Beowulf cleanly fits the archetype of the epic hero. He has superhuman abilities in his extreme endurance, strength, and perseverance. He enters into a hero’s journey and eventually dies a symbolic death. Finally, he truly embodies the best of what society values. He exemplifies all of these traits throughout the epic as he leads his band of Geats to glory. Beowulf attempts to overcome seemingly impossible odds in a foreign, hostile world, and his epic hero traits interplay with this theme.
Impossible correctly describes Beowulf's abilities. Feats that he accomplishes could simply not be done by a mortal without some superhuman power. In the end, Beowulf dies but may be seen as immortal in that his legend lives on to this day. Beowulf uses his skill set to dispatch monster after monster in a world full of danger. The Danes once enjoyed halcyon days under Hrothgar, until Grendel ravaged their population and morale. Beowulf quickly ends Grendel by
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These threats eventually kill him, but in such a way that his death is symbolic. The steps of the quest clearly present themselves to the reader. Beowulf ventures to Heorot aiming to restore peace to the Danes. Almost immediately, Beowulf is thrust into conflict in this alien world when Grendel attacks. Beowulf deals with him and moves on to the next threat. Finally, Beowulf gains advice from Hrothgar and heeds it, ruling over the Geats for fifty years. However, his quest is not truly over. Yet another alien threat materializes; a fire-breathing dragon wreaks havoc on the land. Beowulf falters and realizes he will be defeated. Wiglaf aids him, and Beowulf deals the fatal blow before dying. Beowulf’s death reminds the reader that everyone is mortal. You must die, you will die, even if you are a ruler of otherworldly capabilities. This symbolic death is the struggle Beowulf cannot win. Death stops for him, and he cannot escape his