An epic poem is a long narrative that tells the story of a hero who represents the highest ideals of his people. The Anglo-Saxons envision a hero as someone who is brave, shows leadership qualities and has great physical strength. Beowulf is a great example of an epic hero, because he demonstrates all three of these qualities. Beowulf shows his bravery when ascends into the lake of fire; he demonstrates his strength when he fights Grendel and his mother; Beowulf demonstrates his leadership qualities when he makes sure, that if he dies, his men will be sent back to Geatland.
Beowulf demonstrates his bravery when de decides to find Grendels lair in the lake of fire. "A stag with great horns, though driven through the forest on those shores. Refuses to save its life in that water." This shows bravery, because no one has ever been able to reach the bottom of the lake of fire, and live to tell about it. Also, he must reach the bottom of the lake on one breath of air, which will have to last him several hours. He also doesn't know if he will make, or what he might find at the bottom. This is bravery because he is the only person willing to risk their life on this dangerous feat.
Beowulf demonstrates his physical strength when he fights Grendel and his mother. During Beowulf's battle with Grendel, his grip on Grendel's arm is so strong that it rips Grendels arm right off. " He twisted in pain, And the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted a new glory." Also, he demonstrates his strength when he battles Grendels mother. While attempting to find the killer of her son, she finds him at the bottom of the lake of fire, in which she has guarded for 50 years. During the battle, Beowulf's trusty sword Hrunting, turns out to be useless. Beowulf looks up and sees a massive sword built for giants. No man could ever lift it, however Beowulf summons the strength, and brings it down on her head, killing her.
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. Beowulf goes to seek the dragon in his lair. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... "Fifty winters pass, Beowulf, now an old man, faces his final task:"(that was not my Quote). " Together Beowulf and the young Miglaf kill the dragon, but the old king (Beowulf) is fatally wounded." ... Beowulf taking his last few words to the young Miglaf, the last of Beowulf's family, the new king. ... Beowulf's tower. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... This imagery shows Beowulf's superior strength. ...
In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, there are battles between Beowulf himself and several different monsters. ... Loyalty is present when Beowulf chooses to fight the monster for king Hrothgar who had done Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, a great favor. ... Fate comes into play here when Beowulf defeats and unknowingly kills her son. ... The glory belongs to Beowulf because he defeats her, too. ... As fate would have it, the previously victorious Beowulf is put to the test one more time. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Beowulf is also a courageous warrior capable of overcoming many obstacles. ... Beowulf was the king of his land for fifty years. ... Beowulf did things that no other man would do. Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
Beowulf's selflessness and bravery are shown frequently when he battles Grendel. Beowulf shows no signs of retreat and accepts death as it may come. ... Another quality exhibited by Beowulf is his bravery. ... Beowulf displays a sense of strength throughout his life. ... Beowulf's intentions are to protect his people, so fear cannot intervene. ...
Beowulf- The Great of the Greats In the 8th century people were looked at by their character. Each person had important traits, which were very important traits that were admired back then. Some of these traits that were intelligible, they also had to be very honorable and do things fair. The wa...
Beowulf is unlike any other epic hero in the manner in which he fights. ... No sword could hurt Grendle so Beowulf would have beat him by hand alone. ... Beowulf shows his loyalty throughout the story. ... Beowulf showed he is the exact opposite. ... It is easily seen how Beowulf is a great leader. ...
Beowulf also has confidence in his skills as a warrior and as a leader. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In the epic poem, none equaled Beowulf's skill as a warrior or as a leader of men. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Regardless of the fact that he smote Grendel bare handed, Beowulf admits a dragon is a formidable foe indeed, so a decision is made to unsheathe Hrunting Beowulf's mighty blade. ...