Beowolf - the Ideal Epic Hero
- Date Submitted: 01/28/2010 06:28 AM
- Flesch-Kincaid Score: 65.6
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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...
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