Eng IV - Beowulf an Epic Hero

Alicia McIntosh

Ms. Peacock

English IV.

13 September 2011

Beowulf an Epic Hero

Beowulf was known as the epic hero in the poem, Beowulf. Although there were doubts after his declaration, he confirmed that they were just opinions, with his actions. He was a great warrior that protected Geatland by defeating both threats at the time. His story captures the momentum and spirit of what an epic hero is all about. These factors that concluded to this thought are that Beowulf portrayed characteristics that included bravery, significance and his dedication towards his quest.

Beowulf soon becomes a significance and glorified character throughout this epic poem because of his many achievements. After declaring that he will defeat Grendel many found him important seeing that that their lives depended on his duties. When it came to defeating Grendel every one of the Danish community praised Beowulf for protecting them. Many in the Dane land appreciated the fact that he was doing this so when it came to celebrating his win, they all participated thankfully. All of these contributed to the fact that he was significant to the Danes and they glorified him.

Beowulf was definitely on a quest from the point that he was introduced to the point that he fought Grendel's mother. He made it very clear that protecting them was his mission. Beowulf's first quest at the beginning was to fight Grendel and he completed that quest with a victory. Another example of his quest included the other battle of fighting Grendel's mother as a reaction to her attacking one of Hrothgar's relative. Although both of these obstacles were difficult Beowulf somehow made over both with simplicity. Beowulf was on a quest to win the hearts of the citizens in Denmark.

Beowulf risks his life a few times in the poem defending the citizens of Danes land / Denmark. These actions are proclaimed as bravery on Beowulf's part because of the fact that he fought these battles outside of his domain. For example, his fight with Grendel's mother took place underneath the water, he had doubts about this but he continued on his way towards victory. Another can be just the thought of him wanting to fight Grendel, when nobody else did, show that he was dedicated and brave.

There were many battles that had lead up to his stance in society and also the name that he made for himself. Although there was doubt from some with bigoted minds he still pulled through with dignity. Being a great warrior he shut off all opinions with his dedication and victorious actions leading to succession in his goals. At the end Beowulf was known as the epic hero based on these characteristics which included bravery, significance and the glorification of succeeding his declarations.