Heroic Epic

A heroic epic is an extended narrative poem, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. Beowulf exemplifies the traits admired by his people, and personifies Anglo-Saxon values. Strength, Skill in battle, Courage, Fame, loyalty, and Generosity are the Anglo-Saxon values that Beowulf embodies and demonstrates throughout the story.

As the poem begins, King Hrothgar of Denmark and his entire kingdom is being terrorized by a monster named Grendel. The Danes suffer for twelve years at the hands of Grendel. Eventually, Beowulf and a fourteen men come to rescue Hrothgar, determined to defeat Grendel. Beowulf fights him unarmed, proving that he is stronger than the demon. Beowulf tears the monster's arm off and Grendel eventually dies. The arm is brought back as a trophy of victory. Grendel's mother seeking revenge comes to Heorot and kills one of Hrothgar's favorite men, Aeschere. Beowulf and company travel to the swamp, where she lives, Beowulf dives in the water and fights her in her underwater lair demonstrating his skill in battle.

Beowulf's courage, strength, and skill in battle was greatly appreciated by the Danes who now were able to live peacefully and "monster-less." His fame has now spread throughout Denmark. After departing, Beowulf returns to Geatland and is reunited with his King and Queen. Beowulf tells of his actions in Denmark thereby earning even more fame and gives most of the treasure he received to his king Hygelac to whom he is truly loyal.

During Beowulf's reign as King of the Geats, and as death is approaching a dragon unleashes fury on Geatland. Once again Beowulf demonstrates his courage. Beowulf and his nephew Wiglaf kill the dragon together, but Beowulf no longer as young or strong, is severely wounded. The dragon has bit him and its venom kills Beowulf moments later. Beowulf demonstrating his generosity gives dragon's treasure to his people. He essentially gave his life to "buy" this treasure for them. Finally, the Geats burn Beowulf and bury him with the treasure he died to earn.

Beowulf is an heroic epic that embodies the Anglo-Saxon values of Strength, Skill in battle, Courage, Fame, loyalty, and Generosity. Beowulf's actions reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. Beowulf personifies all of the best values of this heroic culture.