The Great EpicAccording to most dictionaries, an epic is an extended narrative poem in lofty or dignified language, celebrating the exploits of a legendary or traditional hero. While this is true, the epic Beowulf contains more than these two requirements. This story contains five elements that make it an epic. There is an epic hero, action of immense scale, a high writing style, long speeches intended to inspire or instruct, and also the descent into hell. An epic hero is a main character who embodies the ideals of a certain culture. The character is called Beowulf and represents the ideals of Anglo-Saxon culture which were courage, skill and generosity. Beowulf has shown his courage many times throughout history. After hearing about a monster named Grendel who for twelve years had been attacking Heorot, King Hrothgar's meadhouse, Beowulf traveled to the Danish Isles to defeat him. Even though Beowulf knew nothing about Grendel, he set out on a long journey to reach the islands so that the people of Hrothgar would not have to live in fear. Then, after Beowulf Grendel, Grendel's mother attacked the people of Heorot to avenge the death of her son. To reach it, Beowulf had to dive into dark and dangerous waters, facing an unknown peril. He swam alone across the dark lake fighting monsters along the way. Once he arrived at his lair, a vicious fight ensued, but the brave Beowulf emerged victorious once again. Later in Beowulf's life, a dragon destroys his village and the great mead hall he had built for his men. Even though he knew he was no longer as agile and strong, Beowulf walked straight towards the dragon and let out a cry of challenge. The epic hero Beowulf was also very skilled in battles. When he first fought Grendel, Beowulf had no idea what he was up against. Instead of just attacking Grendel, he waited until the monster had killed one of the other men in the hallway while Beowulf watched under the cover of sleep. Then, when Grendel came to claim Beowulf's life, he knew that hand-to-hand combat was the only way to defeat this enemy. The monster clung to Beowulf's arms, but Beowulf did the same to Grendel..