An epic hero is a larger than life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. An epic hero is superhuman. He is braver, stronger, smarter, and cleverer than an ordinary person. Epic hero’s tend to be excellent leaders also who inspire many and take chances. Epic hero’s are great things for society and help build strong power in past civilizations as in Beowulf.
How do you become an epic hero? Beowulf was born into his powerful position from his father Ecgtheow, who is the brother of the Danish king Hygelac. Beowulf comes from the land of the Geats, a powerful country with a noble family that is represented in this story. As a young boy Beowulf made many accomplishments and did many great deeds to earn his noble position. Beowulf is a perfect example of a hero. He displays heroism in two phases which consist of youth and age and was also a great warrior in his youth. ”So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.” This represents the Danish kingdom and the power of there kings who had brought them up and ruled them into greatness.
Beowulf shows his strength in this epic poem as he is fighting Grendel when he rips his arm from the body of the monster. This example shows superhuman abilities which is represented in an epic hero. Another example of his strength is when he swam for hours to get to the bottom of the swamp to fight grendels mother and brought back with him Grendels head which was aid to take four men to lift. Beowulf displays other traits of an epic hero also such as bravery. After many soldiers had died fighting Grendel, Beowulf refuses to turn down the offer to fight this monster. Beowulf represents his land and will fight for the loyalty of his family and under the name of his homeland. ”And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behavior that's...