1 Morgan Shaw Mrs.

Stephens English III 13 September 2010 Beowulf: The Epic Hero The epic hero is an evident character in many international writings both dated and contemporary. When todays society thinks of the hero, many think of firefighters, soldiers, and other types of everyday heroes. However the characteristics of the epic hero often differ from our vision of the hero. Epic heroes are often descended from deities or royalty favored by the people of the time. They are usually favored by these figures as well. The time period of the epic often shapes the hero as well. For example, the Anglo-Saxons favored strength, wit, confidence, and honor. The epic heroes of the time often exemplified these characteristics. One of the most renowned and famous epic heroes of the time period was known as Beowulf. The story of Beowulf tells of a great epic hero who fought hideous monsters to save his people and neighboring peoples as well. Three of the characteristics that Beowulf had that made him one of these epic heroes was his strength, self-confidence, and loyalty. Beowulf was a mass of a man. He was said to have the strength of thirty in the grip of each hand (Heaney 380-81). He showed his massive strength when he battled Grendel. He was a huge, loathsome creature and Beowulfs grip was so strong that tore off the monsters arm (Heaney 815). These comparisons and deeds show how truly strong Beowulf was. This extreme strength is a common characteristic of the epic. Although they are supernatural, many Anglo-Saxons believed that this quality was the most important of all the other characteristics. They believed that whoever

2 brought home the most trophies was the most glorious and honorable. This value is shown by the respect he gained when he returned from Hrothgars kingdom. Another characteristic that Beowulf truly exemplified was his high self-confidence. Although he admitted before every battle he entered that the Divine Lord in His wisdom grant the glory to whichever side He sees fit (Heaney 685-87), he continuously went into battle with a high sense of confidence. Beowulf would constantly tell stories of past monsters he has defeated in order to prove himself to others. For example, Beowulf tells of [battling and bounding] five beasts (Heaney 420). Although these stories would seem like boasting to us today, his behavior was considered honorable in Anglo-Saxon society. To be able to brag about feats was considered aadmirable in their culture. Finally, loyalty was an important characteristic that Beowulf shares with the epic hero. He shows this especially when he presents Hygelac with the treasures and armor he received from Hrothgar. He says that It is still upon your grace that all favour depends (Heaney 2149-50). This shows that Beowulf has not forgotten his roots and who helped him to reach his status of fame in the kingdom. He thanks Hygelac with these treasures. Also Beowulf shows loyalty to Hrothgar by helping him defeat the Grendel and Grendels mother. Beowulf had the desire to heighten Hygelacs fame and gladden his heart (Heaney 435-6) and he did this by defeating the monsters. This shows once again Beowulfs deep loyalty for his king. Loyalty to the king was an extremely important part of Anglo-Saxon society. Beowulf shows this in truly epic proportions first by heightening his kings name and then gifting him with large amounts of gold, armor, and horses. Beowulf was strong, self-confident, and loyal and this made him a true epic hero. Although brute strength is no longer a desired characteristic among todays society, physical fitness is. It is admirable in contemporary culture to be fit and in good shape. Although Beowulfs boasting was

3 considered self-confidence and was admirable in Anglo-Saxon culture, people now see boasting as a sign of arrogance. This characteristic would most likely not be accepted today. However, loyalty to ones superior is considered an admirable trait in both todays society and Anglo-Saxon times. Even if loyalty in todays society doesnt include massive gifts of treasures and armor, people still show their loyalty by other simpler means.