Beowulf: An Epic

Beowulf: An Epic Numerous characteristics of this poem validate claims that it is an epic. Obviously indicative of this poem’s epic nature are its boasts and battles. Beowulf’s boasts begin as soon as he arrives on the Danish shore when he justifies his presence there by giving evidence of his worthiness to fight Grendel. Beowulf describes his youth as glorious. Then, he boasts about his victories in war, and his killing of sea mons…

…lamp of his jaws. He drinks the blood, and eats the man limb by limb. Also showing his ferocity is his gleaming eyes and ferocious snarl. Evidence of the hero’s greater power certainly elevates him to epic grandeur. Beowulf seizes Grendel with one hand, and bends Grendel’s claws backward. Obviously the strength of Beowulf is significantly greater than that of Grendel. Finally, the battle descriptions and cataloguing elevate the poem to grandiloquence.