, “A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel. Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering forced on helpless people by a bloodthirsty fiend. No Dance doubted the Victory,” (404-408). Continuously, Beowulf puts himself into more danger, risking his life. Struggling he fights Grendel’s mother for killing Aeschere, “Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he 'd dropped it.

    Read More

  • Comparing The Hero's Journey In The Lion King And Beowulf

    1044 Words  | 5 Pages

    The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land.

    Read More

  • Beowulf Epic Hero

    163 Words  | 1 Pages

    An Epic Hero is the main character of an Epic Poem who is far greater than the average man. Epic Hero's differ from ordinary warriors by their immense strength, unwavering bravery, and prominent battles with vile creatures. Beowulf is a great warrior who possesses all of the traits of an Epic Hero. Similar to all other Epic Heroes, Beowulf hold superhuman strength.

    Read More

  • Beowulf Good Vs Evil Essay

    806 Words  | 4 Pages

    Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/

    Read More

  • The Qualities Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero

    687 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf's pagan warrior culture perceives fame as a way of leaving an eternal memory of an individual's actions. It’s something that will continue one's memory even after death. Beowulf believes that it will be a way of praising him for his deeds. From his compassion to courage, and his bravery and honor, all of Beowulf’s actions come together to prove he is an epic

    Read More

  • Essay On Good And Evil In Beowulf

    472 Words  | 2 Pages

    He would overcome many obstacles of evil and bring good to the Geats. It was a miracle that Beowulf could fight this evil and actually trounce it. In remembrance of the heroic king and his miraculous triumph, Hrothgar and his men built a tower in Beowulf’s honor. Many elements of good and evil bring the “epic” element to an epic poem. Beowulf became an epic hero because of all of the great achievements he accomplished for his

    Read More

  • Why Is Beowulf Considered A Hero

    300 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the story Beowulf they make Beowulf out to be the hero. I believe that he is the hero because of his way that he presents himself when he gets to as his crewmen walked off the boat and they looked bad in clothes Beowulf looked very nice and very manly other than his crewmen looked bad and also he was a hero because he was the only one to come to and help the town. Defeating the monsters which was mother dragon and the last reason that he was considered a hero because after all the monsters he killed he decided to give all of the gold and supplies that he won from the battle with the monsters to all the people in herot and also he was reconized as a hero because he let God decide his Faith during the battle with the monsters.

    Read More

  • Beowulf Is A Hero Essay

    626 Words  | 3 Pages

    Beowulf is telling us that he doesn’t value the lives of his citizen, but instead values glory and is willing to fight for it. In the end, Beowulf slays the dragon but paid his life as the price. In conclusion, Beowulf would be considered a great warrior, but not a hero. Although Beowulf accomplished many heroic deeds he never did any of them for the right reasons. Therefore, Beowulf is not a hero, but only a warrior who values renown and rewards.

    Read More

  • Why Is Beowulf A Hero

    948 Words  | 4 Pages

    With the battle to protect the city against the dragon, even though Beowulf was king he fought the dragon. He fought the dragon because no one else could. No one was as selfless as he was to risk his life to protect the city. Without Beowulf these monsters would over power good and there would be no balance between good and evil.

    Read More

  • What Is The Sacrifice In Beowulf

    534 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout the poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, the main protagonist, Beowulf, embodies the heroism, courage, and cleverness of a great epic hero in his battling against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Similar to profound figures like Odysseus, Hercules, and Aeneas, Beowulf demonstrates characteristics of bravery and virtue during his adventures in liberating Heorot from Grendel and slaying the dragon to protect Geatland. By examining Beowulf’s valor, nobility, and ultimate sacrifice when facing his opponents, one can argue that Beowulf’s character is the quintessential epic hero, embarking on perilous quests for the betterment of mankind. After learning about the terror Heorot was facing from Grendel, Beowulf voyaged with his men to Hrothgar’s kingdom, vowing to face Grendel and allowing God to decide who will be victorious in battle.

    Read More

  • Good Vs. Evil In Beowulf Is An Epic Hero

    570 Words  | 3 Pages

    The story of Beowulf isn’t just any ordinary story, but a story that has been told for centuries. A story of a hero who’s legacy has been told for so long. Beowulf’s life shows the characteristics of a true epic hero. He showed bravery, he used his strength against his enemies and in the end gave the ultimate sacrifice for his people.

    Read More

  • Is Beowulf An Epic Hero Or A Fool Essay

    486 Words  | 2 Pages

    I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (2511-2515). In conclusion, Beowulf is an epic hero. Although he made risky decisions, he did them for his people. He possessed the qualities of a hero; bravery, loyalty and fearlessness.

    Read More

  • Why Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

    703 Words  | 3 Pages

    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

    Read More

More about Why Beowulf Is An Epic Hero

Open Document