Beowulf is a perfect embodiment of a hero in the epic poem, Beowulf, written by an unknown author and translated by Seamus Heaney. The story of Beowulf is filled with monsters, battles, dispute, and violence; events and things only a hero can handle. Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf demonstrates the three qualities of physical strength, leadership, and bravery, showing he is a true hero. An important trait for all heroes is physical strength. Throughout an epic poem based in extreme disaster and turmoil, Beowulf is often described as being very strong. He often uses his bare hands to beat his enemies instead of using weapons, such as swords, common in that time. For example, Beowulf easily kills Grendel with his hands alone, “The captain …show more content…
Beowulf is a leader and even a lord or king to the men around him. As a soldier, he physically takes the front of the battle line or search crew. For example, when searching for Grendel’s mother, who wrecked havoc throughout the town, “He went in front with a few men”(Beowulf line 1412) Beowulf has a well-established relationship with his men; a valued relationship for a leader or hero to have with his followers. When Beowulf is in danger, his men do not hesitate to lay down their lives or sacrifice their lives to save him. “Time and time again,/Beowulf’s warriors worked to defend/their lord’s life,” (Beowulf lines 793-795) Once Beowulf goes to kill Grendel’s mother and doesn’t return for a long time, his men mourn him and address him as their lord. “They wished, without hope, to behold their lord,/Beowulf himself.” (Beowulf lines 1604-1605) Beowulf’s warriors mourning him shows they appreciated, valued, and treasured him as a strong warrior and leader. Later in the epic poem, Beowulf is praised by the Geats because “He was a good king.” (Beowulf line 2390) after taking the throne once Hygelac dies. “Leaving Beowulf/to ascend the throne, to sit in majesty/and rule over the Geats.”(Beowulf line 2388-2390) Beowulf takes initiative and settles feuds from the previous kingship with Sweden and takes over the kingdom. He takes the position of a king, the optimum role for a leader who is powerful and