Read about the six elements of an epic. Then let us know what you think.
http://www.class.uidaho.edu/engl257/General%20lit/six_elements_of_the_epic.htm
Which aspect of an epic is present in the following passage from Beowulf?
"Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons but so massive that no ordinary man could lift its carved and decorated length. He drew it From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt."
Is it that the plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events; Beowulf performs a supernatural deed; Beowulf performs an action that affects the fate of the Danes or all of these. I'm leaning towards Beowulf performs a supernatural deed but I don't want to miss anything.
2 answers
I am more inclined to read he did a heroic deed due to his great strength. I suppose you could say it was "super" natural, but I would not have.