Literary Analysis Essay On Beowulf

Beowulf characterizes as an epic hero with his appearance, his supernatural strength, his courage, and his integrity. Beowulf’s first appearance in Beowulf is mighty and confident; as he and his army enter into the castle grounds. A spectator says, “Never before has a force under arms disembarked so openly-not bothering to ask if the sentries allowed them safe passage or the clan had consented. Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here” (Heaney 244-249). This imagery allows the reader to see how Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero just by a first introduction. On the outside Beowulf looks the part of a hero, but what is on the in side makes him epic. As a matter of fact, not only with his majestic …show more content…
They had seen me bolstered in the blood of enemies when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes” (418-422). Beowulf describes his strength as “awesome” in the above quote; every epic hero has a supernatural power and Beowulf’s power is superhuman strength. By way of example, his strength comes into play when Beowulf fights Grendel with his hands and not his sword, also showing how noble he is. Furthermore, as an epic hero Beowulf must not only have a supernatural ability, but also he must have courage to overcome countless challenges. Heaney expresses this in the line, “The man whose name was known for courage, the Great Leader, resolute in his helmet…” (340-341). This quote shows that Beowulf does not attain courage through his journey but is already known to have it. Additionally, with his indomitable appearance, strength and courage Beowulf extends his role as an epic hero with integrity. He says, “I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perished in the attempt, in the fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead hall” (Heaney