Beowulf: Attributes Of An Epic Hero

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Beowulf, an Old English Anglo-Saxon hero, possessed all the attributes of an epic hero. In a life defined by warriorism, Beowulf had a goal of helping those who needed it the most. Written in the 11th century by an unknown author, Beowulf is considered the oldest known poem in Old English. It’s a classic evil vs good tale, divided into three acts. Each act is a puzzle piece, resulting in the final product, Beowulf the “hero of all heroes”. A figure that possesses inhuman strength, loyalty, courage and gratitude. We first get a glance of the tough road ahead for our hero to be, with the introduction of Grendel. “A foe in the hall-building: this horrible stranger Was Grendel entitled, the march-stepper famous Who dwelt in the moor-fens, the marsh and the fastness” (Hall …show more content…
In a cave deep under the murky swamp waters, a grieving mother plots her revenge. “His mother moreover Grendel’s mother comes to avenge her son. Eager and gloomy was anxious to go on Her mournful mission, mindful of vengeance For the death of her son. She came then to Heorot Where the Armor-Dane earlmen all through the building Were lying in slumber.” (Hall ll. 26). Grendel’s mother, although not as strong as her late son, was fueled by rage. Upon sneaking up to the mead-hall she stumbles upon a Dane. With precision and stealth, she murders the unfortunate Dane. This would turn out to be her only kill, as upon her entrance into the mead-hall she is over run by the startled Geatish warriors and flees to her home. Through the commotion she manages to swipe Grendel’s arm off the wall, robbing Beowulf of his trophy. This enrages our hero to be, and a new task is born. Long story short, our hero drives beneath the murky swamp waters, getting in a tussle with grendel's mother. Utilizing a nearby sword, he slays the mother and returned to the surface, trophy back in his hand. Let the celebrations continue as Beowulf has survived this second

Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf Project Block 3 Beowulf As An Epic Hero Beowulf was an extraordinary epic hero in his time. Epic heroes have many traits that others lack, among these are physical strength, bravery, and wisdom all attributes of Beowulf. It all started out with his family, they were fully christian and strong hearted about it. But also his father on the other hand "was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men" (175-176). Edgetho (his father) is where he got his strength from and learned…

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Herot Vs Beowulf

two versions of Beowulf there are many similarities, but also some captivating scenes that differ and alter the comprehension of Beowulf’s true qualities. The book portrays this brave man as a classic epic hero with outstanding courage and determination to obtain eternal glory. While the movie does identify his braveness and willpower to save Herot, in this film Beowulf becomes more realistic, showing signs of weakness when he surrenders to sinful actions, thus making him a tragic hero. In…

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Beowulf: Beowulf and Epic Hero Essay

Beowulf the Epic Hero Carmela Patriz Lagahit Ms.Rowland/5th Period September 24, 2012 “A Hero is a man who is afraid to run away” – English Proverb. In the epic poem Beowulf by the Beowulf Poet, the protagonist named Beowulf, illustrates the characteristics of a true epic hero by going on a long journey to slay a supernatural being. He also correctly emulates an epic hero by executing daring and courageous deeds that reflect the value of an era. Lastly, by performing actions that determine…

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Odysseus And Beowulf Analysis

have additionally educated viewers on the attributes that define a hero. Being the most renowned out of all literary works, the narratives centered around the heroic acts of Odysseus and Beowulf are notable exemplifications of these heroic qualities, as both characters idealize the elements of unity, loyalty, bravery, selflessness, and wisdom. However, as we can also see through the examination of our own modern heroic tales, the stories of Odysseus and Beowulf share…

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Role Of Heroism In Beowulf

Beowulf as an Epic Character There are certain aspects of epic poetry that transcend author and time period. The poems are long narratives and are written or spoken in a sophisticated style, often coupled with a repetitive meter. And while they are not pieces of prose, epics tell a story of heroism, where the protagonist is of national importance (Downes 2). A combination of style, plot, and character mesh together to define the unique genre of epic poetry. Beowulf, the eponymous hero of the story…

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Beowulf: Epic Hero Essay example

Beowulf: Epic Hero An epic hero, an Anglo-Saxon hero, a modern-day hero; A hero is is often defined by certain qualities, looked upon traits. We have heroes amongst our lives everyday, from saving a life to simply helping someone out. In the epic poem, “Beowulf”, Beowulf was the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The Anglo-Saxon code reflects much of the code of Chivalry, the code of the Samurai, to the modern-day code of just doing good. He embodied courage, honesty, loyalty, and much…

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Beowulf's Legacy

out of force, I read to understand points of view that change my world. One of these texts is Beowulf, the first piece of literature written in English by an unknown author. The epic poem chronicles Beowulf's heroic battles against the evil monster Grendel, his mother, and a mighty dragon. When he faces the dragon, he introspects on his life, showing his heroism, mortality, and legacy that define the epic poem. "Since I knew how to swing a sword, I've suffered much for the cause of the people. I…

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Literary Elements In Beowulf

help to describe and imagine the time, as well as moving the plot along. Beowulf is an epic that has all these literary elements in it. In Beowulf three of the prominent devices are kennings, allusions and symbols. Throughout the story kennings,word phrases that emphasize a character’s nature, describe the terrible monsters and the great warriors. Grendel, who is an evil beast, is described as “a prowler through the dark” (Beowulf line 86). This makes Grendel seem like a creepy and sly creature. It…

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Mr. Athletic Man Essay

The praised epic poem, “Beowulf”, is one of the first great heroic poem’s in English literature. The epic follows a courageous warrior named Beowulf throughout his young, adult life and into his old age. As a young man, Beowulf becomes a legendary hero when he saves the land of the Danes from the hellish creatures, Grendel and his mother. Later, after fifty years pass, Beowulf is an old man and a great king of the Geats. A monstrous dragon soon invades his peaceful kingdom and he defends his people…

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The Cid And Beowulf Comparison Essay

El Cid and Beowulf: Comparing the Heroes and the Epics What allows a story to live on through history? Perhaps the rarity and age of the texts inspire certain feelings of awe and desire for preservation. However, putting aside historical importance, the epic poems of Beowulf and The Song of the Cid have become so highly regarded in their countries of origin in large part due to the heroes that the poems immortalize. Both Rodrigo Diaz and Beowulf personify the ideals of bravery, honor, and goodness…

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