Beowulf Characteristics Of An Epic Hero - 978 Words

Ahissa Rice Mrs. Scheel 2Y English 12 20/11/17 Beowulf: Characteristics of an Epic Hero In Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, to be considered a hero was to also be considered a warrior/ soldier. To be a hero, you had to not only be strong but you also had to be smart, and have plenty of courage. These warriors were willing to face any type of trials and tribulations at any odd. These types of heroic warriors would fight to the death to obtain glory and save their people. The Anglo-Saxon hero needed to possess all of these characteristics, and still be kind hearted and humble regardless. Beowulf, arguably is, the best example of an Anglo-Saxon hero that we have in modern literature. Beowulfs most important traits as an epic hero are as†¦show more content†¦Fate, which was often believed to be unchangeable in the Anglo-Saxon culture, seems to often bend in favour for a mighty hero who shows a pure heart and plenty of courage. Beowulf tells Hrothgar he will kill the monster Grendel, and Beowulf tells the Danes that he plans to fight the monster unarmed and naked . â€Å"My lord Higlac Might think less of me if I let my sword Go where my feet were afraid to,..† (Beowulf, 264-265) This quote demonstrates how honorable and courageous Beowulf really is even in the face of such an adversary. Beowulf then speaks to the Danes before jumping into the lake to fight Grendels mother. â€Å"..let My famous old sword stay in your hands: I shall shape glory with Hrunting, or death Will hurry me from this earth!† (Beowulf, 463-466) Beowulf displays courage, and the attitude of a true Anglo-Saxon warrior during this passage. Death is often seen as one of the highest honors for a warrior who dies fighting for what he believes in and for the greater good of others. Courage is shown through the many deeds a hero does, and that includes a hero giving his own life in order to save others, just like how Beowulf gave his to save his people from a dragon. â€Å"..the gray-bearded lord of the Geats Had ended those flying, burning raids Forever.† (Beowulf, 803-805) A hero is willing to die in order to achieve glory not only for himself but also for those he protects just as Beowulf died to protect his people from the dragonShow MoreRelatedBeowulf : Epic Characteristics Of An Epic Hero862 Words   |  4 PagesEvery epic hero acquires certain heroic characteristics. The poem, â€Å"Beowulf, is about the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon period. Beowulf is a warrior from Geatland that comes to help Hrothgar, the king of Danes, defeat the monster Grendel who has been killing men in their kingdom. Beowulf defeats the unstoppable beast, Grendel. Then Grendel’s mother comes to try to avenge Grendel’s death, and Beowulf slaughters her in her underwater lair. 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