Beowulf: The Absolute Epitome of an Epic Hero Throughout history there have been many literary works that portray an epic hero, defeating the supernatural and displaying great courage in difficult situations. Beowulf, written during the Anglo-Saxon time period, depicts the perfect example of the epic hero through the main character. Beowulf is considered an ideal model due to the characteristics given to the protagonist. The legendary warrior, Beowulf, accepted fatalism and accomplished significant tasks in order to save others from malevolent forces. His inclination to want to aid others and his commendable reputation makes him the embodiment of an idol for his people. Beowulf exemplifies the qualities of an epic hero due to his immense bravery,
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Beowulf’s distinguished bravery sets him apart from most leading characters because of his acceptance of death and fate. He would lay his life down on the line to save his people from a threatening creature and he would not have to think twice about it. For example, when asked by Hrothgar to save his citizens from Grendel’s mother, Beowulf replies with “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, here in your hands, my beloved Comrades left with no leader, their leader Dead” (Beowulf 452-457). In this quotation, Beowulf is advising Hrothgar that if he is to pass away while attempting to defeat Grendel’s mother and save the day, that Hrothgar must watch over Beowulf’s men and protect them since their leader will be gone. Beowulf is stating that he does not mind if he dies however, he only cares about the well-being of his men and wants them to be accounted for if he were to perish. He is understanding about the fact he could pass away and is okay with it because during the time of the Anglo-Saxons, many people did not live to a very old age. It was …show more content…
There are times where Beowulf was doubted by people however, his followers, the Geats stood by him in some of the most difficult of times. For instance, when he went to battle Grendel’s mother and blood started to seep to the surface of the lake, the Danes assumed he died and left to go back to Herot for a drink but the Geats remained, mourning for the lost soldier. This scene is depicted as, “The Danes gave up, left The lake and went home, Hrothgar with them. The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, Imagining they saw their lord but not believing They would ever see him again” (Beowulf 574-577). Since they believed in him the Geats were hopeful to see their powerful leader come out of the water but had doubts in whether it was to happen or not. Beowulf is also loved by many and even by his entire country where they crowned him King and for fifty years he rules and gains the respect of all his people. Although the Geats, all except one, betrayed Beowulf and left him to fend for himself when he was battling the dragon, they all commemorated him by building him a monument and laying him to rest. The epic then goes to say “And then twelve of the bravest Geats Rode their horses around the tower, Telling their sorrow, telling stories Of their dead king and his greatness, his glory, Praising him for heroic deeds, for a
Beowulf’s distinguished bravery sets him apart from most leading characters because of his acceptance of death and fate. He would lay his life down on the line to save his people from a threatening creature and he would not have to think twice about it. For example, when asked by Hrothgar to save his citizens from Grendel’s mother, Beowulf replies with “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, here in your hands, my beloved Comrades left with no leader, their leader Dead” (Beowulf 452-457). In this quotation, Beowulf is advising Hrothgar that if he is to pass away while attempting to defeat Grendel’s mother and save the day, that Hrothgar must watch over Beowulf’s men and protect them since their leader will be gone. Beowulf is stating that he does not mind if he dies however, he only cares about the well-being of his men and wants them to be accounted for if he were to perish. He is understanding about the fact he could pass away and is okay with it because during the time of the Anglo-Saxons, many people did not live to a very old age. It was …show more content…
There are times where Beowulf was doubted by people however, his followers, the Geats stood by him in some of the most difficult of times. For instance, when he went to battle Grendel’s mother and blood started to seep to the surface of the lake, the Danes assumed he died and left to go back to Herot for a drink but the Geats remained, mourning for the lost soldier. This scene is depicted as, “The Danes gave up, left The lake and went home, Hrothgar with them. The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, Imagining they saw their lord but not believing They would ever see him again” (Beowulf 574-577). Since they believed in him the Geats were hopeful to see their powerful leader come out of the water but had doubts in whether it was to happen or not. Beowulf is also loved by many and even by his entire country where they crowned him King and for fifty years he rules and gains the respect of all his people. Although the Geats, all except one, betrayed Beowulf and left him to fend for himself when he was battling the dragon, they all commemorated him by building him a monument and laying him to rest. The epic then goes to say “And then twelve of the bravest Geats Rode their horses around the tower, Telling their sorrow, telling stories Of their dead king and his greatness, his glory, Praising him for heroic deeds, for a