Beowulf: The Perfect Epic Hero

Is Beowulf, the strong and epic hero of legends, battling against a force he could not aspire to overcome? J.R.R. Tolkien, a famous scholar and writer, believes the epic hero is in a hopeless struggle; many people support the notion of Beowulf’s certain demise as well. There are parts in the legend that may lead to the impression that Beowulf may not have had the potential to conquer the aggressive world he is met with.

Epic battles, terrifying monsters, extraordinary strength, and great leadership; these characteristics and encounters are what make up the epic hero that is Beowulf. The heroism exemplified by Beowulf is defined by many different qualities. Beowulf is truly a hero because he is willing to put himself at great risk for the greater good.

The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Beowulf would have even been considered a model human to the Anglo-Saxons due to how he consistently demonstrated these qualities.

Being a hero can be defined many different ways. Several qualities like courage, respect, and strength can define heroism. A hero is noted for his or her actions for being brave, powerful, and acting with honor. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf shows all of these characteristics by defending the Danish king, Hrothgar, and his people. He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.

Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses.

Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses.

When discussing epic heroes, some of the more prominent ones that come to mind are Beowulf (from Beowulf), Hektor (from The Iliad), and Achilleus (also from The Iliad). These are all characters from literature who have displayed a multitude of the characteristics embodied in epic heroes. Each one of these literary figures has exhibited necessary traits needed to be considered an epic hero. Whether those traits are some of the common ones such as strength, honor, loyalty, perseverance, and bravery, or some of their own such as pride, intelligence, and morality. Whatever the case, these three have undergone difficulties and shown ties to the values held by their cultures within how they deal with issues. In this essay, I will attempt to

A hero is defined as “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities.” In the classic epic, The Tale of Beowulf, Beowulf shows many qualities of a hero. Three examples of honorary qualities Beowulf possesses are bravery, selflessness, and loyalty.

The movie The legend of Hercules was captivating. It depicts the archetype of a Greek hero. Betrayal, treachery, slavery and the odds of his life did not stop him to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. He was bold and brave. We can find a very similar hero in the Anglo-Saxon literature of Beowulf. In the Anglo-Saxon culture a hero was a warrior. He/she was strong, clever, God-fearing and venturesome. Beowulf, a famous Anglo-Saxon poem, was about the adventure of a hero who had inhuman strength that fought a monster named Grendel, Grendel’s mother ,and a fire-breathing dragon that’s hung-over from sleep. Beowulf exemplifies the archetype of a perfect hero through his warrior like, admirable, and loyal characters.

To begin, Beowulf exhibited many characteristics that suggested proper heroic qualities. “ He was strong, an outstanding fighter and very loyal to all who came into his presence” (Killenbeck, and Orci). When Beowulf had to

The Hero of the Anglo-Saxon Period In every culture, there are certain standards set forth for heroes. The epic poem Beowulf, renders a legendary hero.

An epic hero shows the traits that are most important to a society. During the Anglo-Saxon culture; supper human actions, bravery, and battling evil were important. Beowulf shows all of these and many others. While Beowulf was alive he fought and killed Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. Therefore he was an epic hero during the Anglo-Saxon time

The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sent down to Earth in its time of need by God’s hand. Beowulf, the main character in the epic poem Beowulf, is blessed with superhuman strength, a magical weapon only he can yield, as well as a fierce sense of loyalty to his people and an obligation

During the Anglo-Saxon time period loyalty and bravery were necessary characteristics of a man. During this time period, where surviving was difficult only the strongest survived. Beowulf was one of the warriors that lived in this time period. Monsters, warring armies, dragons, and creatures of the sea made life perilous. Society was looking for an epic hero. Beowulf was the answer to society’s search. Strength, bravery, and the desire for glory were three qualities that make Beowulf an epic hero.

"Epic" is a word can be very confusing. In ordinary conversations, one could refer to an epic hero as just a hero possessing remarkable strength, and personal characteristics, which are considered timeless. However, a true, literary epic hero has to meet a given set of criteria concerning his character and abilities: qualities, which make him to be different or at a level that is above other great people.