The phenomenal strength and endurance of an epic hero manifests in the character of Beowulf throughout the Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf. For example, Beowulf brags to Hrothgar and his men of defeating several sea monsters and later dismembers a monstrous demon named Grendel along with killing his mother. To top that all off, in his dotage, he even defeats a mighty, fire-breathing dragon. Not only does he show powerful strength, but he shows a great amount of courage as well. The obstacles and battles of monsters and war are challenges that Beowulf is never hesitant to take on. These heroic properties of bravery, strength, and benevolence show that Beowulf is one of the most quintessential examples of an epic hero.
An important aspect of an epic hero would be his valor. A true hero must be brave in the face of danger in order to protect himself and the people around him. When Beowulf hears the stories of a human-slayer named Grendel, he is brave in leaving his homeland to go out and kill the ferocious demon. Not only does he show courage in battling Grendel, but he also proves worthy of honour when he tells Hrothgar of all his accomplishments in battle: “They have seen me boltered in the blood of enemies / when I battled and bound five beasts, / raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea / slaughtered sea-brutes (419-422).” Dauntlessly facing danger is an …show more content…
In sacrificing his life many a time and repaying his debt to Hrothgar in saving Hereot from Grendel and his mother, Beowulf shows great honour and altruism: “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 fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfil that purpose, / prove myself with a proud deed / or meet my death here in the mead hall.” These are the noble words of Beowulf, which characterizes his renowned
An important aspect of an epic hero would be his valor. A true hero must be brave in the face of danger in order to protect himself and the people around him. When Beowulf hears the stories of a human-slayer named Grendel, he is brave in leaving his homeland to go out and kill the ferocious demon. Not only does he show courage in battling Grendel, but he also proves worthy of honour when he tells Hrothgar of all his accomplishments in battle: “They have seen me boltered in the blood of enemies / when I battled and bound five beasts, / raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea / slaughtered sea-brutes (419-422).” Dauntlessly facing danger is an …show more content…
In sacrificing his life many a time and repaying his debt to Hrothgar in saving Hereot from Grendel and his mother, Beowulf shows great honour and altruism: “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 fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfil that purpose, / prove myself with a proud deed / or meet my death here in the mead hall.” These are the noble words of Beowulf, which characterizes his renowned