Beowulf

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. He is able to

use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people

before himself. 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 a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his

amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned

victorious from all but his last. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill

the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve

years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. 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 canonly be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When

he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it

takes four men to lift and carry it back to Herot mead-hall. 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's uncle is king of the Geats so he is

sent to help the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own

life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the dangers

but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had served his people

as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to

fight a horrible dragon who is frightening all of his people. Beowulf

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

Even in death he wished so secure safety for the Geats so a tall

lighthouse

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