How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

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Beowulf: An Epic Hero During the Anglo-Saxon time period loyalty and bravery were necessary characteristics of a man. Within a world where survival was difficult only the strongest survived. Beowulf was a warrior who lived during this turbulent time. Monsters, warring armies, dragons, and creatures of the sea made life perilous. Society was looking for an epic hero. Beowulf became the answer to society's search. Strength, bravery, and risking his own life were three qualities that he withheld that made Beowulf an epic hero. Removing an arm of a dragon, decapitating with the swipe of a sword, and fighting a dragon are all things that require the strength of an epic hero. The fights that Beowulf encounters in order to protect his people involved…show more content…
Beowulf proves to be an epic hero when he decides to enter the battle against Grendel with no defense, he knew going in that he had the faith and that he would be protected, “Then he stepped to another still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws, grasped at a strong-hearted wakeful sleeper-And was instantly seized himself, claws Bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one arm,” (268-272) he was untouchable by the beast. He was able to defeat Grendel without a weapon just as he had promised. Within Beowulf's second encounter with a dragon, Grendel's mother, he sailed through the firey lake in which all are afraid of, “At night that lake Burns like a torch, No one knows its bottom, No wisdom reaches such depths.”(432-434) he went into the lake not knowing the outcome but was willing to jump into it and sail through. Beowulf encountered his last fight with a dragon but faced it with bravery. Old and not as prepared as he was for most battles, Beowulf still stood up to the dragon. Though the fight was not in his favor, he died with the dignity that he had done right for his people, he stood brave in all situations in which he

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