Examples Of Pride In Beowulf

In the epic poem Beowulf, the character Beowulf has presented two Anglo-Saxon heroic traits so far. Beowulf bravely decides to make a voyage to Denmark to spare the Danes of their misery and fight Grendel, a murderous spawn of Cain. The poem reads, “proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king, would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, now when help was needed (Beowulf 199-201).” This is an example of courage because “Grendel ruled” and was dangerously overpowering, but Beowulf was determined slay Grendel or die trying. This characteristic shown by Beowulf exemplifies courage. Beowulf also demonstrates extreme physical strength when he informs the reader of his encounters with the monsters of the sea. The poem reads, “ I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing the one by on; death was errand and the fate they had earned (Beowulf 422-4225).” In these lines of the poem, Beowulf clearly exhibits physical strength. In lines 418-428 of the epic poem, Beowulf also demonstrates supreme self-confidence, for he seems proud of his accomplishments. Beowulf shows a substantial amount of pride in himself, and I predict that his pride will be the cause of his defeat. In addition, in the epic poem Beowulf, a crisis or “a turning point in the action of a story that had a powerful effect on the protagonist (Meyer 2126),” is
presented. After Hrothgar builds Herot - a mead hall - Grendel hears the songs about God creating the earth. Then, in the night Grendel came and slaughtered thirty men, and this left Hrothgar unhappy and mournful.

Section 11 - 19 Throughout Beowulf the theme, man can be immortal through his actions, is demonstrated.
Beowulf, a heroic figure, can live forever through the memories of other characters. Generations and generations will tell the stories of Beowulf’s battles and he will be praised forever. Welthow stated “your glory is too great to forget: whatever the earth is surrounded by the sea, the winds’ home, and the waves lap at its walls.” The epic poem itself is a story that has been told many times. The idea that if you do something substantial enough you will live forever in the minds of others, is exhibited on the epic poem,
Beowulf. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the author used imagery to describe several events. “… Grendel’s huge claw swinging high from Hrothgar’s mead-hall, the fingers of that loathsome hand ending in nails as hard as steel …(“Beowulf 29”)” The author’s use of imagery throughout the poem helps the reader visualize the setting and understand the plot. Descriptive language gives the reader a clear understanding of the actions and conflicts of characters.