Epic of Beowulf Essay - A True Literary Epic -- Epic Beowulf essays

Beowulf : A True Literary Epic       The Adventures of Beowulf, a rousing Old English poem of man and monster, and perhaps the earliest European vernacular epic, is rightfully considered an epic for it possesses those features which characterize epic poetry.    For example, in epic poetry the central character has heroic or superhuman qualities. In The Adventures of Beowulf, the main character, a Geat warrior named Beowulf, possesses such qualities: â€Å"He was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty and noble.†Ã‚   Upon spotting Beowulf approaching, the sea-guard of the Danes says, â€Å"Never have I seen a greater man on earth†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Ã‚   King Hrothgar of the Danes says of Beowulf, â€Å"Seafarers who took gifts to the Geats say that he has the strength of 30 men in his hand grip.† Beowulf chooses to fight Grendel by himself and without shield or weapons; previously the hero slew 9 sea monsters with his sword. And he is fully willing to sacrifice his very life for this: â€Å"†¦ I alone will fulfill the wish of your people †¦ or die in the foe’s grasp.† Beowulf consciously chooses to act in a superhuman manner: â€Å"I shall perform the deeds of a hero or I have passed my last day in t his mead hall.† Even Grendel recognizes the hero’s superior strength: â€Å"The criminal knew he had not met in this middle-earth another with such a grip.† Other warriors when thinking of Beowulf â€Å"would quickly compose a skillful tale in words.† Hrothgar refers to Beowulf as â€Å"the best of warriors.†Ã‚   The Danish queen Wealhtheow compliments after Grendel’s defeat, â€Å"You have earned forever the praise of men from near and far.† Hrothgar expounds on good warriors: â€Å"This is the best-born man – my friend Beowulf †¦ the best of warriors.† When the dragon burns the mead hall of the... ...eat among his kin,† â€Å"war-death,† â€Å"held the gift-seat,† â€Å"a feast to ravens,† â€Å"old and wise,† â€Å"fell down battle-pale,† â€Å"battle-sweat,† â€Å"war-chief,† â€Å"drew his battle-knife,† â€Å"on his death-bed,† â€Å"death held him fast,† â€Å"feared evil days,† etc.    The Adventures of Beowulf is a poem of such stature that it manifests many common characteristics of epic poetry; therefore, it can rightfully be classified as an epic poem in its own right.    BIBLIOGRAPHY    Clark, George. Beowulf. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990.    Fry, Donald K. â€Å"Introduction: The Artistry of Beowulf.† In TheBeowulf Poet, edited byDonald K. fry. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968.    Robinson, Fred C. â€Å"Apposed Word Meanings and Religious Perspectives.† In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.