The Epic Of Beowulf: A Hero's Journey

A hero is a person highly regarded in Anglo-Saxon culture. The Anglo-Saxon people had a great appreciation for their epics depicting heroes on seemingly impossible quests. These epics were passed on from generation to generation throughout the centuries. The heroes always displayed the same characteristics of being strong, tough, adventurous warriors. The epic Beowulf perfectly depicts the Anglo-Saxon image of a hero. The protagonist Beowulf is called to defeat a monster that cannot be touched by any normal man’s blade. In the epic Beowulf shows his might as he defeats the monster Grendel with his bare hands. Beowulf perfectly embodies the Anglo-Saxon view of a hero as he displays his skills and bravery in order to reach an outcome that will impact many. On his journey Beowulf shows his prowess as a warrior as he defeats the monsters that come his way. Unferth, one of Hrothgar’s …show more content…
Beowulf’s fortitude is seen throughout the epic in what he does as well as what others say. Upon reaching Herot, Wulfgar welcomes him by stating, “And that having come to him over the open / sea you have come bravely and are welcome” (129-130). The people of Herot recognize Beowulf’s fortitude because of the long journey he made to fight Grendel. Beowulf also suggest his own fortitude by asserting, “That I, alone and with the help of my men, / may purge evil from this hall” (165-166). Beowulf shows that he is confident he and his men can defeat Grendel. Beowulf also show his fortitude when he finally fights Grendel. The scop describes Beowulf’s brave fight with Grendel by stating, “That mighty protector of men / meant to hold the monster till its life / leaped out, knowing the fiend was no use / to anyone in Denmark” (472-475). Beowulf bravely hangs on Grendel till the monster’s arm comes off. Beowulf exhibits fortitude throughout the epic, which allows him to complete daring quests and life the life of an Anglo-Saxon