Nicholas Rodriguez
Ms. Bryant
English IV/ Slot 2
24 September 2009
Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English and is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. Beowulf is a highly regarded piece of literature because it is the only epic left from the Anglo-Saxon era. The central theme of the epic surrounds the courageous actions of a heroic character, whose traits surpass the limits of human capability. The main character is a hero who proves his strength and courage by defeating mystical demons and beasts against the most impossible odds. Beowulf displays superhuman traits throughout the entire story which make him a model of perfection. Beowulf demonstrates he is a perfect Anglo-Saxon hero by exhibiting his superior strength, his courageousness in overcoming his struggles, and his widely known recognition.
Beowulf is considered the ultimate Anglo-Saxon hero due to his superior strength. Beowulf’s exceptional physique allows him to battle massive giants and evil monsters of the deep sea. For example, Beowulf depicts his confidence in his vigor when he proclaims:
“They have seen my strength for themselves
Have watched me rise from the darkness of war
Dripping with my enemies’ blood. I drove
Five great giants into chains, chased
All of that race from the earth” (Raffel line 151-55).
The people of Geatland and Denmark hold high admiration for his overlying power and audacity. They admire Beowulf because they, too, have the desire for similar characteristics. As the scop states, Beowulf is remarkably “[T]he strongest of the Geats- greater/ And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world.”(line 109-111) Furthermore, Beowulf relies solely on his strong physique to help him defeat his enemies. For a second time, Beowulf clearly shows his confidence in his might when he decides to battle the monster Grendel without any weapons. For instance, Beowulf explains to Hrothgar, “Too, that...