Beowulf: The Epic Hero

Heroes are people of distinguished courage or skill, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities. They can make it through the toughest of trials, never looking back at the risks that they may face. To a typical man, the task of a hero is impossible to accomplish. That's what sets Beowulf, the "dauntless hero," apart from any other man (1294). He brings together the aspects of a hero with his ability to achieve goals that no one else would attempt, to speak with poise and eloquence, and use his super-human strength.

Beowulf has the ability to accomplish tasks that no one else can. He takes on missions from which most everyone else would run. He even defeats Grendel, a monster that was undefeated by all the most powerful men for "Twelve winters' time" while the "Scyldings had suffered woe" (108-109). After Grendel's death, Beowulf takes on the battle of slaying Grendel's mother. She comes to the kingdom to get revenge on her son's death, and as with Grendel, Beowulf does away with her, and with one "hard sword-stroke [he] severed [her] head," proving no match is too difficult for him (1070). Finally near the end of his life, he goes on his last mission to fight a fire-breathing dragon. He takes many men with him to aid in his battle, but they all give up and leave him because they let their fear overcome them. He continued to fight through the fear even though "No sons of warriors aided him then / By valor in battle" (1555-1556). Beowulf is meticulous in every job he takes on, and despite the opposition, he doesn't let his fear deter him from accomplishing the tasks that no one else can.

Thereafter, Beowulf exemplifies the ability to address his people and other leaders with polished confidence. On Beowulf's first conquest, he encounters a questioning coastguard. However, the guard's probing is no challenge for Beowulf. He states, "With loyal purpose we seek your lord, / The prince of your people, great Healfdene's son . . ." and proves himself worthy to pass on his way (197-198). Later on Beowulf's trek to rid the mead-hall of the pesky brute, Grendel, Unferth verbally attacks him. Despite the challenge, Beowulf defends himself with much ease stating that he "had more courage, / More strength in swimming than any other man," proving Unferth wrong and keeping his reputation firmly in tact (408-409). He also flaunts his articulacy when addressing Wiglaf at the very end of his life. While on his deathbed, he gives one final speech, "For this goodly treasure whereon I gaze / I give my thanks to the Lord of all . . . / Such dower of riches before my death" (1699-1703). He proves that even with his last breath, he can speak with the grace and the expressiveness of a noble speaker.

Furthermore, Beowulf demonstrates his unparalleled physical strength by performing undaunted