Qualities of an Epic HeroThe poem "Beowulf", of an unknown author, is set in the Anglo-Saxon Period, which starts in 449 and ends in 1485. In 449 the Germanic tribes, Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade England. In 1485, Ending the Anglo-Saxon period was the Norman invasion. This poem is set in Scandinavia between the sixth and seventh century. The three tribes in this poem are Geats, Danes, and Swedes. An epic hero, such as Beowulf, possess qualities of loyalty, bravery, and superhuman strength.Beowulf exhibits loyalty in the poem after he cuts Grendel's head off to s ...view middle of the document...
"Hail Hrothgar" (lines 220)! If Beowulf did not observe Hrothgar as a leader of the Danes then he would not have said, "Hail Hrothgar!", he might have just said, hello.Beowulf demonstrates bravery as he is ready to fight Grendel. For instance, "Out from the marsh, from the foot of the misty hills and bogs, bearing God's hatred, Grendel came, hoping to kill anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot" (lines 269-272). Beowulf still battles with Grendel even though he knows Grendel is out to kill any man he comes to face. After Beowulf hears stories of how evil Grendel is, he still sails across the sea to fight him. He hears how Grendel filled nights with horrow he commands a boat be filled to sail and proclaims to help the famous king Hrothgar (93-97). None of the Danes can defeat Grendel, and even after the stories he hears of, Beowulf still goes to fight him.Beowulf is able to lift and use the giant's sword with superhuman strength.An epic hero, such as Beowulf, possess the qualities of loyalty, bravery, and superhuman strength. Beowulf expresses loyalty towards Hrothgar even though he is not his own king. Beowulf exhibits bravery as he fights the monsters that nobody has been victorious fighting something of that caliber. Beowulf demonstrates superhuman strength when he defeats both monsters that threaten the kingdom.