Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf is a epic hero because he is glorified. Many epic heroes come from noble births and Beowulf is no exception. His uncle is Hygelac, Kings of the Geats and his father was Edgetho. Beowulf’s “father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men...His life lasted many winters; wise men all over the earth surely remember him still” (14). Before coming to Herot Beowulf himself was also well-known. His past accomplishments made a strong reputation for him. Beowulf was known as “Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (11). Beowulf is an epic hero because he is on a quest. Beowulf goes on many quests throughout the novel. The first was to kill Grendel. Not only …show more content…
Beowulf proclaimed, “I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that the monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none” (430-434). However, killing Grendel after a long 12 year battle was not the end of Beowulf’s battles. The next quest Beowulf endures upon is killing Grendel’s mother. After Beowulf kills Grendel, Grendel’s mother comes after Herot in vengeance. Beowulf has to once again save the city and defeat her. Opposed to his first quest, this time Beowulf uses one weapon he sees “hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic” (1556-1559). The last major quest Beowulf goes on is to kill the dragon. When the dragon burns the hall and land, Beowulf steps up to go on last quest. Entering this battle was unlike any other for Beowulf. He ft ”no shame, with shield and sword and armor, against this monster: when he comes to me. I mean to stand, not run from