Beowulf, Discuss the Concept of an Epic Hero
What is an epic hero? An epic hero is the main character of an epic, a long, narrative poem that relates the deeds of a superhuman hero (the epic hero) who embodies the values of a particular society. The Anglo-Saxon idea of an epic hero can be seen in the story of Beowulf. Beowulf possesses many of the traditional qualities of an epic hero. Beowulf tells of one of his deeds while talking to Unferth, “Lucky or not, nine was the number of sea-huge monsters I killed” (Beowulf 307-308). Beowulf exhibits qualities of an Anglo-Saxon epic hero in the areas of superhuman power, honor, and the embodiment of the values of the time.
Superhuman powers are not necessarily laser beams coming from a hero’s fingertips or x-ray vision. Beowulf possesses a superhuman power in the form of brute strength. This is noticeable by the fact that Beowulf is able to kill Grendel, a devilishly evil creature of the night who kills dozens of trained soldiers before Beowulf gets his shot at him:
The battle was over, Beowulf
Had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped,
But wounded as he was could flee to his den…
Only to die, to wait for the end
Of all his days.
(Beowulf 499-504)
Not only was Beowulf able to dispatch Grendel, but he then swam to the depths of the lake and battled Grendel’s mother to the death, “Her body fell to the floor, lifeless” (Beowulf 643-644). Beowulf is not a typical hero, but rather a more mundane hero, who’s only power is strength, and is bound by mortality.
Honor is a quality not easily achieved. Beowulf, however, has easily attained this trait, as he is respected for his great feats all over the lands described in the epic. King Hrothgar tells us that Beowulf has been victorious in many battles, “Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: let us toast your victories, and talk of the future” (Beowulf 223-224). Beowulf’s honor is also exhibited when he still fights the dragon, even after all but one of his comrades has fled “Quickly the dragon came at him…his brave and noble followers; they ran for their lives” (Beowulf 742-748). Honor is gained by repeated noble acts, and should not be sought after. Nor should the person talk it about who has it. Beowulf does not actually talk of his honor, but rather...