Beowulf: Epic Hero

A detailed Summary of Beowulf: Epic Hero


The earliest recorded epic poem, Beowulf, was anonymously written during the Anglo-Saxon era (approximately 700AD). The Anglo-Saxons admired epic heroes who upheld the ethics of their society through exemplary leadership, loyalty, strength and bravery. These epic heroes prevailed over insurmountable odds, and were glorified by the people who progressed because of their victories. Beowulf, the hero in this literary piece, did as such, and he ultimately surpassed the qualities of being an epic hero. Accordingly, heroes and epic heroes alike gained the praise and respect of their subjects as well as their enemies. To be labeled a hero, one must put aside his personal welfare for the good of others. Heroism may be accomplished by an ordinary person performing an extraordinary deed; however, to be an epic hero like Beowulf, one must enforce the ethics set upon him, and be willing to consistently sacrifice himself to defeat whatever distresses his people.

"Lucky or not, nine was the number of sea-huge monsters I killed. What man, anywhere under Heaven's high arch, has fought in s


Beowulf had uncertainty in what he was capable of doing like any hero, for he was a mortal and could be killed. The loyalty he had has for his king and fellow Geats would not permit him to forfeit any fight. "My hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster. God must decide who will be given death cold grip...if my time will have come, there'll be nothing to mourn over; nor corpse to prepare for its grave: Grendel will carry our flesh to the moors, crunch on our bones, and smear torn scraps of our skin on the walls of his den" (Line #172). Even with thoughts like this scrolling through his mortal mind, Beowulf still fought for the well being of his people. The ethics that were set upon him reminded him he needed to be fair in his fights. If his opponent had no weapon, he would have no weapon, and in order to be an epic hero, he must always defeat the monster.

Beowulf reflected the epic and moral values of his people, and the people of the Anglo-Saxon era. His strength and power made him almost invincible. He conquered what to others may have only be

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Grendel Beowulf, Herot Beowulf's, epic hero, epic heroes, people herot, anglo-saxon era, ethics set, grendel's mother, beowulf fought,

Approximate Word count = 733
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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