In folktales, legends, mythology, and even the Bible, people are told stories of men with unimaginable strength. They perform heroic feats and give service to the people they love. In the Old English epic of Beowulf, by an unknown author, people are enlightened of another such hero. Beowulf, the main character of the epic, is very much an epic hero. Epic heroes are defined according to many parameters, but the two that most apply to Beowulf are supernatural powers and weapons and obstacles or heroic actions. .
Throughout the story, there is evidence of Beowulf's astounding strength and "war-gear". When Beowulf arrives at Heorot, the narrator describes him by saying, "Of living men he was the strongest, / Fearless and gallant and great of heart" (132-133). This passage articulates that Beowulf is stronger than any other man, and that his strength is supernatural. Later it also states that he has the "hand-grip" of thirty men. His strength is like many other famous legends like Hercules and Samson. They were heroes and Beowulf is no different from them. Beowulf receives many special weapons to aid him. During the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf discovers a sword among the extra gear. The narrator says, "Saw mid the war-gear a stately sword, / An ancient war-brand of biting edge, / Choicest of weapons worthy and strong, / The work of giants, a warrior's joy" (1046-1049). This mysterious weapon proves that Beowulf is an epic hero. It is conveniently there for him when he needs it most, and Fate, or God, often favors the hero of a story. It is also the only sword or weapon that will even harm the Troll-Wife. Beowulf is also aided by his chain mail armor. The narrator describes the scene when he says, "Swift she grappled and grasped the warrior / With horrid grip, but could work no harm, / No hurt to his body; the ring-locked byrny / Cloaked his life from her clutching claw; / Nor could she tear through the tempered mail" (996-1000).
Many Old English poems glorified a real or imaginary hero, and tried to teach the values of bravery. ... Beowulf was written in Old English as an epic poem. ... Beowulf was one of the most noble and moral epic heroes. ... Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. ... Beowulf is most definitely an epic hero of epic proportions, and a hero of the ages. ...
Braveheart is a classic action film that not only follows the epic hero cycle, but also has done much to define it. ... For example, an English soldier attempted to rape her. ... The English officials then executed her in front of the public. ... In the epic hero cycle it shows that at the start of the initiation phase, the hero finds himself trials that require him to prove himself. ... The epic hero cycle repeats many times throughout the fascinating movie. ...
Beowulf is an epic based on the Anglo Saxon time period. Consequently the Anglo Saxon period, is also know as Early English. ... Many of these characteristics are in the epic Beowulf. ... Anglo Saxons also believed in the concept of a hero. ... Being a hero shows many good characteristics. ...
This is also true of the epic tradition. In ancient epics, the hero traditionally represents that culture's ideals and appeals to the citizens on a personal level; however, as the epic tradition progresses, the author increasingly begins to use the hero and other central characters as a tool to promote his own agenda: to shape, and potentially change, the values of his society. ... Satan is a traditional hero as his qualities reflect the attributes valued in his society; however, Milton also suggests that these modern heroes should be questioned. ... Milton expresses his personal malconte...
In fact, 'Paradise Lost' has been attributed as one of the greatest epic poems ever composed in English literature; vividly bestowing the highest efforts of poetic genius. ... As far as the hero is concerned, it should be person of lofty stature; a gigantic figure of great cosmic importance. ... Not only the hero, but also his associates are expected to show heroic powers and abilities. ... However, Adam is a hero though not a warrior and conqueror, yet a noble figure justifying Shakespeare's words in Hamlet; "What a piece of work man is!" As in fact no hero can be g...
Jake Slade English 12 Epic Poem Essay Mrs. ... "(8) Also the scops would be sure to incorporate a larger than life, immortal human called an epic hero. These epic heroes would escape death on many occasions and perform outrageous acts of strength and agility. ... The story form, word choice, and description of an immortal human together make "Beowulf" an epic poem. ... Another passage from "Beowulf", "smashing their shinning swords, their bloody, hammer-forged blades into their bore-headed helmets, slashing and stabbing with the sharpest of points," is very brilliant because of...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. ... The images of Beowulf's manly armor shows how he is a larger than life epic hero. ... Fighting fierce battles against monsters is more proof of his epic heroism. ... Beowulf's battles are filled with imagery that describe him as an epic hero. ...
Beowulf is one of the most important works of Old English literature. The epic tells the story of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who saves the Danes from the monster known as Grendel, and also of his triumphs, fighting Grendel's mother and a Dragon. ... This idea of good vs. evil is portrayed in many ways, as we can see in the story's representation of evil, and the concept of the epic hero. ... In addition to the representation of evil, the concepts of the epic hero is also used throughout the epic to portray the idea of virtue vs. evil. ... In order to fully portra...
