I would disagree with the above answer; Hrothgar is an
epic hero, but not the hero of this particular epic. The following qualities define an
epic hero.
1. A person of high or noble stature. --
Hrothgar is king.
2. A person who is brave and strong. --While currently weak
because of his age, he once possessed all of these qualities.
3. Has
intelligence and moral qualities that the people of his culture respect. --Hrothgar is a
kind and God-loving king; his people do love him.
4. The hero has a flaw.
--Much like many characters in epics, Hrothgar's flaw is his "hubris," or excessive
pride (in Greek) and desire for wealth. In fact, he fears that Grendel is a punishment
from God because of his obsession with power and money.
5. Is look favorably
upon by deities, or is part-deity. --Though he believes Grendel to be a punishment from
God, because Hrothgar does love and strongly believe in God, he believes Grendel
personally spares him.
Hrothgar fits all the
characteristics of an epic hero, though is clearly not the main protagonist of the tale
of Beowulf. One may argue that Hrothgar is actually a foreshadowing of what Beowulf will
become. While loved by his people, and surely a good king, Beowulf eventually succumbs
to his pride, his age, and his desire for wealth.
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