Brandon Giltz

Beowulf essay
English 12
Beagle
Beowulf, The Image of the Epic Hero

More than in any other literary work in history, we find in the classic Anglo-Saxon tale Beowulf
the chronicles of an epic hero. The story follows the journey of the hero for which it is named as he
serves kings and countries for the purpose of God, gold, and above all else, glory. Because of these
things, the character Beowulf checks off on all the qualities of the archetypal epic hero. He is a
reflection of his culture's ideals, deep in bravery and in brawn, and strongly connected to the
supernatural.

Beowulf's values are hardly similar to those of most people in modern society, but instead he
places above all things bravery and honor, service to his countrymen, and strength. In proof of this, we
find in the text a brawny description of our hero: He was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty
and noble. That man called for a ship, said he would cross the ocean and help the king who needed
help. Wise men urged him to that adventure though he was dear to them. (Beowulf Comes to Herot)
Beowulf serves Hrothgar though he is not the king of his homeland. He offers his services with the
permission of his own king both in service and in hopes that his battles will bring him glory. Also,
upon approaching the gates of Herot hall, Hrothgar acknowledges him and his values for bravery,
loyalty, and brotherhood; these are the values of an epic hero: "I knew him when he was a boy. His
father is called Edgtheow. To that man Hrethel of the Geats gave his only daughter. Now his offspring
has come in bravery seeking a loyal friend. (Beowulf Comes to Herot) Whether in service to Hrothgar
or to Geatland, Beowulf lives his life in military service to greater power, and even dies in this service.

Beowulf's image is painted as that of a nearly super-human warrior, with a strong army and
strong arms: The brave one answered him, he of the proud Geats tribe, hard under his helmet: 'We are
Hygelac's table companions. Beowulf is my name. I will declare to the great lord, Healfdene's son, my
errand, if your prince will greet us.' (Beowulf Comes to Herot) In this passage, we see a gleaming
image of the strong, smart and upstanding warrior. This is the first description of him in the epic, as
well as his first dialogue. It is clear that even from the beginning, the poet wanted a bold picture
painted. It is undeniable that Beowulf shows the personality of an epic hero; from bravery to strength,
every aspect of him meets the definition.

Beowulf's conquests are of a nearly super-human nature. He is seen by Hrothgar and his men as
a blessing of God, and his glory is received accordingly. Hrothgar praises him after he defeats Grendel:
Now a warrior, through God's might, has performed a deed we, in our wisdom, could not contrive.
(The Speeches) Shortly after, he blesses even the woman who bore him. The woman who bore you,
Beowulf, if she yet lives, may say the Eternal Maker was kind in her child bearing. We can compare
this blessing of the mother to the way that Catholics bless the Mary, mother of Jesus, and judge
Beowulf character accordingly. The constant affirmation of Beowulf as a holy figure aligns him with
the archetypal definition of an epic hero as one connected with divinity.

We see without a doubt that Beowulf holds the character traits of a true epic hero. His character
is classic, his values are heroic, and Hrothgar's speech reveals divine connection. Scholars throughout

the centuries have used this same evidence, and as such, across the English-speaking world, Beowulf is
a go-to text to define the epic poem, and will continue to define it for the rest of history.