why beowulf is an epic poem

A detailed Summary of why beowulf is an epic poem


The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. He is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of beasts but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.

Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf explains the reason he lost a simple swimming match with his youthful opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. Beowulf is


also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to Herot. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism.

Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to fight a horrible dragon that is frightening all of his peo

Some common words found in the essay are:
Brecca Beowulf, Beowulf Essay, King Geats, Fate Wyrd, Grendel Grendel's, Grendel Beowulf, Hrehtel Wayland, Unferth Beowulf, physical strength, grendel's mother, heroic trait, heroic trait beowulf, king geats, trait beowulf, own life, people death, epic hero,

Approximate Word count = 690
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Beowulf In reading the epic poem of Beowulf, the main character, Beowulf, has the characteristics of an epic hero by showing skill and courage, enduring fame, and ... 813 words
  • Beowulf as a Hero In reading the epic poem of Beowulf, the main character, Beowulf, has the characteristics of an epic hero by showing skill and courage, enduring fame, and ... 877 words
  • Beowulf as an epic ... Similes, kennings, and many other literary techniques are used throughout the poem. Beowulf clearly contains many epic characteristics and the following essay ... 749 words
  • Beowulf is an Epic Beowulf is an Epic An Epic is a long narrative poem written in a dignified style about deeds and accomplishments of a hero. An Epic ... 749 words
  • Beowulf ... importance. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf is the hero. He shows ... death. The epic poem Beowulf possesses both of these things. The good ... 634 words

Professional Essays

  • Romantic Elements in Beowulf ampamp The Hobbit This study will provide an analysis of the romantic elements in the medieval epic poem Beowulf and JRR Tolkienamp39s The Hobbit. The ... 1648 words
  • The Meaning of War ... In the AngloSaxon epic poem Beowulf, for example, we see the title character of the poem going to war as the only way in which he can defend his people ... 771 words
  • The Hero of Beowulf The hero of Beowulf represents a number of elements that mark the hero in epic poetry. ... The hero is revered in the society of Beowulf, a poem which includes ... 559 words
  • Medieval Societies ... Conclusion The above analysis clearly shows that the societies that produced Arthurian romances and the epic poem Beowulf are reflected in the works. ... 2116 words
  • Medieval Societies ... Conclusion The above analysis clearly shows that the societies that produced Arthurian romances and the epic poem Beowulf are reflected in the works. ... 2116 words
  • Herman Melvilleamp39s Moby Dick ... traditional definition of an epic is an extended narrative, usually a poem, which celebrates the heroic tradition of a people. The English poem Beowulf and the ... 2433 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.