Beowulf

The epic poem "Beowulf" describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly unbeatable 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 all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.

An epic hero possesses some supernatural powers. Beowulf also has some supernatural powers. He is strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who

has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf, "Sword hammered by giants,Ð'....ordinary man could not fit"(486-488) . 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 (King of Danes) mead-hall, " Too heavy for fewer than four of them to handle" (565). This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism; moreover the Anglo Saxon characteristics of camitatus can also be seen in Beowulf as he is loyal to Herot by fulfilling the promise to kill Grendel.

Another great heroic trait can be found in Beowulf which is his ability putting his people's welfare before his own. In other words Beowulf's fate is tied to that of his people/nation.

Beowulf's uncle is king of the Geats so his uncle sends him as an emissary to help Danes to get rid of the evil Grendel. Beowulf not asking for help risks his own life for the wellbeing of Danes. He realizes the dangers on his way but fears nothing for his own life. Although Beowulf had served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to fight a horrible dragon that is frightening all of his people, "Then Beowulf rose, still