Beowulf Epic Hero : Poem which glorifies the Anglo-Saxon concept of heroism.
There are some specific characteristics that one should embody before being called an epic hero. And the poem Beowulf is about one such epic hero of the same name. In the poem, Beowulf suggests that he could become a fantastic person by putting other things before his necessities. Others consider Beowulf to be a solid, helpful and courageous individual, which is why he can be called a genuine hero.
Epic heroes are viewed as superhuman characters because of the great and rare qualities they possess. Some admirable values that society believes epic heroes should possess are strength, courage, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Throughout the poem, Beowulf’s energy, courageous characters and fearlessness was very evident. Beowulf possesses characteristics of an epic conqueror which can lead by his bravery, performance of skills, royal duty and durable reputation. Beowulf becomes familiar with the idea of being famous because he was able to defeat and bravely kill Grendel and his mother and also the Dragon.
Beowulf considered defending his people as and imperial responsibility as a model. The beginning of him as an epic hero is when he showed his epic skills and bravery in defeating Grendel. Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel without any body armour and sword, which is a prove to his people that he is clever and courageous. While fighting the epic battle with the Dragon, Beowulf was more than willing to give up his own life to slaughter the Dragon and protect his people. Beowulf was famous amongst his people for his bravery, but he was looking for a quest and more fame. Beowulf’s power allowed him to control the fight, but it also made him arrogant.
Beowulf’s honour surpasses the average person’s and his words and actions show for it. Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel and his mother, the Troll wife because he was self-assured. Beowulf felt no fear even when his enemy overpowered him; he was confident in fighting the Dragon alone. According to the Anglo-Saxons, Beowulf can be considered an epic hero and a model human as he consistently demonstrates several characteristics such as leadership, glory, physical superiority, bravery and honour. Beowulf knew that he was not that young man with immense strength when he was fighting the Dragon, but that didn’t stop him from fighting even when Beowulf knew he wouldn’t be able to defeat the Dragon.
At the end of the poem, the people from Beowulf’s kingdom are upset, and they promised that his kingdom will always remember and respect him as an epic hero; this shows how much people respected and loved him during his time which is a major trait of an epic hero. Beowulf demonstrates his ability and courage to his people, along with his force and survival skills by slaughtering Grendel and the Dragon.
Even when Beowulf knew that at the end of his battle with the Dragon, he would possibly die, his royal duty as the king of his kingdom motivates him to keep on fighting the Dragon.
