Beowulf: Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

In Beowulf, the character Beowulf demonstrates most of the characteristics of an epic hero. There are many characteristics to an epic hero. Many epic heros are the central character of a story. They are a “larger-than-life” figure compared to the rest of the characters. An epic hero can be noble or semi divine from birth and can demonstrate courage, skill, and virtue. Epic heroes often go against an opposing or evil force throughout the story. Sometimes, an epic hero can even be hidden at birth because of some power he has. Once the hero is grown and the time has come, he will be released to do the task he was born to do. Beowulf demonstrates the characteristics of an epic hero throughout the entire poem. He is larger and stronger than most …show more content…
He set sail for Herot right away to help. He chose his strongest and most bravest men to help him defeat this monster. When he arrived to the town, he asked to speak to the king because he wanted to prove that he was capable of defeating the monster. Beowulf mentions the many battles he has fought in. He shows a tremendous amount of pride and confidence. He has fought sea monsters and giants before, so Beowulf beleives he can take on Grendel. Even when the men in the town say him, they all mentioned he was larger and stronger than most …show more content…
He still continues to show no fear when approaching the dragon. The dragon starts to overpower Beowulf during this battle. Beowulf is lying on the ground, slowly dying. One of his men, Wiglaf, helps him defeat the dragon. Even after Beowulf felt as if he had been defeated and finally lost, he was still able to fight and kill the dragon before he died. A tower was built to honor Beowulf and all of his battles he had won. He was seen as a hero to everyone. He saved Herot from Grendel and his mother, and then he even killed the dragon in the tower. No one was able to do what Beowulf had done. Beowulf was truly a hero for his men and for Herot, and also an epic hero for Beowulf. An epic hero can acquire many different qualities. In Beowulf, Beowulf demonstrates the majority of these qualities. He is stronger and bigger than most men, so he is seen as a larger-than-life figure. He also defeats Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, which are all opposing forces. He demonstrates a high amount of courage and pride with his battles. He is the main character and saves the town of Herot from these