Most Heroic Of Traits Within Beowulf example essay topic

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. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of beasts, but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are superb, and he is even able to boast about his many outstanding achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for his own glory but most importantly for the good of others.

Through his amazing strength, Beowulf is idolized by his fellow men. He fights in numerous battles and returns victorious from all but his last. Beowulf is strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her in the ocean by slashing her neck with a giant's sword that can only 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's mead hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism. Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people's welfare before his own. Beowulf is summoned as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the wretched Grendel. The night when Grendel comes into the mead hall Beowulf risks one person's life to Grendel but only to Hedrick 2 see how Grendel works so he can save the rest of his men from death. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking help from no one.

He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die. He realizes that he will be glorified in life or death for his actions. He knows that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel's mother he will achieve immortality as the victor or the loser. Even with the enormous amount of confidence and supernatural strength Beowulf possesses, he understands that fate will work its magic no matter what, and he could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome.

Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. His bravery and strength surpass all mortal men. Loyalty and the ability to think of himself last makes him revered by all. 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 relaying the necessity of brotherhood and friendship. Beowulf is without a doubt an epic hero of epic proportions.