Beowulf Epic Characteristics Of An Epic Hero - 862 Words

Every epic hero acquires certain heroic characteristics. The poem, â€Å"Beowulf, is about the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon period. Beowulf is a warrior from Geatland that comes to help Hrothgar, the king of Danes, defeat the monster Grendel who has been killing men in their kingdom. Beowulf defeats the unstoppable beast, Grendel. Then Grendel’s mother comes to try to avenge Grendel’s death, and Beowulf slaughters her in her underwater lair. After 50 peaceful years of ruling the Geats, Beowulf in his old age fights his last battle with a dragon. He defeats the dragon, with help from Wiglaf, but dies as a result. The main character, Beowulf exemplifies many characteristics that an epic hero possesses. Beowulf’s characteristics include†¦show more content†¦He came to Hrothgar to offer his service because Hrothgar provided help to Beowulfs father. It is loyalty and appreciation that leads Beowulf to the Danish kingdom to help out. Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf, saying, Beowulf, youve come to us in friendship, and because of the reception your father found at court (Beowulf 39). Because of Hrothgars intervention, there was peace between the Geats and the Danes, therefore ensuring the loyalty of Beowulfs family. Beowulf’s sense of loyalty is recognized when he speaks to Wealtheow, Hrothgars queen, about his motives for coming to the court. â€Å"I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiends clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall† (Beowulf 632-638). Beowulf shows that his loyalty is with the king and the Danes, and he is willing to die in the process of trying to save them. I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelacs fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend (Beowulf 433-440). Beowulf makes his fight with Grendel more than a simple fight that he can slay himShow MoreRelatedBeowulf : Characteristics Of An Epic Hero978 Words   |  4 Pages2Y English 12 20/11/17 Beowulf: Characteristics of an Epic Hero In Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, to be considered a hero was to also be considered a warrior/ soldier. To be a hero, you had to not only be strong but you also had to be smart, and have plenty of courage. These warriors were willing to face any type of trials and tribulations at any odd. These types of heroic warriors would fight to the death to obtain glory and save their people. 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