An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates a heroes deeds. Some examples of an epic would be The Odyssey by the Greeks and The Aneid by the Romans. However the most popular epic would be Beowulf which was written by the Anglo Saxons who lived in England of the year 449. The Anglo Saxons also wrote poems such as "The Seafarer and "The Wanderer. But Beowulf is by far the most well known piece of literature by the Anglo Saxons. Beowulf's best characteristics that make him such a wonderful hero would be his strength, honor, and faithfulness.
Beowulf's strength is by far one of his most powerful traits. For example when Beowulf fights Grendel (an evil monster) Beowulf is able to rip his arm out of his socket. "The bleeding sinews deep in his shoulders snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over .,"(p43,338-340). After Beowulf ripped Grendels arm out it was obvious that the battle was over and Beowulf had won. Another good example of Beowulf's strength is during the battle with grendels mother. This is when he swam down to her lair, but he is unable to use weapons against her due to Grendels moms body being protected by magic. "If weapons were useless he"d use his hands, the strength in his fingers,"(p48,489-490). Beowulf also won this battle just by wrestling with this monster. Strength both physical and mental are important in winning a battle.
A second characteristic of Beowulf is his honor. One example of this would be in the last battle he would fight with the dragon. Beowulf refuses to use a weapon to kill this monster." I"d use no sword no weapon if this beast could be killed without it,-(p52,613-614). Due to Beowulf not using a weapon he is strongly penalized against a beast so large. A second example of Beowulf's honor would be at the end of the battle with the dragon Beowulf is hurt badly, and yet he still badly continues to fight the dragon." And for the first time in his life that famous prince fought with fate against him with glory, denied him"(p54,669-670).
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. ...