Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

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Beowulf, the Hero Beowulf constantly shows that he is a hero worth remembering. He is more than a hero, he is an epic hero. An epic hero is an extraordinary person that reflects a certain culture’s values while performing heroic deeds for others. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic hero that exemplifies heroic characteristics, such as his faithfulness to debts or oaths, reliance on fate, and boastfulness or pride.
Beowulf’s faithfulness to his oaths and debts is one of the many characteristics that have made him an ideal Anglo- Saxon epic hero. Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, says “Beowulf, you’ve come to us in friendship, and because/ of the reception your father found at our court” (lns. 191-192). Hrothgar says this because Beowulf’s father once came to Herot to help the Danes. And for his loyalty the Danes accept and help him as well. It is also said “your father swore/ he’d keep that peace” (lns. 206-207). This is an oath made by Beowulf’s father and because of his father’s death Beowulf shows his loyalty when he takes on that debt and helps the Danes.
The epic hero also relies on fate throughout his battles. During an argument with Unferth Beowulf says “But fate let me/ find its heart with my sword, hack myself free” (lns. 288-290). Beowulf is referring to a battle fought with a sea monster while in a competition with Brecca. Beowulf considers that this monster might be too strong, but he relies on fate to see him through. During the same argument with Unferth Beowulf

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