Heroic Epic Poetry: Beowulf

The epic poem, "Beowulf", describes the most heroic man of
the Anglo-Saxon times.

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.

The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly
invincible person with all the extraordinary traits
required of a hero.

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 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 the
ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for
immortal glory and for the good of others.

He fought in numerous
battles and returned victorious from all but his last.

He fought in numerous
battles and returned victorious from all but his last.

Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven
nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in
the depths of the ocean.

Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven
nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in
the depths of the ocean.

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 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.

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 is old and
tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his
people.

Beowulf is old and
tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his
people.

Beowulf is old and
tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his
people.

Even in death he wished to secure safety for the

He always explains his death wishes before
going into battle and requests to have any assets delivered
to his people.

"And if death does take me, send the
hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance

Fate will unwind as
it must!

"When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I
already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good
will of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's
fierce grip.

"When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I
already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good
will of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's
fierce grip.

(22)" Even with the enormous
amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that

He faces that
reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or
a fatal outcome.

He faces that
reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or
a fatal outcome.

His bravery
and strength surpass all mortal men; loyalty and the
ability to think of himself last makes him reveared by all.

He set a noble example for all human
beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and
friendship.