Characteristics of the Epic Hero
1XM
As we read Beowulf, you will keep track of quotations that exhibit characteristics of epic poetry. For each
characteristic, find three examples from the poem. You must COPY down the quotation word-for-word from the
text. Remember that a quotation can be a phrase, a few words, a single line, etc. You must also include the line
number and page number for each quotation. After our reading, you will select a specific trait to explicate using
examples from the poem.
Name of literary work:
Beowulf
Culture represented:
Anglo-Saxon
Hero considered:
Beowulf
Characteristic
The hero is not only a warrior and a leader, but also a 1.
polished speaker who can address councils of
chieftains or elders with eloquence and confidence.
2.
3.
Example
Line/Page Numbers
The hero, often a demi-god, possesses distinctive
weapons of great size and power, often heirlooms or
presents from the gods.
1.
2.
3.
The hero must undertake a long, perilous journey,
often involving a descent into the Underworld,
which tests his endurance, courage, and cunning.
1.
2.
3.
Although his fellows may be great warriors or he
may have a comitatus, or group of noble followers
with whom he grew up, he undertakes a task that no
one else dare attempt.
1.
2.
3.
Whatever virtues his race most prizes, these the epic
hero possesses in abundance: bravery, boasting,
loyalty, war-like, vengeful, etc.
1.
2.
3.
The hero establishes his aristeia (nobility) through
single combat in superari a superiore, honor coming
from being vanquished by a superior foe. That is, a
hero gains little honor by slaying a lesser mortal, but
only by challenging heroes like himself or
adversaries of superhuman power
1.
2.
3.
Post Write-up Requirements
After reading Beowulf, select one of the criteria from your chart above. Then, write a 1 ½ to 2 page, TYPED explanation of how
Beowulf exhibits that epic hero characteristic in the poem and how those examples define his character in the poem. This is an
informal essay assignment to check your understanding of epic hero characteristics. Even though it is an informal writing assignment,
it still needs to be typed, spell-checked, edited, and revised as needed.
You must include:
 An introduction with a thesis statement in which you introduce your selected epic characteristic & opinion about how it defines
Beowulf’s character
 Three quotations—blended into your sentences
 MLA citations
 Works cited page for the anthology textbook
Use Slate Citation Machine for help with MLA.
Make sure the informal writing has an MLA heading, page numbers, title, and Works Cited page and is also typed in 12 pt. font Times
New Roman, double-spaced.
Rubric
Quotation log:
_____/ 30
Post Write-up:
- Format/ Following Directions
- Thesis Statement
- Quotations/ Blended/ Relevant
- Analysis of Beowulf’s Character
- Editing, revision, spelling, etc.
_____/ 10
_____/ 10
_____/ 20
_____/ 20
_____/ 10
FINAL GRADE:
_____/ 100