Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

The epic poem, Beowulf, depicts the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon measure. The hero, Beowulf, was an outstanding warrior with all the extraordinary values required by a hero. He was able to use his super-human physical speciality and courage to put his people before himself. He encountered terrifying monsters and the most ferocious of beasts, but he never feared the threat of death. His leadership skills were excellent and he was able to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf was the ultimate epic hero who risked his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others. Common traits of an Anglo-Saxon warrior were physical strength, leadership skills and heroic stoicism, which Beowulf demonstrated throughout this poem.     Beowulf was a hero in the eyes of his fop men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. One of those victorious battles, was the battle against G rendel, in which Beowulf fought against a monster that had killed many men. He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke (31.389). Beowulf showed his great strength by ripping Grendels arm with his bare hands, which would be impossible for a regular human to do. When Beowulf fought Grendels mother, who sought revenge for her sons death, he was able to belt down her as well. From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt, and then savage, now, angry and desperate, lifted it high over his head and laid low(p) with all the strength he had left(a)" (38.535). He was able to slay Grendels mother by slashing the monsters neck with a giants sword that could only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. After defeating Grendels mother, Beowulf decided to finish off Grendel by slashing the monsters neck with the giant sword. Then struck off his head with a single swift blow. The body jerked for the last time, then lay stil l (38.560). After Beowulf chopped off his head, he carried it from the sea to Herot mead-hall with ease. The head was so enormously heavy that it would take four men to lift and carry it.      Another trait of Beowulf was his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own. Heard how Grendel filled night with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that hed go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when he was needed (23.