Beowulf: The Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf: The Epic Hero

Heroes are people of distinguished courage or skill, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities. They can make it through the toughest of trials, never looking back at the risks that they may face. To a typical man, the task of a hero is impossible to accomplish. Thats what sets Beowulf, the dauntless hero, apart from any other man (1294). He brings together the aspects of a hero with his ability to achieve goals that no one else would attempt, to speak with poise and eloquence, and use his super-human strength.

Beowulf has the ability to accomplish tasks that no one else can. He takes on missions from which most everyone else would run. He even defeats Grendel, a monster that was undefeated by all the most powerful men for Twelve winters time while the Scyldings had suffered woe (108-109). After Grendels death, Beowulf takes on the battle of slaying Grendels mother. She comes to the kingdom to get revenge on her sons death, and as with Grendel, Beowulf does away with her, and with one hard sword-stroke [he] severed [her] head, proving no match is too difficult for him (1070). Finally near the end of his life, he goes on his last mission to fight a fire-breathing dragon. He takes many men with him to aid in his battle, but they all give up and leave him because they let their fear overcome them. He continued to fight through the fear even though No sons of warriors aided him then / By valor in battle (1555-1556). Beowulf is meticulous in every job he takes on, and despite the opposition, he doesnt let his fear deter him from accomplishing the tasks that no one else can.

Thereafter, Beowulf exemplifies the ability to address his people and other leaders with polished confidence. On Beowulfs first conquest, he encounters a questioning coastguard. However, the guards probing is no challenge for Beowulf. He states, With loyal purpose we seek your lord, / The prince of your people, great Healfdenes son . . . and proves himself worthy to pass on his way (197-198). Later on Beowulfs trek to rid the mead-hall of the pesky brute, Grendel, Unferth verbally attacks him. Despite the challenge, Beowulf defends himself with much ease stating that he had more courage, / More strength in swimming than any other man, proving Unferth wrong and keeping his reputation firmly in tact (408-409). He also flaunts his articulacy when addressing Wiglaf at the very end of his life. While on his deathbed, he gives one final speech, For this goodly treasure whereon I gaze / I give my thanks to the Lord of all . . . / Such dower of riches before my death (1699-1703). He proves that even with his last breath, he can speak with the grace and the expressiveness of a noble speaker.

Furthermore, Beowulf demonstrates his unparalleled physical strength by performing undaunted tasks. When taunted by Unferth, Beowulf speaks of his vigor by asserting I had more courage, / More strength in swimming than any other man (408-409). In the battle with Grendel, the monster realized his strength was feeble and failing / In the crushing hold of Hygelacs thane (626-627). When Beowulf intended to kill Grendel, he required a sword suitable to kill the beast, one forged by giants, one So heavy no hand but his own could hold (1050). He demonstrates that even in the toughest trials, his immense strength drives him to triumph.

Beowulf exhibits distinguished courage and skill, and is admirable for his brave deeds and noble qualities. To become this alleged hero, he collaborates the qualities of achieving goals no other man would dare attempt, to speak with poise and eloquence, and utilize his vast strength. It is said Over all the world, or between the seas, / Or under the heaven, no hero was greater than Beowulf, thane of Hygelac, epic hero.