Beowulf
Epic Hero or Not?
Is Beowulf a Epic hero?
A true hero does not fear death, but instead risks all for what he believes to be right. Beowulf is an epic hero and tells the story of a legendary hero. Heroes share similar characteristics, like the willingness to die in their effort to accomplish their heroic act, but his legacy lives on throughout the story/epic. Beowulf has demonstrated many of the qualities and characteristics needed to be a epic hero. Therefore Beowulf is a epic hero in many readers eyes, because he fought for a higher purpose, he exhibited superb bravery, and he never gave up.
Beowulf fought for a higher purpose
Beowulf is a hero, because he fought for a higher purpose. He volunteered himself to fight against Grendell. "He choose the mightest men he could find"(pg.42). To ultimately fight for a higher purpose.
Beowulf exhibited superb bravery
Beowulf is a hero, because he has exhibited superb bravery. Beowulf has arose out of many grim situations. " They have watched me rise from the darkness of war"(pg43). Beowulf has yet again prooved himself to come out of grim situations unfazed with his superb bravery.
Beowulf never gave up
Beowulf his a hero, because he never gives up. Like many heros, Beowulf did not give up when the odds were against him. " The monster wounds him in the neck. Wiglaf then strikes the dragon, and he and then he and Beowulf together have finally succeded killing the beast"(pg62). Beowulf even when severly injured fought through it and came out on top in the end.
Beowulf is a Epic Hero
Overall, Beowulf has exhibited many traits of a hero. Beowolf is a hero in many readers eyes, because he fought for a higher purpose, he exhibited superb bravery, and he never gave up. Therefore, a great hero.