Heroic epics have always been important in the development of mainstream society. Their presentation of strong morals and good prevailing over evil have a positive impact on all those who read them. The acknowledgement of Fate directing us in life also affects the impressionable readers. One such story, Beowulf, is a genuine example of a heroic epic, showing strong morals, lasting righteousness, and the presence of Fate. The idea that Fate guides the hero of an epic is heavily stressed throughout Beowulf. Beowulf, the hero of Beowulf, states that Fate brought him to the Danes to fight Grendel (ll.
180-181) and that Fate will also determine the outcome of that battle (l. 211).
Fate also favored Beowulf in the battle with the sea monster Brecca (ll. 275-277) wherein he fought and killed Brecca underwater. Beowulf believed too that Fate would save those who drive death away by themselves (ll. 292-293), and so he would live as long as Fate had planned.
Beowulf constantly overcame enemies, defeating all odds stacked against him. In battle, Beowulf drove all five of the remaining great giants of the world into captivity (ll. 173-180).
Beowulf destroyed Brecca in the depths of the sea and was left stranded for five days in the frozen ocean, fighting off sea beasts (ll. 263-265).
The hero even single-handedly slaughtered Grendel in the Dane’s mead hall (ll.
468-475).
The hero of an epic must strive to continually serve the community while gaining fame and glory for his successes. Beowulf shows this first by going to protect the Danes from Grendel (ll. 171-190).
The Essay on Beowulf as an Epic Hero in Burton Raffel’s Translation of the Story Beowulf
He continuously portrays features that no ordinary human being could acquire including eternal fame, extraordinary skill, and heroic courage. It is interesting to read about all his extraordinary hero qualities. In Anglo-Saxon culture, immortality was believed to be attainable through the gain of fame and glory by the act of doing noble deeds (HubPages). It was also possible by spreading one’s ...
Once Grendel is defeated, Beowulf then protects the Danes from Grendel’s mother (summary I).
Beowulf, after becoming king of Geatland, challenges a fire dragon in battle to defend his empire (summary II).
Although this last battle claimed his life, Beowulf died a proud man and a valiant king, willing to protect his people to the end. All these characteristics, Fate guiding the hero, good out shinning evil, and outstanding morals, prove that Beowulf is indeed a classic example of an epic poem. Epics like Beowulf shape our culture and therefore are some of the most important pieces of literature. Without them, our society would be without morals, and without morals, we would not have a society at all!
