Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

Heroes are significant figures in everyone’s life. Heroes can range from family members to fictional characters. In the epic “Beowulf”, the main character, Beowulf, proved himself as being the epic hero. His qualities reflected the Anglo-Saxon culture. The culture revolved around braveness and good deeds of their leader. Also, the culture believed in revenge. The characters only reason for battle was due to revenge on one another. And the Anglo-Saxons believed if one was hurt by someone, then someone must hurt them. Beowulf brought out the true meaning of the Anglo-Saxon culture.
Beowulf is considered the epic hero in many ways. He is a person of noble birth, as being the nephew to Hrogther. He performed great deeds that showed strength and courage, as he protected the Herot and his town. He also battles supernatural creatures such as Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. He had to go through a dangerous journey to battle them, and each battle he came out a hero. The Anglo-Saxon culture believes in fate. Each time Beowulf went to battle, there was a chance he might not come back, and he told his fellow people that. His fate was in the hands of God and himself. Beowulf’s traits embodies those ideas of the Anglo-Saxon culture, he shows that he is brave, honorable, and contributed …show more content…
He used no weapons because he did not want an advantage. He wanted to show his people his true strength. Grendel’s mother wanted revenge on the death of her son, as any mother would. The Anglo-Saxon culture believed in revenge, and the epic carried this out. This epic also showed that the Anglo-Saxon culture needed a hero to protect them. Yes, they had a king, but they needed someone who would be loyal and protect the country. When Beowulf fought the dragon his “followers” abandoned him except Wiglaf. Even though he had no support from his followers Beowulf still continued to battle and hold up