One idea associated with the anglo-saxon period is the archetype of an epic hero. An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, who is admired for great achievements. Epic heroes such as Achilles and Odysseus are just a couple who apply to the epic hero characteristics. But in Beowulf, Beowulf shows the qualities of a true epic hero. Beowulf represents an epic hero throughout the poem by showing the traits of strength, loyalty, and courage.
Beowulf illustrates how he takes on the world with his strength. Beowulf is somebody who will undertake extremely impossible and dangerous tasks for any human to accomplish. One of the many tasks Beowulf takes is battling Grendel. "I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his …show more content…
The concept of loyalty in Beowulf is not only shown through his battles. However, his first act of loyalty antecedes all of the battles he faces. He would not have had any battles to fight if it was not for his loyalty towards Hrothgar. Beowulf left his home country to protect Hrothgar. Not only did he place loyalty towards Hrothgar, but to those who will protect his homeland when he dies. He puts trust into Wiglaf with being the new king and protecting the treasure,, as well. Loyalty is alive within the whole story. Beowulf lives on in the people’s hearts due to his loyal traits. Courage is the idea of accomplishing something that frightens one. It is often the strength in the face of pain. Beowulf is clearly a man of courage and is motivated to prove his valor to others. He proves this through accomplishing brave triumphs and then boasting them to others. Beowulf never thinks twice about fighting monsters who have done nothing but kill. Beowulf also always has other’s back and wants to protect them, even if it means putting himself in danger. Courage is a trait all epic heroes should have. Beowulf elucidates courage and the meaning behind
Beowulf illustrates how he takes on the world with his strength. Beowulf is somebody who will undertake extremely impossible and dangerous tasks for any human to accomplish. One of the many tasks Beowulf takes is battling Grendel. "I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his …show more content…
The concept of loyalty in Beowulf is not only shown through his battles. However, his first act of loyalty antecedes all of the battles he faces. He would not have had any battles to fight if it was not for his loyalty towards Hrothgar. Beowulf left his home country to protect Hrothgar. Not only did he place loyalty towards Hrothgar, but to those who will protect his homeland when he dies. He puts trust into Wiglaf with being the new king and protecting the treasure,, as well. Loyalty is alive within the whole story. Beowulf lives on in the people’s hearts due to his loyal traits. Courage is the idea of accomplishing something that frightens one. It is often the strength in the face of pain. Beowulf is clearly a man of courage and is motivated to prove his valor to others. He proves this through accomplishing brave triumphs and then boasting them to others. Beowulf never thinks twice about fighting monsters who have done nothing but kill. Beowulf also always has other’s back and wants to protect them, even if it means putting himself in danger. Courage is a trait all epic heroes should have. Beowulf elucidates courage and the meaning behind