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.
