Beowulf is an epic hero in the poem “Beowulf”

Question: ( 1 ) : Discuss Beowulf is an epic hero in the poem “Beowulf”.

            Answer: 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 for a hero. He is capable of using his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious 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 betterment of others.

            Beowulf comes as a rescuer of Hrothgar, the king of Danes. The great hall, Heorot, built by Hrothgar, is ravaged by Grendel. The monster has slain all who ventured to stay in the hall at night. Beowulf’s heroic heart is thrilled and his chivalrous spirit roused, as he hears the state of affairs at Heorot, his friend’s great all. He resolves to set Heorot free from the monster and with the help of some valiant Geats, crosses the sea and reaches Heorot. Beowulf swears boldly that he will slay Grendel. When the night comes, only Beowulf and his men are left in the hall to meet the formidable adversary. All these details definitely indicate two aspects in Beowulf’s character – his adventurous spirit and his undaunted courage. He is ready for any eventuality and fears no foe to establish his promise and protect the weak against the wicked.

            His strength and gallantry come out in his struggle with Grendel. As Grendel enters the hall, with his enormous strength, Beowulf readily challenges him. Although Grendel possesses the giant’s strength, Beowulf tears away his arm, and the fiend flees to the sea-cave only to die. His heroic strength is, thus, clearly established and the poem serves to emphasise this. In this portion, he represents fully the heroic spirit of a remote Heroic Age that valued gallantry and might above all other things.

            His heroism comes to the limelight further, as the vengeance of Grendel’s mother begins. She comes to take revenge of her son’s death, rushes to Heorot and kills one of Hrothgar’s dearest friends and bears away his dead body to her cave. When Beowulf is informed of this, he resolves to take vengeance. He tells his fiend with a heroic urge:  

“Better vengeance for a friend than too much of sorrow for him,

who can win honour let him do it

before he dies for that is best for him, when he is dead.”

This is truly the resolution of an inspired epic hero and Beowulf is an ideal Teutonic epic hero.

            Beowulf is determined that Grendel’s mother can never escape from him. He goes to her cave, triumphs over her and returns victoriously on the bloody sea bearing Grendel’s head. He, thus, becomes an epic hero in strength and performance, overpowering the dreadful foes with superb prowess.

            His heroism is, however, struck more prominently in the last part of the epic in his encounter with the dragon. Enraged by the ravage of his treasures by some Geats, that fierce, fire-breathing dragon begins to ransack Beowulf’s people and kingdom. The king is old but valorous still, and comes out to save his people from that terrible fiend. He has a gallant fight with the dragon, over-powered the foe, but himself received a fatal blow and died heroically. His death shows his greatness and establishes the heroic spirit of which he is made of. Here again he, in his heroic death, idealises the truly chivalric and heroic spirit of an age of heroism.

            Yet, the Teutonic hero in “Beowulf” is not merely a pagan hero and leader, a non-Christian prince of vigour and spirit. He is found to bear in plenty a good deal of Christian idealism. In his spirit of chivalry, dedication and self-sacrifice, this pagan sovereign attains the blessed virtue of Christianity.

             So it is apparent from the discussion that Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. His bravery and strength surpass all mortal men and all revere his loyalty. Beowulf came openly and wholeheartedly to help the Danes which was an unusual occurrence in a time of war and widespread fear. He sets a noble example for all human beings realising the necessity of brotherhood and friendship. Beowulf is most definitely an epic hero of epic proportions.