There are four characteristics of epic poetry. The first one is hero. Hero is a legendary figure who performs deeds requiring incredible courage and strength. Characteristic traits is the second one. A hero embodied character traits that reflect loyalty ideas. The third one is a formal diction and a serious tone. The poem also reflects on timeless values and universal themes which is the last one.
Beowulf most defiantly fits into the epic hero the most. Beowulf is the protagonist of the poem. He is a geatish hero who fights many monsters. He fought Grendel, …show more content…
The poem talks about both stages of his life, youth and age, and the fight with the monsters. As though both of these stages show how Beowulf was a hero, both stages show different meaning. Beowulf as a young and age hero shows him as an unfettered warrior. He was characterized by his feats of strength and courage. Beowulf shows his manners and values, and is proud of who is and what he has accomplished. In the beginning of the young age he matures little, as he gains the heroic qualities that he deserves. He then receives advice on how to act as a ruler even though, he will not be king for many years. The second stage of life is when he has matured. He gains the hero trait of being reliable. He is reliable to show that he can be king. Beowulf because very focused on his career and knows what he has to do to become that reliable king. Beowulf learned that he must act right for all of the people and not just for his own sake. As the end of the poem Beowulf becomes selfish. He does deserve to celebrate as a create hero and a leader, but should not leave his people empty