Question

From Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel

Literary Analysis: The Epic/The Legendary Hero
The epic Beowulf is a long narrative poem that recounts the exploits of the legendary warrior against the forces of evil represented by several monstrous creatures. He represents the values Beowulf. Like other legendary heroes, Beowulf represents good and earns glory by struggling elevated language, which portrays characters, action, and setting in terms larger and grander than life. The use of kennings, two-word metaphorical names for familiar things, is also a particular characteristic of Anglo-Saxon poetry.
DIRECTIONS: Read each passage from Beowulf. Then list the characteristics of epic poetry and the legendary hero represented in it.

Answer 1

Beowulf is an epic poem showcasing the traits of epic poetry and a legendary hero. Beowulf fights evil with superhuman abilities, reflecting cultural values like honor and bravery. The poem's structure and elevated language celebrate his heroism, akin to heroes in other ancient epics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The epic poem Beowulf is a classic example of epic poetry and portrays the characteristics of a legendary hero. In this narrative poem, the titular hero, Beowulf, embodies the values of his culture and takes on monstrous creatures, representing the forces of evil.

The characteristics of epic poetry depicted in Beowulf include a lengthy narrative, a grand and elevated language style, and glorification of the hero's quest. These epics often involve divine intervention, serious themes such as the fate of a nation, and the hero's journeys as often tied to the quest for glory or immortality.

The use of kennings, as well as Beowulf's superhuman strength, his brave deeds, and the celebration of his successes serve to underscore the traits of the legendary hero within the epic tradition. Examples of legendary heroes struggle against overwhelming odds, often embodying cultural values such as honor, bravery, and loyalty.

Much like the heroes in Homer's epics, such as The Iliad and The Odyssey, or the heroes in The Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf is depicted as possessing superhuman abilities and a noble character. These heroes capture the essence of what is valued by the society from which they emerge and serve as role models for behavior and ethics.