Beowulf the Epic Hero
An epic hero is someone who shows loyalty, devotion, super strength and fights for justice. Epic heros are not always someone who have superpowers, they are simply brave with noble characteristics. In most epic poems the heroic qualities shown will almost certainly affect the story, and undergo some type of change.
Beowulf showed he was an epic hero through the poem by killing Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon. By doing this he showed super strength because he was only a human who managed to kill a dragon and two monsters. His strength is a key trait of Beowulf’s heroism. Beowulf also showed loyalty to Hrothgar and his people by never giving up and having enough courage to fight beyond his human powers. Beowulf was very courageous and brave
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“He fights while studying his opponents weakness” (alsan). This shows how he helped himself out by reading his surroundings. Beowulf found was to help himself out which is why he is very clever.
Epic hero's undergo change throughout the poem to show what the character had to do when trying to overcome their impediments. In the beginning of the story he fights for himself to gain fame and glory. Later on in the poem Beowulf matures when he becomes king as he fights to save his people instead of his own personal gain. “Beowulf is less confident, and worries more about his people than his own reputation“ (Stitt 1).
Its obvious that Beowulf is an epic hero. His strength and courage is unquestionably remarkable, he would do anything for the good of his people no matter how big the task. What’s fascinating about this poem is that Beowulf didn't have any superpowers, he was just a regular man that was brave enough to fight for his people. That overall is what makes him an even better hero. Beowulf isnt an epic hero just because of powers, he was simply just a smart, brave and strong
“Epic heroes possess qualities that mere mortals lack. Bravery beyond compare, superhuman intelligence, strength or skills and a driving desire to find success.” This is a description of what an epic hero is and it perfectly describes Beowulf and his actions throughout the story. Anglo-Saxon heroes are willing to risk their lives in order to do what’s right. Beowulf went to battle
In the novel Beowulf, Beowulf is the epic hero in the story and because of that his qualities ultimately affected the story. Epic heroes are usually brave heroes who possess other unique qualities that are admired by many other characters in the story and they usually tend to stick out compared to the rest of the characters. Beowulf is a great example of this since he is brave, never gives up, loyal, and even has the strength that’s greater than most of all the other characters. Beowulf never feared the creatures he fought with and was always determined to get what he wanted such as when he fought the powerful dragon even though it ultimately leads to his death. He is loyal since he took on and accomplished the task of killing Grendel and
Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They show great bravery, intelligence, strength and resourcefulness. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they
This shows his strength, his courage, and his lasting capabilities which start his life as a hero. Beowulf is extremely courageous more than your average warrior at this time. Once in Herot he offers to fight the monster Grendel with only the help of his men. As quoted in the following sentences “that i, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall.”
Beowulf is a respectful warrior with great honor “we have come seeking your prince, Healfdane’s son, protector of his people, only in friendship” (Beowulf46). Beowulf isn’t some hero who thinks he is hot stuff and he can do whatever. He wants he respects people less than him and that's what makes him a strong hero. Beowulf is “greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” Beowulf is the strongest person in the world but he stays humble
Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They show great bravery, intelligence, strength and resourcefulness. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in
Beowulf’s people describe him as the strongest and he has the Geat's trust; therefore, when he found out about Grendel, Beowulf knew he was capable to fight. This shows that he was a hero of high status and legendary importance. His goal was to “purge all evil from this hall.” (Beowulf 48) and that was what he did. The Geats saw Beowulf as confident and he saw himself like that as well. The gasconade exemplified Beowulf as greedy “they have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping with my enemies’ blood” (Beowulf 152). The qualities of a hero are noticed in Beowulf throughout his first two battles.
Beowulf as an Epic Hero An epic hero is an individual who performs heroic deeds and possesses supernatural character traits. Beowulf is considered an epic hero because he killed Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. He is a loyal, head-strong, and a brave character. At the end of the epic Beowulf also exemplifies these traits, when he rules over the Geats.
Beowulf, himself, was known as a brilliant, strong, honorable, and brave man. From his youth, leading up to his reign as king, he held the characteristics of a hero. He also held a great deal of responsibility. Beowulf risked his life multiple times to aid and protect others. When Beowulf was asked to do something, he did, and completed the duty with confidence and honor.
Heros are usually depicted as larger than life people stopping the “bad guy” and saving the day. In the story Beowulf, these qualities are shown in many ways. Throughout the tale he slays two large beasts, and later becomes king. He even proceeds to slay a dragon! But why do these actions make Beowulf a hero?
While they possess respect for him like many in the face of danger they became cowards and their will unstilled and they couldn’t rise to the challenge when needed. The strength of Beowulf shows itself in a plethora of different ways, in Beowulf it is shown as a possession of wisdom, skill with swords, and brute strength. “For the narrator and characters, wisdom and fortitude represent an ideal to which every man aspires and which every society needs. Physical bravery was most appreciated” (Constantakis) Beowulf has both of those qualities which is what makes him such a perfect hero. This quote shows the many different forms of strength that can be present in a hero and Beowulf possesses all of them making him somewhat of an ultimate hero of
Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They have a noble birth and show great bravery. They display great intelligence and resourcefulness. They have a reverence for G-d and for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil (Vivone 9/27/99). In addition to Beowulf’s heroic qualities, he is very strong. Beowulf was said to have “the strength of thirty [men] in his mighty handgrip” (Bloom 11). Early proof of Beowulf’s extraordinary strength is evidenced by his dismemberment of Grendel’s limb, the fight in the cave under water, and the
Beowulf; an Epic Hero What is an epic hero? An epic hero is a warrior willing to die for the good of others. In other words, someone that performs heroic deeds such as fighting against demonic creatures and shows his bravery amd strength. Also people arre known to look up and glorify over this hero. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character is an epic hero because he faces many demonic creatures in his time as a hero and also goes through event that shows his strength at is highest.
Beowulf has strength like no other. He is your typical epic hero. He Saves the day in a majestic and seeming to be an impossible epic way. Like for a couple examples of his strength is how he ripped off grendel's arm when he tried to run away. No normal person would be able to do that. Another example is when he picked up the mighty sword when he slew grendel's mother as everyone was appalled by his strength. Beowulf is a very good example of an epic hero. He Is very strong and it seems like he does a lot stuff that is not possible and is a very good leader and persuasive. People follow in his footsteps because he is a great influence on the people.
Beowulf is a hero, and we all know a hero when we see one. There are many traits and characteristics that make someone a hero. These traits and characteristics are more expressed in ancient epics and poems. Beowulf is one of the most famous ancient Anglo-Saxon poems still taught to this day in schools and colleges all over the world. The story starts off of how a man by the name of Beowulf receives news that a neighboring land is being terrorized by a monster named Grendel. Beowulf shows several characteristics of here such as, bravery, loyalty, generosity, friendship, and showing a high level of intellect. Beowulf first shows his heroic character through his bravery while journeying on his epic quest. There are several cases where he is not afraid, and instead of being frightened, he shows great bravery. An example of from the poem is, “Instead, they inspected omens and spurred his ambitions to go, whilst he moved about like the leader he was, enlisting men, the best he could find; with fourteen others the warrior boarded the boast as captain” (Beowulf 205-210). This quote gives proof of his bravery because he was the head of the group leading his men. Beowulf proves that even he himself must be brave in order to lead the bravest of men into battle.