Something that is extraordinary must come from a superbly made original. This is true with the subject of the epic hero, and more specifically with the work of Beowulf. Beowulf, which is the oldest surviving epic in Anglo-Saxon literature, is a rich fabric of fact and fantasy. Written by an anonymous scop in 6th century A.D., Beowulf tells the story of a protagonist who rids lands of monsters and all things evil. The main character, Beowulf, is an epic hero because he fulfills the Anglo-Saxon traits of strength, nobility, and courage. Three specific examples of these traits that occur in the poem are Beowulf's battle with the monster Grendel, Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother the Sea-Hag, and finally his last encounter with the fire breathing dragon.…
