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An epic hero is someone who has superhuman qualities, who embodies the values of his society, and who is larger than life. This is also a good description of Beowulf. During his epic journey he displays many superhuman qualities. There is also examples of how he embodies the values of his society. He also I larger than life.
Beowulf shows his superhuman strength when he battles Grendel. As Grendel and Beowulf battle, Grendel slashes at Beowulf's chest, but it is protected by his mail shirt. Beowulf grabs Grendel's arms, pulls them behind his back and rips them off. Beowulf goes to the swamp and swims to the bottom of the lake. It takes him all day to get the bottom. He arrives at the cave where Grendel's mother dwells and they battle.
During the battle Beowulf's sword fails him, then he grabs a giants sword that no human can lift and kill Grendel's mother. He then cuts off Grendel's head and Grendel's blood melts the blade leaving only its hilt. He swims to the surface carrying the hilt and Grendel's head witch takes four men to carry. We see an example of his peoples values when he aids Hrothgar in fighting Grendel. Beowulf hears of Grendel's nasty deeds through tales he heard from sailors. He then gathers fourteen of his best men to fight Grendel.
When he seeks advice from his elder, they didnt disagree with his decision. He also fought with his bare hands, because his father once told him, Never put your sword were your feet would be afraid to go. Beowulf is considered larger that life when he ask that he doesnt receive any help from Hrothgar or his men. He basically told Hrothgar that he doesnt need any help because he is so strong.
He also request that if he dies, they shouldnt worry about sowing his death shroud. That is because if he is killed by Grendel there would not be anything left to bury. He knows that if he dies he wont get a Christen burial, but he still fought and defeated Grendel and his mother. He is larger than life because he faces a terrible enemy and death, still he fights and defeats evil. Beowulf is an epic hero because he is larger that life, embodies the value of his people and has superhuman qualities. He is larger than life because he fought Grendel with out help from Hrothgar.
He embodied the value of his people when he fought Grendel with out being asked by Hrothgar. His super human qualities are his ability to rip Grendel's arm off. He also swims to the bottom of the lake and kills grendel's mother. Bibliography:
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Research essay sample on Beowulf The Epic Hero
