Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

Analysis of Beowulf as an Epic Hero The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sent down to Earth in its time of need by God’s hand. Beowulf, the main character in the epic poem Beowulf, is blessed with superhuman strength, a magical weapon only he can yield, as well as a fierce sense of loyalty to his people and an obligation to protect them no matter what the cost, earning him the rank of an epic hero. It is typical of an epic hero to be born with immense strength in order to fight off demons and thus protect his people, and Beowulf is no exception. As he is fighting the beast Grendel for the first time, Beowulf manages to defeat him single-handedly with no weapons, as if Grendel never even had a chance. From the moment Beowulf’s hands met with Grendel’s claws, the monster “Knew at once that nowhere on earth/ Had he met a man whose hands were harder” (l. 42-43). All through the battle, Beowulf kept his grip on the fiend whose jaws could snap any regular humans’ bones with a single bite, eventually ending up ripping Grendel’s arm off at the end of the skirmish. Only an epic hero could muster such a feat, and only him “…Of all the men on earth/ Was the strongest” (l. 80-81). Although Beowulf is blessed with great strength and can fight off demons with just his bare hands, an epic hero also must have a weapon he can call his own, which is why he has a magical sword only he can use to slay the beasts that threaten his homeland. In the battle with Grendel’s mom in her underwater lair, where things are looking bleak for the legend, he spots this sword