Epic Hero
Epic Hero Essay
One of the earliest recorded epic poems, Beowulf, was anonymously written during the Anglo-Saxon era (approximately 700AD). The Anglo-Saxons admired epic heroes who upheld the ethics of their society through exemplary leadership, loyalty, strength and humility. Another epic hero is Odysseus, from The Odyssey, written around 700 B.C. These epic heroes prevailed over indomitable odds, and were glorified as heroes both by men in the story and men telling the story.
Born of noble bloodlines, both Beowulf and Odysseus command men of arms and are heirs to a royal throne. Beowulf, son of Higlac, is heir to the throne of Switzerland and well known for his bravery and loyalty before his quest. Hrothgar says of him, "Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere (Beowulf 26). Just as Beowulf was famous before his quest, Odysseus was notorious for his cunning military tactics during the Trojan War. Although they are in charge of many men, both Beowulf and Odysseus are eventually isolated from their fellow soldiers. They combat nightmarish creatures and monsters unaided; these conflicts show both mental shrewdness and physical prowess.
Both Beowulf and Odysseus are gifted with superhuman abilities. Beowulf has superhuman strength, he even goes so far as to boast “My hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster” (Beowulf 25). Odysseus is favored by the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and is gifted with cunning and perspicacity. During his quest, Odysseus is able to disentangle himself from altercations with gods and monsters by his ingenuity and intelligence.
All epic heroes embark upon a quest, whether it is on behalf of their people as a savior, for material gain, or to establish their right to rule. Beowulf’s quest is on behalf of Hrothgar, King of the Danes. Beowulf saves Hrothgar’s hall, Herot, from “mankind’s enemy”, Grendel....
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