An Epic Hero is a Brave

An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. Beowulf was a perfect example of an epic hero because he was very loyal, brave, and hard-working. He was very good at everything and had many characteristics that made him an epic hero. Everyone looked up to Beowulf because he protected them. Everyone knew they could trust in Beowulf’s word because he was very trustworthy.

Beowulf was loyal to all of his supporters and all of his soldiers.

He never lied to those around him and always kept his word. Beowulf promised the geats that he would protect them from anything that ever came to harm them. I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again , seek fame still. (607-609, 52) This quote demonstrates how he promises to the men that he will protect them and keeps his word.

He fulfilled his promise when he defeated Grendel and his mother, bringing Grendel’s jeweled sword and Grendel’s mother’s head for proof. but all Beowulf took was Grendel’s head and the hilt of the giants’ Jeweled sword. (569-571, 50) This quote shows that he promised to protect the geats and shows them his loyalty when he defeated Grendel and his mother who tried to harm them. All the geats followed through with Beowulf’s plan for when Grendel attacked, helping them defeat Grendel.

The geats gave all their loyalty to Beowulf in return for his loyalty to them. Wiglaf’s mind was made up; he raised his yellow shield and drew his sword. (703-705, 54-55) This quote reveals that Beowulf earned his loyalty because he was loyal to them. If it wasn’t for the trust and loyalty to Beowulf, it would have been difficult for the geats to help Beowulf defeat Grendel. Loyalty is what made Beowulf the hero he was.

In order to be an epic hero, one has to be brave. Beowulf was the most brave and courageous hero there was. He was mainly known by everyone for his bravery. Retelling Beowulf’s bravery as they jogged along. (378-379, 44) This quote presents how many people discussed Beowulf’s bravery and that’s how he got fame. Beowulf always risked his life and put everyone else before him to save the geats. There were many times Beowulf risked his life to protect the geats with absolutely no fear, like when he fought against Grendel and his mother. Now Grendel and I are called together, and I’ve come. (159-160, 38) This quote illustrates that he is courageous and ready to fight Grendel with no fear. He fought hard against Grendel’s mother as she was filled with anger and hatred after Beowulf killed her son. Beowulf also risked his life to protect his geats, he fought against a powerful dragon.

Unfortunately, Beowulf was killed during this battle, but was proud of his accomplishments and proud for saving the geats and civilians. When Beowulf died, he was brave and never feared death at all. I can leave this life happy; I can die, here, knowing the lord of all life has never watched me wash my sword in blood born of my own family. (751-755, 56) This quote displays beowulf was not afraid of death but he was prepared for it and that takes a lot of bravery. Beowulf did as much as he could to protect those around him, and he died an epic hero for all his brave and courageous acts.

Lastly, Beowulf was very hard working. As Beowulf aged, he got tired and lost most of his strength. That didn’t stop him though from fighting and defending his people. Beowulf was promoted to a higher spot because of his hard work. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory. (340-341, 43) This quote expresses that Beowulf was granted things because he worked hard in battle. Beowulf worked so hard that he didn’t even need to use weapons in his battles. I’d use no sword, no weapon, if this beast could be killed without it, crushed to death like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn from limb to limb. (614-616, 52) This quote confirms that Grendel was so hard working and determined that he didn’t even have to use weapons.

He fought his hardest all the time, which is how he earned his fame and respect from those around him. Beowulf didn’t take advice from anyone else, he only followed his own plans. He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s answers; the heaving water covered him over. (450-452, 47) This quote explains that Beowulf didn’t wait to be told what to do, instead he did what he thought was best for himself. Many people looked up to Beowulf because of his dedication for fighting and his hard work. Beowulf worked hard to set an example to the geats, so that they could learn to work hard too. Beowulf will always be remembered for his hard work and dedication to protecting his people.

Beowulf will never be anything other than an epic hero. He was a fighting spirit who inspired the young soldiers around him. His characteristics are what keeps him remembered by people. I think Beowulf was a perfect example of an epic hero because he was very loyal, brave, and hard-working. The geats worshiped him because of all the wisdom and dedication he taught them. Everyone could trust in Beowulf because he always kept his word on things and never backed down.

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