Epic Poem

Epic Poem

An epic poem has a universal appeal and there are many factors that make it that way. One such universal appeal the epic poem Beowolf has are the traits that were admired back in the Anglo-Saxon period when it was passed down as an oral tradition. Two other such factors that make it an epic poem are the lofty language used, and the supernatural element given to the story.

One such factor that makes Beowolf an epic was how it exemplified the traits that were admired. A trait that was well respected by the people in the time of Beowolf were the leadership abilities of the leader. An example of this can be found on lines 450 to 467 in which it states, "Hrothgar, Oh knowing king, now when my danger is near, the warm words we uttered, an...