Preview

Combat and Beowulf

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1743 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Combat and Beowulf
Benita Williams
February 28, 2013
Professor Heyworth
English 225
The Monster Within, Is It A Good or Bad Thing?
Beowulf was one in many men who has been described to have a monster in him. The way a person deals with it and how they choose to deal with it, made them who they were. Beowulf had great character and the way he used the monster within had many people questioning his true abilities as a hero and as a king. He fought in so many battles, many described as being monstrous or an animalistic. The most famous mentioned is the fight with the monster Grendel. He was somewhat compared to Grendel because they had many things in common. Beowulf as a monster was not a bad thing at all. He used his abilities to fight for the greater cause, but it had some downsides. What makes a man a true monster? Is it how a man fights or the way he fights? There were many pros and cons considered the fights he had with the monster within. A man that lived his life for the adventure that caused him to be alone a lot or the specific way he fought all were described as monster characteristic. He was a different kind of monster. He gave back even when he did not have to and he respected other men and their reputations. He used these monstrous characteristics for to do positive with which helped him to become a better hero; and because Beowulf had a positive influence on people as a hero; it made it easy for him to become a great king. Beowulf monstrous characteristics helped him to develop a protective mode and helped him to be strong for others when they needed him to. I also gave him great leadership skills. These characteristics were what made a king, a king.
The book described three main battles and a competition in which Beowulf participated. The competition that was brought to mind was the competition between Beowulf and Breca. The competition took great strength more than a regular man would possess. Beowulf explained what really happened and how Breca and himself were

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    He was loyal to the people he protected, not worrying about the cost of his own life. He was a prideful man, who faced good and evil situations to prove his strengths or praise. Three evil monsters, who sought vengeance upon one of mankind’s most powerful warrior. Beowulf was considered to be of God, whereas the monsters were of the devil. It’s like the old saying one bad apple spoils the bunch. Each monster had an evil agenda to kill, steal, or destroy. Beowulf possessed good qualities and the monsters, and creatures possessed evil, and as I stated in the beginning like oil and water it does not…

    • 2088 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    uring the story of Beowulf, he is involved in three different battles. The first one is with Grendal, the second with Grendal’s mother, and the final one with the dragon. These battles show a lot about Beowulf and his men.…

    • 442 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    There are many vast differences and many similarities between the story of Beowulf and The 13th Warrior written by a Christian Monk and the story called Eaters of the Dead what was later know as The 13th Warrior written by Ibn Fadlan who was Moslem which was later written by Michael Crichton. Then there was a movie called The 13th Warrior. The two things that will be compared and contrasted are going to be the movie of The 13th Warrior and the Epic of Beowulf.…

    • 856 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf was a hero and a remarkable, successful leader because he was courageous, willing to put others first, and loyal. He was a venerable king because of his actions. If Beowulf had not experienced these things, he would not have become the leader he…

    • 345 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf vs. Grandaddy

    • 644 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf was significantly glorified all through the book; even when he died his men mourned his loss, built him a tower, and buried the entirety of his treasures underneath it. The Geats and the Danes knew a hero of Beowulf’s status would never again come to pass. Beowulf had amazing leadership; he would never lead anyone where he would not go, and his men glorified him of that. He had superior strength, intelligence and courage. Beowulf’s strength could not be contested, as he was able to kill Grendel bare handed and rip a sword off a wall that only giants used. Under no conditions could an ordinary man achieve such a feat. Beowulf could swim for hours and fight monsters in the raging sea. Even at old age, Beowulf took on the battle of slaying the dragon. Beowulf was undeniably a strong and responsible leader. He prepared for the future of his warriors when he reached his eventual demise. His men, mourning his loss, wept, knowing a man of Beowulf’s strength and leadership would never come again.…

    • 644 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf exemplifies the perfect hero, even from his youth he perfectly embodies the manners and values dictated by the Germanic heroic code, including pride, loyalty, and strength. Beowulf’s youthful heroism as an unfettered warrior and his mature heroism as a reliable king, help portray him as a man of great character who is fair and just. Beowulf’s actions were some of proving his power and might, his attitude was that he was the best, and he was out to show it. This doesn't mean that he was of bad character, he was proud of himself and was striving to be the best he could be.…

    • 411 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf did all these great things. Becoming a warrior, being boastful, and so much more. Beowulf defeated many monsters, Grendel and his mother, into death. He was also being a respectful person to people, he didn't just walk into places and acted like he was the king of the town. He loved to show people what he did and how proud he was. Also he loved to travel to towns to help people defeat evil. But all in all he was a wise man, knew what he was doing. That is why we think Beowulf is a great Epic Hero.…

    • 100 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf was mighty as a person and ultimately a hero. Despite this, Beowulf was not perfect. Beowulf shows great traits such as bravery, loyalty, mighty, courtesy, and boastfulness.…

    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    He is the sheer epitome of perfection in every way. From the creatures he has defeated to the honor he has rightfully obtained, no man or beast on earth could possibly stand in the way of the mighty Beowulf. This reigns true throughout the whole poem. At no time does his conscience sway or spirit falter. Until the moment he dies saving the kingdom he so graciously ruled for years on end, he maintains this being of nobility, making this formidable character’s journey through life something we still discuss today. One of the only things people of that time had to bring them together were stories. These rightfully named epics were told across the land so they had to be something memorable. In such a time of despondency these people needed something to hold onto and believe would get them through, and that was Beowulf. Their simplistic thinking of right and wrong made it easy to write a story about someone who is so truly right. Although Beowulf might have been a real man, the feats he achieved were most likely nowhere near as daring. However, it is this daring being that was necessary for that…

    • 1253 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Hero and Beowulf

    • 678 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf’s first heroic traits were his use of strtength and courage. With his courage he was able to stand up and protect his fellow people and with his strength it helped him defate his eniemies. For example, in the battle with Grendel,”And defate, the tears torn out of Grendel’s/ Taut throat, hell’s captive caught in the arms/ Of him who of all then men on earth/ Was the strongest” (346-349). In this quote Beowulf showed great strength in the battle with Grendel. He made his enemy run for his life. With Beowulf’s strength he had made the people feel safe again. Everyone thought he had amzing courage for coming face to face with the evil Grendel. In addition, “But so massive that no ordinary man could lift/ From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt” (488-490). In the quote, Beowulf showed his strength and lifted a sword that no regular man could lift. His strength allowed him to dominate in battle. If it were not for his pure strength or couage, he would not have been able to dafate Grendel or his mother.…

    • 678 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Why Beowulf Is A Hero

    • 518 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf was the main character in the story Beowulf. Beowulf was described as big, strong, and independent. A lot of heroic events happened. Beowulf always put other people before himself and did a lot of stuff most people can’t do on a daily basis. Beowulf was a great hero and did things that no one else could do. Even when he was so old, he still managed to take down the biggest monster with his bare hands.…

    • 518 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Part A- Beowulf like all epic hero’s is strong loyal and brave. These characteristic are what define Beowulf, and instill fear is his enemies. He boasts about “(driving) / five great giants into chains” (248-249) and “In the blackness of night, hunting monsters” (251). Beowulf protects his followers and king, and is proud of his accomplishments. He strives for greatness, his words are arrogant but his actions shine through his overbearing pride and give him the capability to be heroic. (Part B) Beowulf is an epic hero; he takes great pride in his actions, unlike Grendel who feels jealous of humans which causes him to be spiteful towards them: “ Grendel snatched at the first Geat / He came to (and) Ripped him apart” (313-314). Grendel’s pride lays in the fear he instills on humans, without pride Grendel would be a monster with no motive to kill. Furthermore, Beowulf’s pride stems…

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf As A Hero Essay

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In conclusion, Beowulf is considered a great warrior but not a true hero. Although he accomplished many heroic deeds he never did any of them for the right reasons. Therefore, Beowulf is not a true hero but only a warrior who values renown and rewards. Although he should signs that he cares about the people he never fought for the people but for himself to the very end. Ultimately we see that Beowulf has the characteristic of a hero but his values differ greatly from that of heroes. It can even we concluded that the values of the people who listen to Beowulf hundred of years ago differ from us…

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf had fought many monsters and killed them. Beowulf was a very tough man who could help his people. He was the crowned king of his…

    • 483 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf As An Epic Hero

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf is such a unique and distinctive character. He shows people the true definition of an epic hero. He is the type of hero that people would look up to. He is a confident leader for many, and that is what makes him who he is. Beowulf’s main characteristics are loyalty, bravery, and strength.…

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays