Beowulf

In reading the epic poem of Beowulf, the main character, Beowulf, has the

characteristics of an epic hero by showing skill and courage, enduring fame, and royal

responsibility. In the epic poem of Beowulf, Beowulf shows extraordinary and almost superficial skill and courage at the Slaying of Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Dragon. Due to the courageous slaying of the unwanted creatures, Beowulf also becomes accustomed to the idea of enduring fame. Beowulf also must accept the concept of protecting his people as a royal responsibility. The epic poem begins with the slaying of Grendel. In the slaying of the abnormally large creature, Beowulf shows portentous skills and courage.

Beowulf's shows extraordinary skill and courage. In the poem, Beowulf shows courage and skill by slaying Grendel without the use of a shield or sword. The reason why Beowulf decides to kill Grendel without the use of any armor is because Beowulf feels that he should have no advantages over Grendel. By conquering Grendel without any armor Beowulf proves to the people that he truly is courageous and skillful. The following quote shows the reader just how courageous he really is:

"I have heard, too, that the monster's scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I." (Line 261-264)

Beowulf also shows skill and courage when he defeats the The Mother of Grendel. After the killing of many Grendel in Herot, Beowulf is able to kill Grendel's Mom with the use of Hrunting. He defeats her with a thrust to the throat, which broke through the bone rings. Beowulf also shows skill and courage in the killing of the Dragon. In the slaying of the Dragon, Beowulf was willing to sacrifice his life so that the gruesome Dragon would be killed. Due to Beowulf's extraordinary skill and courage Beowulf shows royal responsibility.

Beowulf shows another characteristic by carrying out his royal

responsibilities. When the kingdom is given to him to govern, Beowulf realizes that it is his duty to govern and protect his people, for it is his royal responsibility. Even though he has aged when the dragon comes about, he has to protect his people for it is now a duty that he must subject to. Although Beowulf is fragile and old when the Dragon comes about, he realizes that he has repaid his people by killing the Dragon. Beowulf feels that he was given so much from his people and the killing of the dragon