Throughout the poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, the main protagonist, Beowulf, embodies the heroism, courage, and cleverness of a great epic hero in his battling against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Similar to profound figures like Odysseus, Hercules, and Aeneas, Beowulf demonstrates characteristics of bravery and virtue during his adventures in liberating Heorot from Grendel and slaying the dragon to protect Geatland. By examining Beowulf’s valor, nobility, and ultimate sacrifice when facing his opponents, one can argue that Beowulf’s character is the quintessential epic hero, embarking on perilous quests for the betterment of mankind. After learning about the terror Heorot was facing from Grendel, Beowulf voyaged with his men to Hrothgar’s kingdom, vowing to face Grendel and allowing God to decide who will be victorious in battle. In talking to Hrothgar, Beowulf boasted of his “...awesome strength,” and time when he “...battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes” (418-422). Right away, Beowulf established himself as a hero with his confidence and pride, and later that evening he went on to defeat Grendel, boldly holding up Grendel’s amputated arm with dignity. Beowulf accepted Hrothgar’s …show more content…
Exemplifying his fearlessness, Beowulf was “...indifferent to death” (1442), determined to battle Grendel’s mother for Hrothgar. When Hrunting failed Beowulf in the midst of the fighting, he resorted to using his hands. “So must a man do who intends to gain enduring glory in combat ” (1534-1536). However, Beowulf spotted a blade in the monster’s armory, and swung at Grendel’s mother, decapitating the beast. The quick-witted and clever hero illustrated his commitment to victory, for Beowulf stopped at nothing to defeat Grendel’s mother and avenge the fallen