How does the poet develop one specific trait of the epic hero in the description of Beowulf's fight with Grendel?
Maxwell
9/16/2014 11:58:17 pm
One huge trait that makes Beowulf a hero is his possession of the "magical sword" when fighting Grendel's mother. In class, we mentioned that heros have special weapons and in this case, Beowulf also has that special weapon. He also has the power to hold the sword, which was characterized as un-holdable my any average man. These are Beowulf's traits as a superhero.
Belle
9/17/2014 01:25:38 am
I agree with you, but I would like to add more to that. The "magical sword" that is "hammered my giants" shows another trait of an epic hero that Beowulf is larger than life. The fact that he is able to hold a sword that supposedly used by giants proves that he is much more powerful than other ordinardy human beings.
Jeyson
9/19/2014 12:53:03 am
This special weapon is as important as the sword he used before. The previous sword he used actually has a name of Hrunting Sword. Think about it, how often people name their sword. Therefore I think his old sword is also one of the special weapon he used. And it is one of his trait as a epic hero.
Ariel
9/19/2014 09:35:47 pm
I agree. That sword did add a lot to Beowulf's heroic characteristics. It is very typical to see a the protagonist to receive a special weapon during the climax of the story plot. The sword allows Beowulf to become more powerful, a more heroic character.
Phillip Cho
9/17/2014 01:16:08 pm
One thing that sticks out to me is that during Beowulf's fight with Grendel, the poet in a way reveals what can be interpreted as either a weakness, arrogance, or an attestation of his confidence in his strength. Beowulf, before the fight, imitates one of the sleeping men Grendel intends to make a victim out of. Not only that, but Beowulf also fights without a weapon against a monster that killed many men before. I think this can be interpreted as very foolish or awe-inspiring.
Alex
9/20/2014 02:24:12 pm
I agree. If Beowulf was a truly courageous hero, he should have confronted Grendel face to face without using any sly tactics (pretending to be asleep). By using such tactics, he is admitting that he is not strong enough to defeat Grendel.
Ariel
9/19/2014 09:42:32 pm
Another fact that makes Beowul a hero is his obedient followers. When he is fighting Grendel's mother underwater, his army wait for him, believing that he will come out alive. To them, Beowulf is a respectful, powerful man that they ar willing to follow.
Alex
9/21/2014 12:00:49 am
I agree with Ariel. Beowulf is definitely a charismatic leader who makes other people to follow him. Followers' unlimited faith in Beowulf proves that he is a true hero that everyone can rely on.
YuJin Yang
9/19/2014 11:17:50 pm
The poet characterizes Beowulf as an epic hero by emphasizing Beowulf's specific trait, which is his great strength. When Beowulf was angered by Grendel’s mother, he was able to “double his strength, [and] he threw her to the floor” (58, lines 493-494). Thus, it is evident that Beowulf possesses a larger strength that is different from other warriors and also shows that he is larger than life. His great strength enables him to defeat all his enemies and become an epic hero.
Kori Kang
9/21/2014 12:35:28 am
The magical sword is one trait of Beowulf as an epic hero. I believe that his virtue also serves as a feature of an epic hero. Although the monster's hall was full of treasures, Beowulf decides to take "Grendel's head and the hilt of the giants jeweled sword" (lines 570-571), refusing to take anything other than is own achievements. This shows his virtue, valuing honor over wealth.
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