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Khiry Bey
Mr. Chiumento and Mrs. Kull
English III
December 2, 2010
Heroic characteristics of Beowulf
Beowulf is an epic poem that was written in Olde English. The setting of the poem is in
Denmark 1500 years ago. The author of the story is unknown; however, the author is said to be a
Christian monk as it has Christian references. The epic hero in the story is Beowulf. The story is
about the young prince from Geatland trying to get respect by battling a monster that’s
terrorizing Denmark. The monster, Grendel has been terrorizing Denmark by eating up soldiers
at Herot Hall during the night when they’re asleep. There are many examples throughout the
book that proves Beowulf is an epic hero. He is loved by all of his countrymen because of his
many victorious battles. He also takes responsibility of others by volunteering to fight Grendel
and is considered to be the strongest in the world. Beowulf is an epic hero because he has
superhuman strength, is a strong and responsible leader, and is glorified.
The first characteristic that proves Beowulf is an epic hero is that he’s glorified. When
Unferth, Ecglaf’s son accused Beowulf of being a fool for risking his life, he had to tell the story
of the time when he battled many sea monsters during his swimming race with his friend Brecca.
(Lines 263-320) When Beowulf was given a feast at Herot Hall by Hrothgar, king of Denmark,
Welthow, the queen showed her appreciation by pouring a drink to his cup. (Lines 344-361) It’s
significant because the queen isn’t supposed to serve a drink, that’s a waiter’s job. After his wins
against Grendel and Grendel’s mother, when Beowulf was about to die after the battle against the
dragon, he told Wiglaf, one of his soldiers, to “have the brave Geats build me a tomb…so sailors
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can see this tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf’s tower, and boats in the
darkness and mist, crossing the sea, will know it.” (Lines 809-816) Beowulf wants to be
remembered after his death and how everyone traveling the sea will see his tomb and will know
about him. Being respected is glorified as a trait of an epic hero because Beowulf earned it by
fighting Grendel. The actions Beowulf has done has exemplify why he’s glorified.
Another trait Beowulf has is that he’s a responsible leader. Beowulf takes it upon himself
to gather up soldiers and “quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he’d go to that
famous king” to fight Grendel. (Lines 113-114) He also gave a pep talk to his soldiers before
fighting the dragon, trying to inspire his men into battle. (Lines 668-687) Beowulf can lead a
group of soldiers into battle against Grendel. Beowulf is shown to have leadership qualities and
skills by being assertive and taking action. He didn’t have to fight Grendel because it was
Hrothgar’s problem, but he did anyway. This shows that he’ll risk his own life for the lives of
others and that’s responsible.
The final attribute that shows Beowulf is an epic hero is that he has superhuman strength.
Beowulf is considered to be the strongest in the world. (Lines 410-411) He demonstrates that in
his battle against Grendel by ripping off the arm of Grendel. He also doesn’t show fear when he
went to battle Grendel and knew that fate was destined to bring both him and Grendel to battle.
During his sneak attack against Grendel, Beowulf wakes up after the monster snatches him up,
surprising him “and was instantly seized himself, claws bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one
arm.” (Lines 430-431) Beowulf is demonstrating his strength by escaping the strong death grip
of Grendel’s hand after he was snatched. There’s no way that a soldier, Dane or Geat, could’ve
escaped Grendel’s hand. Beowulf has strength and fearlessness that no other human being could
ever show.
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Beowulf exemplifies the epic hero because of his superhuman strength, leadership and is
respected by his countrymen. He earns the love and respect from others by risking his life to
defeat monsters. Beowulf showed leadership skills by leading them into battles against Grendel
and the Dragon. When no one had the strength and courage to fight Grendel or the Dragon, he
volunteers to fight the dreaded beast. There are other characteristics that made Beowulf an epic
hero; however, his leadership, strength and courage, and his significance are what an epic hero
is.