Epic heroes are drawn from ancient mythology and similar long narratives and epic poems. The term is variously used to refer to any celebrated figure in ancient legends. The heroes belong to a princely stature that is usually born to royalty, gods and special circumstances. These heroes are usually set apart from the ordinary people that lived then. They accomplish extra ordinary things and exceed the abilities of normal humans. They exhibit extra ordinary courage. The hero is the protagonist in these accounts (Encyclopedia Britannica). Epic Heroes share some common traits in the various stories. The stories contain similar elements. Some of the most common characteristics include being called to adventure (the hero either accepts or rejects), a complex and unpredictable journey to an unknown place, supernatural assistance, temptations and challenges, bravery, a resolution from a hero's past, a blessing or major achievement, belief in supernatural power, courage extra-ordinary physical strength, and return to the place of origin by the hero. This discussion majors on three epic heroes, i.e., Hector, Beowulf and Achilleus. It also seeks to examine how they were made heroes by their character.
Summary
Beowulf is an age old story of the English people. It comes from an anonymous poet of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is about a brave, strong warrior named Beowulf. He fights and defeats monster creatures and becomes a king. His first and great battle was with a monster known to terrorize the Scyldings named Grendel. Beowulf had come to hear about a murderous spree by Grendel in the land of the Danes led by king Hrothgar and chose to assist...
Epic and Epic Heroes Epic is probably one of the most fascinating forms of ancient narratives and its contribution to the growth and evolution of literature cannot be overestimated. To seek a clear definition of an epic would be a futile attempt since there appears to be lesser consensus on its definition than we have on tax cuts today. Philosopher, writers and oral masters since the times of Aristotle to Seamus
The tale would not be told at a single event, but it would be narrated with one event from the hero's life at a time. Also, the singer had to recount the story of the hero as it was and he was usually a very educated man with great knowledge of history and of poetry. (Snell, M) It is believed that the Angles and the Scandinavians kept in touch and
Beowulf The epic poem Beowulf consists of two distinct parts held together by the person of the hero. These two parts balance each other, demonstrating a heroic life in youth and old age. Briefly the poem begins with Hrothgar, King of the Danes, who is terrorized by Grendel, a monster who comes night after night for twelve years to carry off and devour the vassals of Herot. Beowulf of Geats hears
He is not afraid to battle Grendel and his mother; in fact, he seems to welcome the challenge. This is important to the story because it helps back up the poet's tales of bravery and courage, and helps show that Beowulf is indeed an epic hero. A hero has to be brave in battle, and understanding off the battlefield, and Beowulf is both. He is not afraid to rise
And all that would remain would be their brothers to mourn them, inconsolable. The anxiety expressed by this poem is acutely felt and accurately represents the norms of the era. During this era, if someone was killed by someone else, the family of the slain person would have to kill the murderers in order to avenge the death of their beloved. Thus, it makes perfect sense that the poem goes
However, because of Gilgamesh's thought that he may be invincible, he is actually putting his friend's life at risk by going on his adventure. In his attempt to prove that he is brave and that he would rather die for a cause, he actually indirectly causes the death of Enkidu, who shows that he was the stronger of the two. 5) Defining Honor Honor is a characteristic that few individuals posses.
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