epic hero essay

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Epic Hero: Definition and Activities

Epic hero definition.

Protagonists come in many varieties. Some are relatable and easy to identify with. Others are constantly struggling and easy to sympathize with. An archetypal protagonist is the "epic hero", a main character with impressive superhuman capabilities who completes awe-inspiring deeds such as taking on a battle with superhuman foes. It was the Greeks who first defined the protagonist known as an epic hero. These heroes of a tragedy must evoke in the audience a sense of heroism through legendary, awe-inspiring lore. An epic hero must be someone whose fortune is brought about by his own admired characteristics. Many of the famous epic poetry, such as The Odyssey and The Iliad, contain these larger-than-life heroes and their deeds. King Arthur, Beowulf, Siegfried, Gilgamesh, and Rama are all examples of epic heroes.

What are the Characteristics of an Epic Hero?

The seven traits of an epic hero.

All epic heroes or epic characters have the same epic hero qualities. According to the epic literary definitions, these characteristics are as follows:

• Noble Birth: Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or god-like nobleman of some capacity.
• Superhuman Abilities: The skilled warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes, e.g. cunning, bravery, humility, wisdom, virtue, making them seem to have superhuman abilities and superhuman strength.
• Vast Traveler: Known for making travels to another world or going on a perilous journey to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil.
• Unmatched Warrior: Typically has a reputation for being a larger than life figure, even prior to the beginning of the story.
• Cultural Legend: Before an epic hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture.
• Humility: The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory and they demonstrate humility. Heroes that boast, or exhibit hubris may be punished and humbled.
• Battles Supernatural Creatures: The superhuman foes and obstacles he faces are usually supernatural beings, e.g. Grendel, Poseidon, or a cyclops.

Epic Hero Examples

Most epic heroes are larger-than-life, possess heroic qualities, and embody the values of their culture. Here are some examples of epic heroes:

• Beowulf: The protagonist of the Old English epic poem "Beowulf." He is a warrior who fights against monsters and becomes a king.
• Odysseus: The central figure of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey." He is a Greek hero who faces many challenges on his journey home from the Trojan War and has all the traits of an epic hero.
• Gilgamesh: The protagonist of the Mesopotamian epic poem "Epic of Gilgamesh." He is a powerful king who embarks on a quest for eternal life.
• Achilles: From Homer's epic poem "The Iliad", the hero Achilles is known for his incredible strength and is considered the greatest warrior of his time.
• Arjuna: From the Hindu epic "Mahabharata", he is a skilled archer and warrior who must face a moral dilemma before a great battle.
• King Arthur: This legend was the king of Britain who appears in many medieval tales and romances. He is known for his bravery, his sense of justice, and his wise leadership.

These are just a few examples of epic heroes from different cultures and time periods.

Why Teach Students About Epic Heroes?

Epic heroes are often taught in literature and history classes for a variety of reasons. Here are a few possible reasons:

• Cultural Significance: Epic heroes often come from ancient cultures and societies that are no longer in existence. Studying epic heroes allows us to gain insight into these cultures and the values they held dear.
• Literary Analysis: Epic heroes are often the protagonists of epic poems or narratives, which are significant literary works in their own right. By studying epic heroes, we can learn about literary techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and characterization.
• Moral Lessons: Epic heroes often embody certain virtues such as courage, loyalty, and perseverance. By studying their stories, we can learn valuable moral lessons and apply them to our own lives.
• Historical Context: Many epic heroes are based on real historical figures or events. Studying them can give us a better understanding of the historical context in which they lived.

Overall, the study of epic heroes can help us gain a deeper understanding of literature, history, and the human condition.

How to Teach Students About Epic Heroes

Introduce the concept of epic heroes.

Start by defining what an epic hero is and provide some epic hero examples from literature or mythology. Explain the traits of an epic hero that make a hero "epic," such as strength, courage, intelligence, and noble qualities.

Read and Analyze Epic Poems or Stories

Choose an epic poem or story such as Beowulf , The Iliad , or The Odyssey , and read it with your students. Encourage them to take notes and analyze the story as they read. Discuss the themes, characters, and plot of the epic, and how they relate to the hero's journey.

Analyze the Hero's Journey

The hero's journey is a common theme in epic literature. Discuss the stages of the hero's journey, such as the call to adventure, the initiation, the challenges faced, and the return home. Have students identify these stages in the epic story they read.

Compare and Contrast Epic Heroes

Have students compare and contrast different epic heroes from different stories. This can be done through group discussions, class debates, or individual essays. Encourage them to analyze the similarities and differences between the heroes and their journeys.

Create your Own Epic Hero

Ask students to create their own epic hero, complete with their own journey, challenges, and character traits. Have them present their hero to the class and explain why they chose certain qualities and characteristics.

Overall, teaching about epic heroes can be a fun and interactive way to engage students with literature and mythology. By analyzing epic poems and stories and creating their own heroes, students can develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the hero's journey. Check out our sample lesson below!

Example Epic Hero Lesson Plan

Overview of the lesson.

What is an epic hero and how do I know who they are? Teach students the literary device and ask them to think deeply about their attributes and how they affect the work as a whole.

Time: 45 Minutes

Grade Level: 8-12

Lesson Specific Essential Questions

• What are the characteristics of someone who has an extensive reputation?
• Can you distinguish an epic hero from a typical character in a work of literature?
• What do we learn from the virtues of an epic hero?

Students will be able to define epic hero, list epic heroes from works of literature, film, or television, and take away the effects of an epic hero on plot.

What students should know and be able to do before starting this lesson: Students should be able to list heroes and villains from popular works of literature or movies and television.

Instructional Materials/Resources/Tools

• Before: Epic Hero Activator Worksheet
• During: Elements of an Epic Hero Template
• Example/After: Odysseus Epic Hero
• Access to Storyboard That

Instructional Tips/Strategies/Suggestions for Teacher

Be specific when asking students to create a storyboard that shows the qualities of an Epic Hero. Make sure that students include an explanation of each attribute as well as a quote that backs up their claim. If they are doing this as a project, having the students download their storyboards to a PowerPoint is a perfect way for them to present an explanation of each cell.

Lesson Details/Procedure

Lesson opening.

Activator: Students will be given Epic Hero Activator Worksheet and instructed to fill in the boxes to the best of their ability. If students cannot fill in Box 3 (List Epic Heroes) then tell them that they may leave it blank. After five minutes ask students to compare lists with someone sitting near them. Then ask each pair to say one hero or villain out loud and make a list on the board. Once that is complete, ask them why they know the lists on the board are heroes or villains? As a class, come up with definitions for each and a list of attributes they possess.

During the Lesson

Teaching the term: Next, ask all students if anyone had prior knowledge and knew what an epic hero is or if anyone has a guess or list of this type of character. If they did, write down on the board what they give for an answer. If no one knows, begin to front-load the term. After giving students the definition, ask them to think of characters from movie, TV, and literature that they think would fall in this category and make a list. Repeat with a think, pair, share and make a list of characters and a list of attributes.

Lesson Closing

Defining the term: After students have come up with a list of attributes that they believe an epic hero possesses, go over definition and characteristics of a hero. Ask students to fill out and keep track of the attributes that make the protagonist of your work an epic hero by writing in the answers to Elements of an Epic Hero Template.

Lesson Extension

After students have finished reading the novel/play, reinforce this lesson by asking them to complete their storyboard that shows each attribute using a scene and quote from the text. This lesson extension coupled with a slide show presentation will help students master the concept of the epic hero.

Add a Presentation

Students can be assessed after their final storyboard project is completed and presented.

Related Activities

Check out these epic hero activities from our guides on Greek Mythology: The 12 Labors of Hercules , Divergent , and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky .

How to Identify Archetypal Patterns in Epic Hero Stories

Understand archetypal patterns.

Introduce the concept of archetypal patterns to students, explaining that they are recurring themes, symbols, or narrative structures that appear across different stories and cultures. Discuss the significance of archetypes in understanding the deeper meanings and universal elements of epic hero stories.

Study Epic Hero Characteristics

Teach students about the characteristics of an epic hero, such as extraordinary abilities, noble qualities, and a transformative journey. Help them recognize these key traits that define an epic hero and differentiate them from other types of heroes.

Identify Hero's Call to Adventure

Guide students to identify the hero's call to adventure, which marks the beginning of the epic hero's journey. Help them recognize the moment when the hero is summoned or motivated to embark on a quest or undertake a significant task.

Analyze Mentorship and Supernatural Aid

Explore the presence of mentorship and supernatural aid in epic hero stories. Help students identify the wise mentor figures who guide and assist the hero throughout their journey. Discuss the role of supernatural elements or assistance that aid the hero in overcoming challenges.

Examine Challenges and Ordeals

Guide students to examine the challenges and ordeals the epic hero faces on their journey. Help them recognize the trials, conflicts, and obstacles that the hero must overcome to achieve their goal or fulfill their quest. Discuss the significance of these challenges in the hero's growth and development.

Evaluate the Hero's Transformation and Return

Encourage students to evaluate the hero's transformation and return. Help them analyze how the hero undergoes personal growth, acquires new knowledge or skills, and returns to their community or ordinary life with a greater understanding or a boon to share. Discuss the impact of the hero's journey on their character and the world around them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Epic Heroes

What is an epic hero.

The epic hero meaning is a character in literature or mythology who is larger than life and possesses heroic qualities such as courage, strength, wisdom, and cunning. Epic heroes are often the central figures in an epic hero story or an epic poem, and are typically portrayed as being on a quest or journey to accomplish a great feat or to save their people.

What makes an epic hero a hero?

What makes an epic hero a hero is their ability to demonstrate extraordinary feats of bravery, wisdom, and strength in the face of great adversity. The epic hero archetype embodies the virtues of their culture, serve as role models for others, and often exhibit a strong sense of honor and self-sacrifice.

What are the 9 characteristics of an epic hero?

The nine epic hero characteristics are:

• The epic hero at any heroic age is a leader in some way.
• Oftentimes the epic hero is a demi-god or has a weapon that has godlike powers.
• Epic heroes take on a test of courage, skill, and strength.
• Willingness to take on challenges that no one else is willing to take on.
• Epic heroes must prove themselves by taking on a foe or challenge that is greater than the hero.
• Epic heroes show excellence, courage, and strength.
• These heroes have a great deal of cultural abilities and qualities.
• Engages in a final battle with the antagonist/supernatural creatures.
• Epic heroes have a fatal flaw of some sort that show their humility and relatability.

What is the difference between a hero and an epic hero?

The difference between a hero and an epic hero is that epic heroes are larger-than-life figures who embody the virtues of their culture and serve as a symbol of that culture's ideals. While a hero may also possess admirable qualities, they are often more relatable and human than an epic hero, who is typically portrayed as almost godlike in their abilities and accomplishments.

What is an example of an epic hero?

Perhaps the most well known on the epic heroes list is Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey." Odysseus is a noble and courageous warrior who embarks on a long and perilous journey home after fighting in the Trojan War. He faces many obstacles, including battles with mythical creatures and the wrath of the gods, but ultimately succeeds in returning to his homeland and reclaiming his throne. Odysseus embodies the qualities of bravery, cunning, and wisdom that are highly valued in ancient Greek culture, making him a classic example of an epic hero.

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Home Essay Samples Literature Odysseus

The Epic Journey: How Is Odysseus an Epic Hero

Table of contents, heroic birth and lineage, extraordinary intelligence and cunning, strength and courage, long and perilous journey, humanity and flaws, reunion and redemption, references:.

• Homer. (8th century BCE). The Odyssey.
• Nagy, G. (1999). The Epic Hero. JHU Press.
• Griffin, J. (2005). Homer: The Odyssey. Cambridge University Press.
• Mitchell, A. (2013). An Introduction to Homer. Oxford University Press.
• Finkelberg, M. (2013). The Odyssey and Ancient Art. Oxford University Press.

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Beowulf Epic Hero Essay | Essay on Beowulf Epic Hero for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Beowulf Epic Hero Essay:  One of the most epic works of English is the poem Beowulf, which is about a very heroic man in the Anglo Saxon period. Beowulf is an epic tale about the accomplishments of the hero ‘Beowulf’ made as a warrior and a king.

Readers and audience appreciate epic heroes because of their characteristics like bravery, strength, nobility, worldliness, fighting skills, and heroism in general.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Beowulf Epic Hero for Students and Kids in English

We are providing students with a sample long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Beowulf Epic Hero for reference.

Long Essay on Beowulf Epic Hero 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Beowulf Epic Hero is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

There are some specific characteristics that one should embody before being called an epic hero. And the poem Beowulf is about one such epic hero of the same name. In the poem, Beowulf suggests that he could become a fantastic person by putting other things before his necessities. Others consider Beowulf to be a solid, helpful and courageous individual, which is why he can be called a genuine hero.

Epic heroes are viewed as superhuman characters because of the great and rare qualities they possess. Some admirable values that society believes epic heroes should possess are strength, courage, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Throughout the poem, Beowulf’s energy, courageous characters and fearlessness was very evident. Beowulf possesses characteristics of an epic conqueror which can lead by his bravery, performance of skills, royal duty and durable reputation. Beowulf becomes familiar with the idea of being famous because he was able to defeat and bravely kill Grendel and his mother and also the Dragon.

Beowulf considered defending his people as and imperial responsibility as a model. The beginning of him as an epic hero is when he showed his epic skills and bravery in defeating Grendel. Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel without any body armour and sword, which is a prove to his people that he is clever and courageous. While fighting the epic battle with the Dragon, Beowulf was more than willing to give up his own life to slaughter the Dragon and protect his people. Beowulf was famous amongst his people for his bravery, but he was looking for a quest and more fame. Beowulf’s power allowed him to control the fight, but it also made him arrogant.

Beowulf’s honour surpasses the average person’s and his words and actions show for it. Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel and his mother, the Troll wife because he was self-assured. Beowulf felt no fear even when his enemy overpowered him; he was confident in fighting the Dragon alone. According to the Anglo-Saxons, Beowulf can be considered an epic hero and a model human as he consistently demonstrates several characteristics such as leadership, glory, physical superiority, bravery and honour. Beowulf knew that he was not that young man with immense strength when he was fighting the Dragon, but that didn’t stop him from fighting even when Beowulf knew he wouldn’t be able to defeat the Dragon.

At the end of the poem, the people from Beowulf’s kingdom are upset, and they promised that his kingdom will always remember and respect him as an epic hero; this shows how much people respected and loved him during his time which is a major trait of an epic hero. Beowulf demonstrates his ability and courage to his people, along with his force and survival skills by slaughtering Grendel and the Dragon.

Even when Beowulf knew that at the end of his battle with the Dragon, he would possibly die, his royal duty as the king of his kingdom motivates him to keep on fighting the Dragon.

Short Essay on Beowulf Epic Hero 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Beowulf Epic Hero is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The heroic characteristics during the Anglo-Saxon times were possessed by Beowulf, the main protagonist of the poem of the same name, which made him an epic hero. Beowulf values other things before his own needs which shows that he is a great man.

Beowulf, like all other epic heroes, owns the heroic qualities like intelligence, superhumans like strength, great bravery and resourcefulness. The epic heroes have strong esteem for the values of their society, and they usually suffer severe pain, but in the end, they gain a victory from any battle just like Beowulf did. Beowulf’s strength, fearlessness and courage are the evidence that has courageous traits. Another heroic trait of Beowulf was his ability to put his people’s well-being before his own and abide his royal duties. He risks his own life for his society when he decides to kill the Dragon for his people. Through all his grand adventures, he proved that he is truly an epic hero due to which his people hailed him.

10 Lines on Beowulf Epic Hero in English

• Beowulf is a poem which glorifies the Anglo-Saxon concept of heroism.
• The leading heroic character of the Beowulf poem is Beowulf himself.
• Beowulf appears as a hero who is strong, noble, mighty and bold.
• Beowulf is a legend in his era, and he is very loyal to his leader Hygelac.
• Beowulf’s heroic traits, combined with wisdom and power, gave him an upper hand while fighting his enemies.
• Beowulf used his strengths and powers to maintain peace, avenge wrongs and restore order.
• Beowulf was able to become a king based on the heroic traits he possessed.
• Beowulf readily threw his life on the line to protect his people even when he knew he might die in the battle.
• All the people around him respected his qualities due to which they promised even after his death to remember him as an epic hero.
• Beowulf’s heroic regulations required him to reply to every test of bravery and to remain a hero to the end.

FAQ’s on Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

Question 1.   What can be considered as Beowulf’s weakness?

Answer: The weakness possessed by Beowulf is his pride and ego, which makes him accept challenges alone quite unwisely.

Question 2.  What sort of hero is Beowulf?

Answer: Beowulf is a hero who can defeat all the evil creatures in his times. The praises and encounters reveal Beowulf as the most powerful and strongest warrior of that time.

Question 3. How was Beowulf praised?

Answer: Beowulf is praised as a hero with a long tenure as a king who follows the warrior code of values. He acts as the society dictates him by slaying what is seemingly destroying society.

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Heroism in the Odyssey: Through the Epic Hero Odysseus

However, as you continue to read on and discover more about the story, you may think otherwise. Find out how the different characters in the Odyssey displayed heroism in almost all aspects as a person and human beings.

What Makes an Epic Hero?

An epic hero refers to the main character in an epic who displays heroic deeds throughout the story. Being a hero indeed differs for each individual, whether in the real world or in a fictitious one. For some, being a hero means undergoing and winning many battles in life.

For others, it could mean sacrificing one’s life for your loved ones. Or even from a third perspective, some believe that being a hero means being favored by gods and goddesses, which makes all undertakings simpler and easier.

How To Become a Hero?

How a person becomes a hero may challenge different ideas and opinions. Still, one thing is for sure; a hero is worthy of emulation among his audience and followers in whatever situation they may find themselves in.

Heroism can be viewed from various lenses; however, they all contain one commonality. The character must be able to surpass all the challenges and do heroic deeds. To be acclaimed as a hero is not enough; one must display courage, strength, bravery, and intelligence, among other characteristics, to be able to accomplish gigantic tasks and exceed expectations.

The Odyssey, Heroism of a Lifetime

Epics like the Iliad and Odyssey , as an enduring type of literature, have their definitive characteristics. The most prominent is the presence of an epic hero. In an epic, the heroes and their mighty deeds are celebrated throughout the writings.

Equally famous and still widely read today is the Odyssey, a 24-part book of long narrative poems that described the experiences and exploits of the main Greek hero Odysseus.

Tired and weary from having participated in the notorious Trojan War, one would expect that providence would be kind to this weary soldier and let him go straight home, but by the power of gods in heaven, it wasn’t that easy. Odysseus went on a ten-year journey toward his home: the kingdom of Ithaca. Hence, the long tale of this epic begins.

Originally believed to have been written by a blind Greek writer, Homer, many concede that the modern copy being read today has already undergone a lot of changes.

A sequel to the Iliad by the same author, The Odyssey influenced how the world looked at the ancient Greeks: their history, mythologies, legends, and epics.

The All-time Epic Hero

The Odyssey is a hero essay for Odysseus. One could never imagine the extent of his struggles as he is being kept separated from his loved ones after joining a war he didn’t want to fight. As he was traveling towards his home, Ithaca, he faced many circumstances that brought out his very nature as a human being.

Some of the challenges he underwent during his journey showed how brave he was. For example, he passed the impassable strait that was the lair of Scylla and Charybdis. He even confronted and blinded the one-eyed giant Polyphemus. In the cyclops’ island, his obedience was tested; he did not touch the favorite cattle of the sun god Helios. However, his men did not follow suit.

As a human being, Odysseus was not perfect. There were times that he let his greed overcome the better part of him. For a year, he lived languidly in the arms of the bewitching Circe. Luckily, after a year, his men were able to knock some sense into their great leader.

All throughout his travels, Odysseus was able to face his fears and his ultimate enemy, himself. He started as a selfish person, with excessive hubris. Yet in the end, he was able to change into a better version of himself without losing his particular endowments: his intelligence, reflectiveness, patience, and great command and leadership.

He was able to use these personal skills to overcome different challenges. These skills were very useful as our main hero achieved atonement in The Odyssey when, after the long, arduous, and treacherous journey home, he was reunited once again with the love of his life, who waited patiently for him, along with his son.

Other Examples of Heroism in the Odyssey

There are many examples of heroism in the Odyssey, as shown by other great  characters. If one is ingenious enough to decipher the different struggles overcome by Penelope, Agamemnon, Achilles, and Hercules, you would discover that these characters, too, are heroes in their own right.

It is widely accepted that great literature survived the test of times not only because of the magnificent stories being told, but most of all because of the lessons it teaches us, mortals, who despite our frailties continuously seek ways to better ourselves. The Odyssey  gave us lessons in love, war, trust, and other valiant endeavors by the characters.

Indeed, the Odyssey is not only a work of art but a masterpiece that shows how ordinary human being can also become heroes.

The Heroic Wife: Penelope

Aside from Odysseus, another person who was revealed to be the hero in this epic was his wife, Penelope. Penelope in the Odyssey surely fits the bill of the hero, and many literary scholars even argued that it was really Penelope who was the main hero of The Odyssey rather than Odysseus.

The wife of Odysseus is beautiful in appearance. Although her face did not launch a thousand ships, unlike her sister Helen, Penelope has a charm of her own. She had a quite large number of suitors vying for her attention before Odysseus. All the more pressure was placed on her to remarry while she waited patiently for the return of her husband for ten long years.

Her strength shown through her patience is quite remarkable. Entertaining different males who all expressed their interest, she acted with grace and confidence. This could not have been easily achieved had Penelope been a clingy weak female stereotypically found in most pieces of literature.

Others would say that like any other human being, Penelope was bound to be tempted. However, even if she was, she was able to fight that temptation, thus making her stronger and more courageous.

Another heroic ability Penelope had was her intelligence. To avoid upfront obligations, she was able to pacify her suitors with the idea of her remarrying after she finishes knitting a shroud, with which she cleverly procrastinated until the return of her husband.

Last but not least was her ability to love. Her undying love and loyalty to Odysseus had withstood the many battles she and her husband encountered. True love indeed waits. After decades, she was reunited with the man she loved the most, her husband.

Heroes in the Underworld

In one of his travels, Odysseus traversed the underworld of the Cimmerians and looked for Tiresias, the blind prophet, who could tell Odysseus how to get home to Ithaca. While in the underworld, he met several souls of known heroes: Achilles, Agamemnon, and even Hercules.

Although they didn’t play a big role in this part of the Odyssey, the appearance of these famous heroes reminds the readers that even in spirit, one could never stop doing small heroic acts, which could help those who are lost or in dire need of help.

Though no longer the main character in this book, Agamemnon in the Odyssey was one of the recurring personas, now in spirit, whom Odysseus met during his trip down to the land of the underworld. In this encounter, Agamemnon narrated how he suffered death at the hands of his wife and his wife’s lover. He then warned Odysseus to never put too much trust in women.

Often referred to as the cursed hero, King Agamemnon of Mycenae led the war on Troy to take the wife of his brother Menelaus, Helen. After the war, Agamemnon returned home, only to be murdered. He is an arrogant, emotional, and pathetic character whose not-so-favorable turn of events in life could be well attributed to him.

Having a conversation with Agamemnon makes Odysseus reluctant to come home, but at the end of their encounter, Agamemnon encouraged him to proceed with his journey home to his wife, Penelope.

By the time the Odyssey has started, the Trojan hero Achilles was already dead. Just like Agamemnon, the hot-headed Achilles in the Odyssey also appeared as a spirit in Book 11. Juxtaposed with one another, the author emphasizes the qualities each man longed to have. Odysseus desired Achilles’s strength and fame, whereas Achilles envied Odysseus for being alive.

To lighten his load, Odysseus told Achilles about his son, who is now becoming an important soldier. It was the same glory that Achilles once enjoyed, but of which he is willing to let go if given a chance to have a longer life.

Odysseus also mentioned that he has seen the ghost of Hercules in the underworld. These two heroes are often being compared with each other because of the severity of the tasks they have encountered, yet unlike Hercules’ odyssey, which involved the completion of twelve gargantuan tasks set by the gods themselves, Odysseus did not altogether suffer undergoing twelve tasks but rather has a reprieve in experiencing some adventurous experiences on his way home.

One of the indelible marks of an epic is the heroes it celebrates. The Odyssey highlighted the heroic pursuits of Odysseus, who, because of his gumption and bravery and with a little help from gods and goddesses, surmounted the grueling and demanding tasks he needed to accomplish. Heroism in the Odyssey was shown in the following:

• Favors and help from gods and goddesses were showered to the main character.
• The hero evolved from a self-absorbed individual to a reflective and enlightened person through the quests he underwent and the lessons he learned from each.
• Heroic deeds are not only manifested in battles won on the battlefield, but more so in the battles, you won against temptations and against yourself, as displayed by Penelope.

Justice in the Odyssey is the main goal achieved by the characters whenever heroism was portrayed. Despite all the difficult undertakings our heroes faced, in the end, it would all be worth it as they will be reaping the sweet fruit of justice they fully deserve.

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Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

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Works Cited

• Alexander, Michael. Beowulf. Penguin Classics, 2013.
• “Epic Hero Definition & Examples | Characteristics of an Epic Hero.” Google, Google, www.google.com/amp/s/www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/epic-hero/amp.
• Jankowski, Connie. “Why Beowulf Is an Epic Hero.” Pen and the Pad, 10 Jan. 2019, penandthepad.com/beowulf-epic-hero-20967.html.
• Sosnowski, Jana. “What Are the Characteristics of an Epic Hero?” Education, 29 Sept. 2016, education.seattlepi.com/characteristics-epic-hero-6460.html.
• Study.com, Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/epic-hero-definition-characteristics-examples.html.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Beowulf an Epic Hero?

Beowulf is an epic hero because of his heroic qualities and characteristics. He is brave, strong, and selfless, and he puts his own life at risk to protect the people of his kingdom. He also has supernatural powers, which he uses to defeat the monsters and dragons that threaten his people. He is honorable, noble, and self-sacrificing, and he is willing to take on any challenge to protect those he loves. He is a symbol of heroism and courage, and his story of heroism and bravery inspire others.

Is Beowulf a Typical Epic Hero?

Yes, Beowulf is a classic example of an epic hero. He possesses many of the qualities and characteristics that are typically associated with epic heroes, including physical strength, courage, bravery, and loyalty. He is also a leader and a champion, and he is willing to risk his own life to protect his people from danger. He is often depicted as a larger-than-life figure, and his heroic deeds are the stuff of legend.

What Type of Hero is Beowulf?

Beowulf is an epic hero. He is known for his superhuman strength, courage and loyalty. He is also known for taking on seemingly impossible tasks and successfully completing them.

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Beowulf Epic Hero

This essay will examine the character of Beowulf in the Old English epic poem, highlighting his status as an archetypal epic hero. It will discuss Beowulf’s heroic traits, such as his strength, bravery, and sense of duty, and how these qualities align with the traditional standards of an epic hero. The piece will also explore the poem’s themes of heroism, mortality, and the struggle between good and evil, considering the historical and cultural context of the Anglo-Saxon period. At PapersOwl, you’ll also come across free essay samples that pertain to Beowulf.

How it works

A hero can be defined in many different ways. Some of the characteristics heroes often possess include bravery, strength, persistence, and loyalty. In the poem Beowulf, the main character, Beowulf, is a Scandinavian prince who embodies many of these heroic qualities. Beowulf is a poem that was written anonymously between the 8th and the early 11th centuries; this was a time when the Anglo-Saxons ruled most of Northern Europe. Beowulf is about a man who sails to Denmark to fight Grendel, a monster who has been slaughtering the people of Denmark for many years.

Throughout the poem, Beowulf demonstrates many of the true characteristics of an epic hero. He displays bravery, loyalty, and persistence as he takes on many battles.

One of the heroic qualities Beowulf possess displays throughout the poem is bravery. Beowulf demonstrates bravery at the very beginning of the poem when he sails to Denmark to fight Grendel,; a monster he knows very little about. All Beowulf knows about his opponent, Grendel, is that there have been many people who have attempted to defeat him, yet. However, none have succeeded. In an attempt to prove his bravery to the people of Denmark, Beowulf decides to go up against Grendel unarmed. He believes that “[His] hands alone shall fight, [struggling] for life against the monster” (lines 172-174). Beowulf is not only the first man brave enough to fight Grendel, but he is also the first to fight him unarmed. Beowulf is confident he is strong enough to defeat Grendel, andas he never questions his abilities.

Fifty years later, Beowulf displays bravery again when he goes into battle with a dragon. At the end of the poem, a thief steals the dragon’s treasure, and in return, the dragon destroys Getland. This makes Beowulf angry, so he sets out to defeat this monster. Although Beowulf has aged over time, this does not steer him away from wanting to fight. Before Beowulf fights the dragon, he tells his people he will “Not run from the shooting flames, [or] stand still, until? fate decides which of us wins” (lines 675-677). No matter the circumstances, Beowulf was not going to back down, even if that meant dying. When Beowulf finally fights the monster, all his men cower away in fear, leaving Beowulf standing alone. Even though Beowulf’s men sheepishly ruan away, he still continues to fight. Beowulf is not like the average man, he shows bravery in everything he does.

Another heroic quality Beowulf portrays is loyalty to his people. Beowulf’s loyalty is made extremely apparent whenever he courageously follows Hrothgar’s orders, not once, but twice, to go after Grendel and then Grendel’s mother. Beowulf also demonstrates loyalty at the end of the poem when he is in battle with a dragon. During the battle “None of his comrades came to him, helped him, his brave and noble fellers; they ran for their lives, fled deep into the woods” (lines 746-749). Even though his men abandoned him, he stayed loyal to them and continued to fight for their protection.

Beowulf knew he could die in battle, but he was willing to fight for the protection of his people no matter the outcome. Another time Beowulf shows loyalty to his people is when he is lying on his deathbed, facing the fact that he might not come back. Despite the fact that he is about to die, his main concern is still his men. As Beowulf is lying on the ground in pain, he asks Wiglaf to “lead his people, help them” (lines 808-809). Beowulf was on his last leg, and his only concern was the future of GeatlandDenmark. Once again, Beowulf differs from the average man, foras he sticks by his men untiltill the end, even though they abandoned him when he needed them the most.

Lastly, Beowulf portrays the qualities of an epic hero by the way he displays persistence throughout the poem. Beowulf’s’ persistence is the reason why he is so successful in his battles. Beowulf demonstrates this when he battles Grendel’s mom. In the battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf brings a man-made sword that was supposed to be unstoppable. Beowulf later figures out that the sword was of no use when he attempts to strike Grendel’s mom, and the sword phases her in no way. It was at the point that Beowulf realized that he had nothing but his hands to fight, but that did not stop him from him giving his all. “Beowulf [who] longed only for fame, leaped back into battle” and defeated the bloodthirsty monster (lines 606-607). From the beginning, Beowulf had one focus:, to protect the Geats and the Danes. Beowulf never eased up. Even at the end, when he is old and aged, he maintained his point of convergence to protect the people. In order to shield his people from the beasts, Beowulf took charge of his emotional distress; he never displayed any signs of fear or lack of self-confidence. Beowulf was perpetually confident, so much so that he believed he could alter fate through courage.

Another way Beowulf displays persistence is the way in which he battles Grendel. At the beginning of the poem, before Beowulf fights Grendel, many people start to question whether he will really be able to defeat Grendel. However, this doesn’t affect Beowulf in any way. He knew that his purpose “was to win the goodwill of [the] people or die in battle, pressed / In Grendel’s fierce grip” (lines 366-368). Beowulf knew that death was a possibilityit was a possibility he could die, but he was willing to fight to his death if that’s what it took. Beowulf demonstrates persistence in every battle he fights in, and without it, he would have never been a true epic hero.

Beowulf embodies a true epic hero throughout the entirety of the poem. This is made clear as he continues to demonstrate heroic qualities, despite the adversities he faces. He performed many acts of bravery and was persistent with every battle he faced, while also remaining loyal to his people. Normal men and women do not have the attributes that Anglo-Saxon heroes do, so they must rely on heroes, like Beowulf, to fight off oppression. Beowulf was willing to do anything for his men, and that’s what made him stand out amongst the others. Beowulf died for his people, and that does not only make him a hero in the Anglo-Saxon time period, but also today. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Odyssey — The Epic Hero: A Short Story

The Epic Hero: a Short Story

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Words: 808 |

Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 808 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

The hero's journey, the call to adventure, the hero's characteristics, the enduring appeal, bibliography.

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