Beowulf's Purpose

The purpose of Scyld, was to set the background of the story, when beginning to read Beowulf. The narrator speaks about how he was a foundling. Just an abandon infant, and later rose as something big, a King to the Danes. Later on in the story, it comes across a time where Beowulf defeats Grendel, and the Danes are again overjoyed at this outcome. This is where the two have a similarity. They both gain the fame and respect from the Danes. When Scyld died, he was honored with a big funeral ceremony. He was respected by everyone. But, once he died, it was like his life was just beginning. It also gives us information on how he ruled the king, and after he died his son, Beow did. Beow was, “beloved by his people” (Beowulf 54). After he died,
It was said at the beginning of the act how Scyld was a friendless and a fearsome warrior. That is how Beowulf is described in a way. Just like Scyld did when it was his era. It also connects to the story, because in a way its like history is repeating itself once again. The battles become more victories and the new King, Beowulf is handling every situation, because he feels as if he owes his loyalty since he is the son of, Ecgtheow. He felt as if he owed Hrothgar his generosity. Years before, Hrothgar shelter Beowulf’s father from a dangerous lead and purchased a settlement of the conflict with the Geat’s enemies. Beowulf says that he has heard of this monster, and steps in to help Hrothgar. He voyages across the sea with fourteen of his bravest warriors until they reach Hrothgar’s village. Scyld, was the Hrothgar’s ancestor, great- grandfather and he was a legendary figure. It was important to let us know who Scyld was, because later on in the story Beowulf resembles Scyld in many ways. By his presence, decisions, and his perspective from what others thought. The beginning of the act gave us more depth of what the future would look like in a way. The new era had other tasks to fill and Beowulf had completed many of them, just like Scyld did when it was his
Throughout the poem, many examples of pagan and Christian elements are shown. However, I do have one favorite Christian element that I came across when reading. One of the acts, “Further Celebration at Heorot,” Hrothgar remind Beowulf of the Greek lesson tragedians. He also tells him the one of Christian philosophy:”… that wealth, accumulated through the grace of God, must be shared unselfishly.” This is used to remind Beowulf of himself, and his pride. Throughout the story, at times he shows too much pride and forgets about God and just wants the treasures that come with the “victories.” Through the story Beowulf acknowledges God as his protector. When Beowulf compares his battle with Grendel's mother, he states that, "The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me.” He gives thanks to God, for allowing him to live. But, there is also a pagan element shown in this scene as well. For instance, back then the myths were capable of having superhuman powers to defeat others. In every scene with Beowulf almost, there was a sense of mystical protection on all of his actions. However, in every action Beowulf made, he needed God's protection and that was to be earned. He believed if he respected his values then God would protect him. It was a give/give situation. He shows this again when fighting Grendel's mother in her cave, he sees a weapon hanging