Beowulf: The Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

The Anglo-Saxon character Beowulf, mightiest of the Danes, rivals the famous heroes of the Greeks. Beowulf is one of the oldest English literary heroes and was once well known by many people. Beowulf was written down in the 11th century, however the story is even older, but it was passed on orally. Throughout his story, Beowulf displays many of the characteristics of an epic hero. Beowulf slays legendary enemies, leaves home in search of fame and fortune, and displays hubris all of which three distinct characteristics of an epic hero.
Beowulf slays three demonic monsters during his saga. Correspondingly, one of the characteristics of an epic hero is that he “[h]as evenly-matched or even bigger opponents”(Johnson 19). Grendel, Grendel’s
Epic heroes “[have] human qualities (flaws and vulnerability), are mortal, and are not always successful.”(Johnson 16). Beowulf’s flaw is his hubris, he is definitely mortal and not exactly one-hundred percent in his battles. His greatest weakness and downfall was that, due to his immense pride, he sought no help from his companions. After Grendel flees, people came to Herot and they saw “[f]rom the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster’s /Arm, claw and shoulder and all”(357-358). Beowulf putting this deformed arm up on display can be attributed to his vanity. The arm strung up on display is symbolic of Beowulf’s zealous pride. Finally, as he is about to face his final nemesis “Beowulf uttered his final boast: /’I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought /In endless battles. I am old, now, /But I will fight again, seek fame still, /If the dragon hiding in his tower dares /To face me.’”(606-611). Beowulf thinking he can kill the dragon by himself was his ultimate folly. In this example Beowulf’s vain nature ends up being his downfall. Epic heroes have a fatal flaw and hubris is the most common, securing Beowulf’s place as an epic