Alexa Cerza Ms. Monroe English III (H) October 5th, 2014 Beowulf--A Tragic Hero in an Epic Poem Beowulf is widely considered one of the best epic poems in literature and is cited as one of the most predominant divulgers of Anglo-Saxon culture. The definition of a hero is often synonymous with the ideology of the Old English tradition. However, this model is strewn and it creates a dichotomy between two heroes-- an epic hero and a tragic hero. Beowulf encapsulates qualities from both opposing standards throughout the poem, but ultimately most closely equates to the ideal of a tragic hero. Even though Beowulf follows the archetypal heroic journey embedded in all epics, a critical eye recognizes how he more closely exemplifies Aristotle's model …show more content…
Beowulf demonstrates his epic vitality throughout each taxing trial. When in battle, Beowulf uses Hrunting-- the sword lent to him by Unferth-- but is unable to pierce the monster’s skin. Finally, he seizes an enormous sword hanging on the wall of the cave. Swinging the sword in a powerful arc, Beowulf slices though Grendel’s mother, killing her. This giant sword is his “Supernatural Aid.”(Campbell) In addition, his second “Road of Trial,” (Campbell) displays Beowulf’s ability to hold his breath in the bloody water for an extraordinary amount of time, while feuding with Grendel’s mother in the cavern. Beowulf represents his inhuman-like behavior during the “Belly of the Whale”(Campbell) phase of his journey. Both experiences illuminate why he is worthy of the status of an epic …show more content…
Beowulf’s identity as a hero is dynamic; he morphs from epic to tragic due to his fatal flaw of hubris--excessive pride. (Aristotle, The Poetics) According to Aristotle’s theory, hubris is a quality of a tragic hero that in turn leads to hamartia, or ultimate weakness. As a hero, Beowulf paradoxically inherits flaws. He gives readers a concrete example of hubris when he states he is going to fight the dragon, despite his physical weakness of old age. He continues to prepare for his duel with the dragon, and the poet explains, “Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death,” (Raffel 1442). Beowulf is in denial about his old age during the “Refusal to Return” (Campbell) stage of his quest; he assembles to fight and envisions glory once he triumphs over the enemy again. He is numb to the realization of death, even though he knows it is possible. He is fearless. Beowulf’s behavior resembles a tragic hero, and his transformation is