Beowulf-The Epic Hero

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Beowulf: The Anglo-Saxon Epic Hero The Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf is the oldest piece of literature in the English language. Even though the poem originated in the 6th century and wasn’t written until the 10th century, it has been widely known throughout the entire world. The only piece of the document that has the poem written is in the national library in London. Beowulf is the story of a warrior from Geatland, (which is the southern region of modern-day Sweden), that goes to Denmark to rid a great evil that goes under the name of Grendel. Beowulf maintains three of the epic hero traits, he possesses superhuman strength, loyalty, and courage.
All epic heroes possess superhuman strength, Beowulf is not an exception. Beowulf is seeking glory …show more content…
Beowulf has provided strong loyalty between his comrades and towards King Hrothgar. In line 470-472 of Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, it states, “Finally I healed the feud by paying: I shipped a treasure-trove to the Wulfings and Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance.“ Beowulf’s father had known Hrothgar and aided him for exchange of allegiance to him, and Beowulf returned the favor by defeating Grendel. Then, during the fight with the dragon he requested the aid of the 11 people, only Wiglaf had rushed in aid his king. In lines 2884-2890 of Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, it states, “So it is goodbye now to all you know and love on your home ground ….. Every one of you He predicts that with freeholds of land, our whole nation …. once princes from beyond get tidings of how you turned and fled and disgraced yourselves. A warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame."Wiglaf is still loyal to Beowulf, even when the others have ran off. Also, Beowulf displays loyalty when he and the 13 other warriors go to Denmark and aid Hrothgar in slaying Grendel. In lines 409-412 of Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, it states, “Then news of Grendel, 410 hard to ignore, reached me at home: sailors brought stories of the plight you suffer in this legendary hall…” This shows how Beowulf shows loyalty to Hrothgar. He offers his assistance to rid Grendel for

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