How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

Beowulf is the story of an epic hero who was no ordinary man by any means. He had to gain many qualities in order to become an epic hero. His story started when he took a jaunt to Hrothgar’s kingdom. Beowulf took this jaunt to help Hrothgar destroy a slovenly monster that had been killing his men for twelve consecutive years. The first characteristic that he showed was one of being on a quest to help Hrothgar get rid of the monster, Grendel “and quickly commanded a boat fitted out” (Beowulf 113). Beowulf and his men left the safety of their home to go to a much more dangerous place. The Anglo-Saxon Code of Conduct was upheld by Beowulf and his men for helping another king when he needed them the most, “Now when help was needed. / None of

During the Battle with Grendel, he started to show more and more characteristics that made him an epic hero. Beowulf showed that he had superhuman strength when he broke off Grendel’s arm “and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder / Snapped, muscle and bone split” (Beowulf 390-391). Beowulf did with his bare hands what no normal man could ever do that to a beast, like Grendel. Beowulf was significant and glorified by the people, after the battle because of his victory, that he brought safety to now that the evil monster was no longer alive. The Danes celebrated that night knowing Grendel was not going to hunt them ever

This fueled her to go back to the hall, where she killed Beowulf’s best friend. When Beowulf learned of the death of his best friend he went on another quest to kill Grendel’s mother in her lair “As his words ended / He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s / Answer...” (Beowulf 467-468). Beowulf did not need anyone’s approval for going to fight Grendel’s mother he knew it was the suitable thing to do. He was being ethical when he decided to leave his men behind knowing that they did not have all of the abilities he had. Beowulf said, “I will leave my men here with you (Hrothgar) they may have no leader once I go seek my vengeance” (Beowulf 455-456). In order for Beowulf to get to Grendel’s mother “he had to sink into dangerous water filled with bloodthirsty monsters for hours” (Beowulf 469). This showcased Beowulf’s superior power compared to normal men and the men he brought with him. Towards the end of the battle when all of Beowulf’s hopes were lost, he saw the only sword that can kill Grendel's mother. The sword, created by the world’s most slovenly monsters, was the only thing that could kill Grendel’s mother. By picking up this giant sword, he continued to show his superhuman abilities (Beowulf 534) With one swift motion of the sword, Beowulf cut off the head of Grendel’s mother, then he walked over to the body of Grendel and chopped his head