How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

Words: 537

Pages: 3

Open Document

The Legendary Beowulf

Reasons Behind it All

Musicians, entertainers, doctors, and nurses are some of the many people that we consider as heroes today. In the epic, “Beowulf,” created by the legendary mystery, the main character, Beowulf, is considered a hero. However, some people may wonder, what were his reasons behind the things he did? In the poem, Beowulf has three battles with three different beasts. During the third battle with a mighty, but evil dragon, Beowulf’s life comes to an end. Why does he do it? Beowulf's motivations as a hero derive from his sense of obligation, desire to create a legacy, and for the good of his people.

Duty is a word that is extremely important to the Anglo-Saxon code. In the epic, “Beowulf,” Beowulf comes to Denmark with a priority to defeat the insane Grendel. Since he has the ability to fight Grendel, he feels obligated to destroy it. During the fight with Grendel, Beowulf slices off his opponent's arm and kills him. His fight with Grendel was one of three victories in the epic. Clearly, because of Beowulf’s ability to defeat these monsters, he made it his duty to do so and become a legendary hero. …show more content…
Along with everyone else, Beowulf had a major goal to obtain a legacy so others would remember who he was. When he came to Denmark he was a nobody. Not a single person knew who he was. However, it didn't stay that way for long. After he defeated Grendel, he wasn't done showing who he was just yet. The next monster he took on was Grendel's mother. After hours of swimming down to the beast's lair, Beowulf fought until he almost dies. Finally, he kills the monster by cutting off her head. By the time this fight was over, everyone was talking about the mighty Beowulf. It was undeniable that Beowulf would have a legacy after he passed

Beowulf: Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

An epic hero is known as a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. In the epic poem Beowulf, written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, many characteristics of the cliché epic hero are prominent in the main character, Beowulf. The poem takes place in the late fifth century where a monster, Grendel, is terrorizing the great hall, Herot. Beowulf comes to King Hrothgar’s aid to defeat the monster and ultimately, ‘save the day’. Although Beowulf…

Words 479 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf Project Block 3 Beowulf As An Epic Hero Beowulf was an extraordinary epic hero in his time. Epic heroes have many traits that others lack, among these are physical strength, bravery, and wisdom all attributes of Beowulf. It all started out with his family, they were fully christian and strong hearted about it. But also his father on the other hand "was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men" (175-176). Edgetho (his father) is where he got his strength from and learned…

Words 815 - Pages 4

Story Of An Epic Hero: Beowulf By M. A. Roberts

Beowulf Essay Katya Olexa 7th Hour The story of an epic hero begins with Beowulf, a story of adventure and thrill. It is written by an unknown author, however, it was edited by M.A. Roberts. Beowulf is an epic hero in countless ways, he is both a warrior and strong. He was called to protect his kingdom, and had an honor brand to Hrothgar. There are multiple challenges that he had to face in his journey to become an epic hero. He may have some assistance in becoming this heroic figure that is to be…

Words 643 - Pages 3

Beowulf Themes

Beowulf Essay I recently read one of the best epic poems ever written. “Beowulf” is an Anglo Saxon epic that takes place in Denmark during the sixth century. Beowulf, the main character, is the hero of the story because he saves Hrothgar and the Danes from Grendel and other monsters. Even though it was written a long time ago, “Beowulf” has many important lessons and themes throughout the epic that are still relevant in today’s world. These include how we treat each other, the dangers of pride and…

Words 748 - Pages 3

Epic Hero Cycle

themes are present in all heroes. Those common themes are bravery and courage. When looking at epic heroes in literature, the themes present are that of a hero, but with additional themes such as the hero being affected throughout the story by great events, or the hero being admired for their achievements. An epic hero also will usually follow most of the stages of the epic hero cycle. An example of an epic hero in literature is Tris Prior of Divergent. In Divergent, Tris is born into a utopian faction…

Words 1298 - Pages 6

Beowulf: The Heroic Qualities Of An Epic Hero

Beowulf is set in an historical period where the magnitude of the men is demonstrated by their strength in battles and their courage, instead of by money and beauty like today we are sadly used to. During the Anglo Saxon time period Beowulf was known as a phenomenal epic poem written by the Beowulf poet. All the characteristic of an epic hero: strength, loyalty, bravery and devotion of duty are envisioned in the protagonist, Beowulf. The physical description of Beowulf allows the reader to see how…

Words 491 - Pages 2

Epic In Beowulf

An epic is a story that has been passed down, and written after its composition. The objective of this essay is to prove that Beowulf is, in fact, and epic. There are several tell-tale signs that make a story an epic. These include: the story starting in the middle of the action, being in an elevated style, and supernatural forces. In order to prove that Beowulf is an epic, I will be explaining why each of these factors are used in Beowulf. In the opening scene of Beowulf, the people are dancing…

Words 476 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf the Epic Hero Carmela Patriz Lagahit Ms.Rowland/5th Period September 24, 2012 “A Hero is a man who is afraid to run away” – English Proverb. In the epic poem Beowulf by the Beowulf Poet, the protagonist named Beowulf, illustrates the characteristics of a true epic hero by going on a long journey to slay a supernatural being. He also correctly emulates an epic hero by executing daring and courageous deeds that reflect the value of an era. Lastly, by performing actions that determine…

Words 749 - Pages 3

Beowulf: Multiple Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

Beowulf is a very intriguing and meaningful poem. Many themes are portrayed throughout the poem. J.R.R. Tolkien suggests the theme is ‘man alien in a hostile world, engaged in a struggle he cannot win.’ This theme accurately describes Beowulf. Not only does the protagonist of the poem, Beowulf, exemplify this theme, he also shows multiple characteristics of an epic hero. Beowulf, hero of the Geats, came to offer help to the people of Heorot, where an evil monster wreaked havoc. He informs Hrothgar…

Words 437 - Pages 2

Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

and dauntlessness. In “The Epic Beowulf” By: Anonymous Beowulf proves to have all these characteristics . Beowulf fights two evil characters, first the man-eating Grendel, then Grendel's revengeful mother, he protected the Danes from these horrendous creatures. Then coming back to Geatland and honorably declining to take the throne when his uncle King Hygelac died. He eventually became king after the death of Heardred. By these actions alone Beowulf proves to be an epic hero through his tremendous Bravery…

Words 596 - Pages 3