The characters of every story typically exhibit generalized traits that are collectively called archetypes. the traits of an archetype combine with events in the story to convey to the reader a particular moral or ethical message. One such archetype is the epic hero, who is often characterized by a connection to the gods and typically more physically and mental gifted than other characters in the story. The epic hero archetypes also find themselves on a quest or a voyage fraught with adversity and must overcome it in a way that highlights the moral ideal or value of their society. For years, Beowulf has been described as a prime example of the epic hero archetype. Dictionary.com gives Beowulf as an example in its definition of the term and enotes uses examples from the story of Beowulf to elaborate on the characteristics of epic heroes, so the belief is deeply ingrained.
The Epic Hero Archetype Fails to Explain Beowulf's Actions
But a closer look at the facts reveal a problematic shortsightedness in this assessment. An analysis of Beowulf’s history, his personal feats of strength and triumph over Grendel and Grendel's mother are epic, indeed. Yet the story doesn’t end there. After all the events that highlight the characteristics indicative of a epic hero transpire, Beowulf, now in his old age, unwisely fights a disgruntled dragon by himself and pays with his life. Nothing in the archetype of an epic hero justifies this reckless lack of judgement.
