How To Be An Epic Hero In Beowulf

The elements of an epic poem contain a hero of legendary proportion, adventures of superhuman strength and valor, and involvement in the super natural. The story of Beowulf is a prime example because the main character, Beowulf, fulfills all the aspects necessary to identify an epic poem and hero. The qualities that an epic hero has are displayed in Beowulf by being a hero of great importance, having adventures of epic strength and valor, and being involved in defeating supernatural. There was a warrior, the strongest warrior of the Dark Ages. This warrior bled glory, and always wanted a fight to gain more. His name was Beowulf, and he is a hero of legendary proportion. In the story, there is a savage beast named Grendel who feeds on the people of Denmark. Once Beowulf hears of the news that is devastating Denmark’s King Hrothgar, he and his men leave Geatland and travel east. Beowulf defeats Grendel in the king’s longhouse along with his mother at the bottom of a lake teaming with sea serpents and monsters. This quest isn’t for an ordinary man, and Beowulf fulfills this aspect of being an epic hero.
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The strength of Beowulf is portrayed by his superhuman capabilities as he defeats monsters that are beyond human strength. He also requires superhuman abilities to bring them down. The monster of Denmark, Grendel, had a spell casted upon him that didn’t allow any soldier’s sword to harm him. Beowulf however, tore Grendel’s arm off with his bare hands and caused the savage beast to bleed out and die.
And the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder
Snapped, muscle and bone split
And broke. The battle was over, Beowulf
Had been granted new glory