An Epic Hero: Beowulf As An Epic Hero

Beowulf an Epic Hero

An epic hero according to Anglo-Saxon literature is a hero who is larger-than-life; someone with self-confidence, great strength, and the qualities of loyalty, bravery, and honor. Beowulf can be considered an epic hero for multiple reasons throughout “Beowulf.” Beowulf is a character constructed on all of the Anglo-Saxon epic hero qualifications. For starters, Beowulf is seen as a noble character, that is willing to provide security for the people by risking his own life. As a character, Beowulf conducts superhuman strength, and can complete impossible tasks. These are only some among many other reasons and characteristics that Beowulf can be classified as an epic hero.

The story of “Beowulf” begins at a time where a great

Beowulf is able to go against all odds, and actions acting against him while risking his own life. There are many moments when Beowulf shows bravery, such as how eager he is to finally meet Grendel. Grendel has killed thirty men and carried them all at once, however Beowulf is eager to meet, and battle him. Another example of bravery is when Beowulf faces Grendel’s mother under water. Beowulf tells the prince, “And if your enemy should end my life then be, o generous prince, forever the father and protector of all whom I leave behind me” (ln. 452). Beowulf knows that he has an impossible task ahead of him but yet again he is risking his life to save others. In this battle against Grendel’s mother, Beowulf must hold his breath an extremely unrealistic amount of time, while fighting a battle with weapons that were useless against the monster. This superhuman powers are only small examples that stress the epic hero qualities Beowulf possesses.

As stated before, during the battle against Grendel’s mother, Beowulf was unable to use any of his weapons. Grendel’s mother was unaffected by them, and she was taking advantage of Beowulf. However, he continued to fight because of his great bravery and great strength. After much time in battle, Beowulf finally finds a heavy sword, “So massive that no ordinary man could lift” (ln. 533). With his unordinary strength, Beowulf is able to free the sword;

Trustworthiness was an easily identifiable characteristic early on in the story “Beowulf.” When Beowulf and his men are entering the land of the Danes, the mounted officer says, “I believe your words, I trust in your friendship. Go forward” (ln. 202). Therefore, if a man who has never met Beowulf and his followers can be that trusting, there must be a strong sense of trustworthiness that comes from Beowulf’s character. This helps lead up to an epic character because Beowulf can easily gain the trust and support of others. With the support and trust Beowulf is able to create, he is put on a throne, and thought to be a superhuman hero among all the people he has