Beolwulf The Hero

            
             A hero is a person noted for their act of courage and the nobility of their purpose .
             Beowulf does deserve to have the title of epic hero .
             bestowed upon him simply because, everything he does is for the good of his people, and .
             he always puts them before his own needs. Three of Beowulf's traits that support this .
             are his amazing physical strength, his ability to put his people's welfare before his own .
             and the fact that he does not fear death.
             .
             An epic hero is characterized for having superhuman strength, Beowulf .
             epitomizes this quality. For example as seen in the battle with Grendel "That shepherd of .
             evil, guardian of crime, knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose .
             hands where harder" (Lines 325 - 327). Beowulf fought Grendel with his bear hands and .
             won. Furthermore, when Beowulf fought Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on .
             her sons death, he is able to slash her with the giant sword that could only have been .
             lifted by Beowulf, "strong and blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons but so .
             massive that no man could lift" (Lines 531 - 533). Beowulf even carried Grendel's head .
             out of the lake, showing his brute strength. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's .
             heroism. .
             .
             Another good reason for bestowing the title of epic hero upon upon Beowulf is because .
             he puts his peoples welfare before his own. Before every battle Beowulf gives a speech .
             stating how he will go and fight alone without no fear or remorse. Although some .
             readers might look at this as being arrogant, what Beowulf is doing is sacrificing himself .
             for his people and his army. A perfect example would be " No one else could do what I .
             mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster, no one could try" (Lines .
             644 - 647). This depicts how he knows that he is the only hero with enough strength and .
             bravery to put this dragon to rest for good. Even during death Beowulf asks that a tall .