"Beowulf" is indeed considered an epic poem, and it exhibits several characteristics that qualify it as such:
1. **Heroic Protagonist:** "Beowulf" features a larger-than-life hero, Beowulf himself. He possesses extraordinary strength, courage, and honor, which are typical traits of epic heroes. Beowulf's exploits and adventures, including battles with supernatural creatures like Grendel and the dragon, highlight his heroic nature.
2. **Epic Scope:** The poem has an expansive and grand scale. It covers a significant portion of the hero's life, from his youth to old age, and recounts his heroic deeds across various lands and against formidable foes. The narrative's vastness and scope reflect the epic tradition.
3. **Elevated Style:** "Beowulf" employs an elevated and formal style of language known as "heroic poetry." It uses kennings (figurative expressions) and alliteration to create a distinctive and memorable rhythm. The use of such stylistic elements contributes to the poem's grandeur and epic quality.
These characteristics, along with other elements like the presence of supernatural beings, the focus on the hero's journey, and the theme of the struggle between good and evil, all contribute to "Beowulf" being classified as one of the most iconic epic poems in literary history.