Why Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

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SHREYA PATEL
Is Beowulf a hero? Why or why not?

The city of Danes had been terrorized by a monster named Grendel. Luckily, Beowulf, a strong warrior, came to the aid of Danes and defeated the horrendous monster. After his victory, Beowulf became the King of Geats. When a dragon terrorized the city, Beowulf risked his life again and died after defeating the dragon. Beowulf is definitely a hero because he has many traits an epic hero is characterized as. Just like an epic hero, Beowulf has superhuman capabilities, has a reputation of being a great warrior, and he didn't save the people of Danes just to become famous. In epic poems, the epic hero faces a supernatural enemy and/or receives supernatural help. In this case, what made Beowulf …show more content…
No one, at that time, could defeat Grendel because he was such a powerful and strong monster. So, to have the ability to defeat that kind of monster would mean one would have to have great strength. In fact, in the poem, it states "he was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty and noble." What made him even more of a strong hero, was that he was able to defeat Grendel without any weapons. "I have heard that the monster in his recklessness uses no weapons. I, therefore, to amuse Hygelac my lord, scorn to carry sword or shield, but I shall seize my enemy in my hand grip and fight, enemy against enemy, and let God decide who shall be taken by death.” He chose not to carry any weapons, just because Grendel didn't carry any weapons. Also, when Beowulf was battling the dragon, the reader could see that he was truly a hero. He didn't have as much strength as he had before because he was 50 years older since his battle with Grendel. He used his last bit of strength in the battle with the dragon. "Beowulf scorned a host, a large army, when he sought the dragon; he didn't fear the dragon's war; he trusted his strength and courage since he had survived many battles..." By the end of the poem, the reader can see that his superhuman capability was his
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