Beowolf – The Ideal Epic Hero Essay, Research Paper

The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the

Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person

with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. He is able to use his

super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before

himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of

beasts but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are

superb and he is even able to boast about all his

achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life

countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.

Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his

amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned

victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf

explains the reason he “lost” a simple swimming match with his youthful

opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven

nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the

ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who

has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by

ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, who is

seeking revenge on her son’s death, he is able to slay

her by slashing the monster’s neck with a Giant’s sword that can only be

lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he

carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry

it back to Herot mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf’s

heroism.

Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples

welfare before his own. Beowulf’s uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent

as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his

own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes

the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had

served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle

one last time to fight a horrible dragon who is frightening all

of his people. Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order

to protect his people. Even in death he wished so secure safety for the

Geats so a tall lighthouse is built in order to help the people find there

way back from sea.

The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to

die. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and

requests to have any assets delivered to his people. He is aware of the

heroic scenario; he will be glorified in life or death for his actions. He

knows that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel’s mother he

will achieve immortality as the victor or the loser. Even with the enormous

amount of confidence Beowulf

possesses, he understands that Fate or Wyrd will work its magic no

matter what and he could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that

reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a

fatal outcome.

Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. His bravery and

strength surpass all mortal men; loyalty and the ability to think of himself

last makes him reveared by all. Beowulf came openly and wholeheartedly

to help the Danes which was an unusual occurrence in a time of war and

wide-spread fear. He set a noble example for all human

beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and friendship. Beowulf is

most definitely an epic hero of epic proportions.