Beowulf: The Epic Poem
The epic poem, "Beowulf", describes the most heroic man of
the Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly
invincible person with all the extraordinary traits
required of a hero. He is able to use his super-human
physical strength and courage to put his people before
himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most
ferocious of beasts, but he never fears the threat of
death. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able
to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the
ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for
immortal glory and for the good of others.
Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through
his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous
battles and returned victorious from all but his last. In
his argument with Unferth, Beowulf explains the reason he
"lost" a simple swimming match with his youthful opponent
Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven
nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in
the depths of the ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to
kill the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the
Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by ripping off
his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is
seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her
by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that
can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When
he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with
ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to
Herot mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's
heroism.
Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his
peoples welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king of
the Geats, so he is sent as an emissary to help rid the
Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own life for
the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the
dangers, but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf
had served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years,
he goes to battle one last time to fight a horrible dragon
who is frightening all of his people. Beowulf is old and
tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his
people. Even in death he wished to secure safety for the
Geats, so a tall lighthouse is built in order to help the
people find their way back from sea.
The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not
afraid to die. He always explains his death wishes before
going into battle and requests to have any assets delivered
to his people. "And if death does take me, send the
hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance
I had from Hrehtel, and from Wayland. Fate will unwind as
it must! (18)" He is aware of the heroic paradox; he will
be glorified in life or death for his actions. He knows
that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel's
mother he will achieve immortality as the victor or the
loser. "When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I
already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good
will of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's
fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here
in this hall welcome my death! (22)" Even with the enormous
amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that
Fate or Wyrd will work its magic no matter what and he
could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that
reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or
a fatal outcome.
Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. His bravery
and strength surpass all mortal men; loyalty and the
ability to think of himself last makes him reveared by all.
Beowulf came openly and wholeheartedly to help the Danes
which was an unusual occurrence in a time of war and
wide-spread fear. He set a noble example for all human
beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and
friendship. Beowulf is most definitely an epic hero of epic
proportions
