What Makes an Epic Hero? The story Beowulf is England’s earliest masterpiece originated from the Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is considered as the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. Through Beowulf we can understand what the Anglo-Saxons valued. They value Battles, Heroes, and Heroes who win the battle and protects the people, and heroes who fight constantly and die with honor. The story Beowulf is an epic poem which contains all of the following which made it very popular. Beowulf, the main character of the story, is an example of an epic hero because of his amiable traits, performing deeds and exemplifying morals that are valued by the society. Two of the ways Beowulf of the Beowulf takes on the role of an epic hero is by protecting
…show more content…
In the story, Beowulf is described as “the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone in this world” (110-111). Another way Beowulf of the Beowulf takes on the role of an epic hero is by possessing supernatural traits. During the oldtimes, the Anglo-Saxons valued heroes who win the battle and protects the people. In the story, Beowulf faced many evil monsters like demons and dragon. Beowulf is fighting opponents that mere mortals cannot ever dare to battle. That being so Beowulf is possessed with superhuman powers which he can use to defeat those monsters. Even the monsters are afraid of his power, and you can see this in Grendel. Grendel “had met a man whose hands were harder; his mind was flooded with fear-but nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip. Grendel’s one thought was to run” (327-330). In the beginning of the story, he tells his feats “I drove five giants into chains, chased all of that race from the earth. I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one” (248-253). All his achievements seem abnormal which distinguish him from the rest of the world. His strength is well above and beyond what the commoner does. We can also see this when Beowulf is fighting Grendel and Grendel’s mother because Beowulf doesn’t use any weapons to defeat them but with his bare hands alone. “The monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears …show more content…
Many Anglo-Saxon beliefs and codes of conduct are illustrated as the predominant themes in the text. In the traditional theme of good vs. evil, Beowulf plays as the epic hero against the evil demons and monsters. Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic hero. Two of the ways Beowulf of the Beowulf takes on the role of an epic hero is by protects values of time and possessing supernatural traits. In his quest to assist the Danes, Beowulf show great courage, physical strength and mental cunning when battling his opponents, which makes him appear superhuman and far superior to the average man. In addition his loyalty and generosity toward his subjects make him a better leader and a hero. Therefore, he is loved by the people and favored by God. In the story, Beowulf constantly fights against the evil to protect his people, then later dies with honor. He’s a selfless and almighty
In the story, Beowulf is described as “the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone in this world” (110-111). Another way Beowulf of the Beowulf takes on the role of an epic hero is by possessing supernatural traits. During the oldtimes, the Anglo-Saxons valued heroes who win the battle and protects the people. In the story, Beowulf faced many evil monsters like demons and dragon. Beowulf is fighting opponents that mere mortals cannot ever dare to battle. That being so Beowulf is possessed with superhuman powers which he can use to defeat those monsters. Even the monsters are afraid of his power, and you can see this in Grendel. Grendel “had met a man whose hands were harder; his mind was flooded with fear-but nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip. Grendel’s one thought was to run” (327-330). In the beginning of the story, he tells his feats “I drove five giants into chains, chased all of that race from the earth. I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one” (248-253). All his achievements seem abnormal which distinguish him from the rest of the world. His strength is well above and beyond what the commoner does. We can also see this when Beowulf is fighting Grendel and Grendel’s mother because Beowulf doesn’t use any weapons to defeat them but with his bare hands alone. “The monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears …show more content…
Many Anglo-Saxon beliefs and codes of conduct are illustrated as the predominant themes in the text. In the traditional theme of good vs. evil, Beowulf plays as the epic hero against the evil demons and monsters. Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic hero. Two of the ways Beowulf of the Beowulf takes on the role of an epic hero is by protects values of time and possessing supernatural traits. In his quest to assist the Danes, Beowulf show great courage, physical strength and mental cunning when battling his opponents, which makes him appear superhuman and far superior to the average man. In addition his loyalty and generosity toward his subjects make him a better leader and a hero. Therefore, he is loved by the people and favored by God. In the story, Beowulf constantly fights against the evil to protect his people, then later dies with honor. He’s a selfless and almighty