ipl-logo

Beowulf: The Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

592 Words3 Pages

An epic hero is an individual who must evoke a sense of heroism through legendary and inspiring deeds (Merriam-Webster). These heroes of tragedy have the ability to determine their own fortune due to the amount of admired characteristics they possess. However, the ideals of an epic hero are constantly fluctuating due to the ever changing ideals of society. Although the characteristics of an epic hero are under constant modification, Beowulf is still an effective modern-day hero due to his acts of courage, compassion, and dedication in relation to his people. Courage can be defined as any individual possessing moral or mental strength in the face of physical pain or indescribable hardship (Personalitytutor). A hero must have the ability to overcome fear of the greatest form and …show more content…

This can be found when the narrator states “…his weapon/ Had failed him, deserted him, now when he needed it/ Most, that excellent sword, Edgetho’s/ Famous son stared at death, / Unwilling to leave this world…” (558-561). Despite the loss of Beowulf’s beloved sword, his devotion to the task at hand remained constant, proving himself to be highly devoted. Epic heroes possessing devoted qualities within modern-day society can be found through the work of ministers. Ministers, such as Billie Gram, are wholly devoted to the salvation of all individual, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. Although the characteristics of an epic hero are under constant modification, Beowulf is still an effective modern-day hero due to his acts of courage, compassion, and dedication in relation to his people. Even though the transcendent tale of Beowulf took place around 800AD the various qualities he possessed, making him an epic hero, remain prevalent even today. Beowulf’s heroic story will continue to remain influential for centuries to

Show More
Related
878 Words | 4 Pages

Throughout time the perception of heroic qualities have changed from glory driven to today’s unsung hero. Different aspects of Beowulf and John McCall’s call to action reflect the perception of heroic qualities, during different times. When Beowulf was written a

Read More
181 Words | 1 Pages

A brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. Commonly epic heroes have superior strength, have strong love for their people, are fearless of death, and are very ethical people. The epic poem Beowulf describes a heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is almost invincible person with all the unseeming traits required of an epic hero. Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic hero who is a representative of his time because of his superhuman strength, his strong love for the people, his fearless of death, and his will to travel great distances for people he doesn’t know.

Read More
389 Words | 2 Pages

(“Beowulf” lines 172-175) “Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster. God must decide who will be given to death's cold grip." Beowulf posses a reasonable trait for his actions. Him being able to figure an enemy without any weapons shows how characters trait as a superhero. (“The Illiad” lines 171-179)

Read More
1044 Words | 5 Pages

The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land.

Read More
467 Words | 2 Pages

They put their life on the line for the citizens of the United States of America. The final characteristic of a great hero is loyalty. Loyalty is staying true to what you say or say you will do. Beowulf was loyal to the Danes and Geats, when he said he will fight off the enemies he stuck to his word.

Read More
462 Words | 2 Pages

The story of “Beowulf’’ is considered to be one of the oldest Epic Poems to survive and is often cited as one of the most important works of Old English Literature. The poem was written in the Anglo Saxon time period, and told of an epic hero who was strong and courageous, but also kind and humble; Beowulf almost perfectly exemplifies all of the traits that make up an Epic Hero and demonstrates the importance of moral values. Beowulf father, Ecgtheow, was a well known soldier and leader of men, the noble reputation he made for himself in his life helps Beowulf win over the respect and leadership of the men fighting, “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men. His name was Ecgtheow” (175-176). With this information about Beowulf’s father, it is assumed that beowulf was born of a noble birth and is respected all over.

Read More
545 Words | 3 Pages

One of the biggest hero qualities Beowulf was his courage. Having the strength of 30 men, he battled against all types of foes and claimed victory. When he told the people that he will battle

Read More
570 Words | 3 Pages

Alexander Hamilton once said, “There is a certain Enthusiasm in liberty that makes Human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” Beowulf is an epic poem in which the main character Beowulf did acts of service, but he fought for those who couldn’t fight. The overall theme of good versus evil in Beowulf had Beowulf dealing with challenges that no ordinary man would be able to handle unless they were a true epic hero. Throughout the poem Beowulf proves to be an epic hero by his strength, bravery, and sacrifice.

Read More
1385 Words | 6 Pages

Beowulf Sets the Curve for Epic Heroes Since Beowulf is one of the first epic stories of our time, the protagonist Beowulf has the pressure of setting the precedent for all heroes after him. He does just that as many moments from Beowulf have inspired famous books, movies, and video games. Notable examples include The Lord of the Rings series and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Some of the characteristics that epic heroes possess include appearance, supernatural strength, pride, a tragic flaw, and a resurrection. Beowulf exemplifies all of these characteristics in an easily followed way.

Read More
626 Words | 3 Pages

From all this, we know that the perception of a hero from Beowulf’s time differs from our perception today. As we feel that the intentions define a hero while in Beowulf’s time the reputation and accomplishments are what makes a

Read More
807 Words | 4 Pages

Essential Characteristics of an Epic Hero Beowulf embodies all of the characteristics of an epic hero. An epic hero possesses traits that help guide them to defeat evil and to become a leader in their society. These qualities come from the valued traits of a society. Beowulf displays the valued qualities within the Anglo-Saxon community that allow him to be a natural leader and a hero to his people.

Read More
415 Words | 2 Pages

An epic is a long narrative poem that revolves around an epic hero. The epic “Beowulf” by an unknown author is about Beowulf the epic hero of noble birth, and extraordinary strength. He goes on a quest to kill monsters for glory. The poem highlights his bravery, strength, and noble nature, which sets him apart as an epic hero.

Read More
717 Words | 3 Pages

A hero is someone who uses his or her physical and mental strengths to battle seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These heroes will overcome the odds to reign victorious. The larger- than-life characters, whether real or fictional, that we learn about become our role models. We aspire to be them; we fantasize that one day we too may become heroes. These heroes live out lives that we can only dream of, yet they give us a sense of hope for the world.

Read More
806 Words | 4 Pages

Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/

Read More
665 Words | 3 Pages

The Webster's definition of a hero is “A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities”, this also happens to be one of the qualifications of being an epic hero. There are many things that can be used to compare and contrast Beowulf as an epic hero and a modern day hero, but you’ll find that the human idea of a hero was primarily the same in 700 CE as it is now although the job descriptions of hero’s have changed. In today’s time a person is usually considered a hero if they help the public good, like a police officer, soldier, firefighter and so on. In Beowulf’s time a person was considered a hero if they were a great warrior. When looking at the characteristics of what makes Beowulf an epic hero and the characteristics

Read More

More about Beowulf: The Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

Related Topics

Open Document