Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They have a noble birth and show great bravery. They display great intelligence and resourcefulness. They have a reverence for G-d and for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil (Vivone 9/27/99). In addition to Beowulf’s heroic …showed first 75 words of 996 total…

…showed last 75 words of 996 total…be fantastic in nature. Analyzing Beowulf’s three battles, one can easily see fantastic elements in this epic poem. The battle with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon display an array of fantastic elements. The reader must remember not to ask questions about how anything described are possible. Man cannot explain any fantastic element because it is beyond nature’s control. Beowulf’s heroic qualities are further exemplified by the use of fantastic elements.