In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf’s first intention when traveling to the Daneland was to keep his father’s friendship with Hrothgar intact. Although Beowulf had a sounds cause for traveling to the Daneland, the fame and glory Beowulf later received became his main focus and motivated him to continue entering life threatening battles. This piece of literature showcases the accomplishments and celebrations of a young Geat named Beowulf. Throughout the entire epic, Beowulf has many achievements which influence his god-like appearance within the Anglo-Saxon society. The average reader may be so mesmerized with his talents, they might overlook the fact that Beowulf continues to enter battles in order to boost his self…
The sound of battle echoed from the halls of Heorot to the plains of geatland, Beowulf in all his glory was a conquering hero that was approaching his twilight years as king. As such he faced a new challenge, in his youth he fought and defeated Grendel and his mother to defend the people of Denmark and Heorot, he was now called to defend his land from this dragon. This beast which had awakened from its dormant rest and was now on a rampage to defend its treasure. These monsters shared many similarities that tie together with a unifying message. In Beowulf, the values and views of Anglo-Saxon society are reflected in the idea that both Grendel and the Dragon serve as warning that no man is immortal or god like and that we will all face judgement.…
A poem written by an anonymous author over one hundred years ago has described that an Anglo-Saxon hero always has the qualities of courage, generosity, and faithfulness. This poem is Beowulf and in this poem those three qualities apply to one character, Beowulf.…
In the battle with Grendel he had to prove to the Danish people that he was really there to help him. Beating Grendel proved that Beowulf was not just any warrior but one with honor and integrity. The battle with Grendel's mother was very different. Beowulf went to great depths by plunging into a marsh into the underworld to defeat her. Beowulf went into the monsters territory proving that he would do anything to help the Danish people. 50 years later now old in age Beowulf came back to fight a dragon. This would only prove that no matter what Beowulf's honor never left fulfilling his father's…
To understand the famous Anglo- Saxon hero Beowulf, one must understand the culture that created Beowulf. The Anglo- Saxons were influential, strong, and loyal people. Research has found that, “the Anglo- Saxons arrived in Britain in about 449 A.D.”(BBC). This shows that Anglo- Saxon culture has had an influence on American history for a long duration of time because they are still discussed today. And were probably some of the first heroes that ever lived. This culture showed a great deal of braveness throughout their time. The men were put in many different situations, but their daring drive, and courageousness allowed them to persevere. According to the Germanic (Anglo Saxon) Warrior, “A glorious and courageous death was the only fitting end to a glorious life” (Hammack). This statement shows that the men took pride in fighting to protect their citizens, no matter what adversities came their way. It also shows that they had no fear and dying to save someone else, which was a very brave thing to do. Another characteristic displayed in Anglo- Saxon culture was loyalty. The warriors would never leave any of their comrades behind in battle. Hammack described this idea in this way:…
Grendel was descendent of Cain, who heartlessly murdered innocent Danes because he felt shame for himself. When he heard of the Dane’s problem, Beowulf quickly left to go help the Danish. Although he did have backup, he started a battle with Grendel and chose to do this with no armor or weapons. Nevertheless, Beowulf would still be crowned the winner, as the arm of Grendel would symbolize his trophy. Beowulf would continue to attempt to kill Grendel’s bitter mother and a dragon, who thought the Geats had gone against him. The victory with the dragon would prove to be his last, as it took a lot out of him.…
Beowulf defeats Grendel not because his vanity seeks glory, but because his pride seeks the glory of his kin and country. This honoring of his country by his deeds of good faith is the greatest element of his heroism. Confronting the monster on even terms, proves the integrity of the character through the idea that any advantage over ones foe detracts…
Beowulf is a cultural hero because of his ability to fight against the odds of his opponents. He uses his strength in the battle against Grendel. Beowulf even says that when it comes to fighting him, he says is as dangerous as Grendel is. Beowulf said, "No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed…
With over 1500 years separating the ancient Anglo-Saxon society from the modern day society an average person would believe there are no similarities. However, as portrayed in the epic poem Beowulf many similarities are present in ideals and traditions. The ideals portrayed by the main character Beowulf are extremely similar to the ideals the current society lives by.…
Beowulf is a very courageous character and recounts his acts of courage to every person who will listen. In the poem Beowulf tells of his previous courageous actions in destroying a tribe of giants, defeating sea monsters in the night and returning from battle covered in his enemies blood. Beowulf has come to King Hrothgar to fight an ogre. A monster that has brought misery and death to the Danes for many years. This ogre, Grendel, killed thirty of Hrothgar’s men and caused the great mead hall of Herot to be closed. Beowulf tells King Hrothgar “the monster’s scorn of men Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I” (lines 262-264) Therefore Beowulf intends to fight the Grendel without his armor or his sword. Beowulf may be so courageous because he believes so strongly in fate shaping his successes in the past. Beowulf believes that if it is his fate to win against Grendel then he will win. If it is his fate to die…
In the story Beowulf there is many themes that are going on in the story. One that stands out is Heroism, because Beowulf was willing to sacrifice his life to please the king. Beowulf felt the need to help the king because of their past history. The king wanted Grendal dead so that is what Beowulf did. Beowulf has been in so many past fights that he is not afraid to fight one more battle. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now But I will still fight again seek fame still. If the dragons hiding in the tower to face me” (606-611). Beowulf is getting older and older he is not afraid to fight Grendal and if it is his last he…
Beowulf is loosely divided into three parts, each of which centers around Beowulf’s fight with a particular monster: first Grendel, then Grendel’s mother, then the dragon. One can argue that this structure relates to the theme of the epic in that each monster presents a specific moral challenge against which the Anglo-Saxon heroic code can be measured and tested. Beowulf’s fight with Grendel evokes the importance of reputation as a means of expanding one’s existence beyond death. Grendel’s great and terrifying nature ensures that Beowulf will long be celebrated for his heroic conquering of this foe. His subsequent encounter with Grendel’s mother evokes the importance of vengeance. Just as Beowulf exacts revenge upon Grendel for killing Hrothgar’s men, so too must Grendel’s mother seek to purge her grief by slaying her son’s murderer. Beowulf’s final encounter with the dragon evokes a heroic approach to wyrd, or fate. Though he recognizes that his time has come and that he will thus not survive his clash with the dragon, he bravely embraces his duty to protect his people, sacrificing his life to save them.…
From Beowulf's initial introduction he is seen as being conceited and aggressive. During the first feast, Beowulf tells of the story of his swimming race. Beowulf states, "I was the strongest swimmer of all...Time and again, foul things attacked me...but I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my sword...My sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night-dangers and hard ordeals I have never heard of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves." (Heaney 37). This quote reveals the cockiness of Beowulf. He is very arrogant as he believes that he is the best and the bravest. Arrogance is not a characteristic of a hero. Another flaw is shown in Beowulf's character as he fights Grendel and Grendel's mother. Beowulf's quarrel with Grendel exposes his true expression of violence. While Grendel and Beowulf are wrestling, Beowulf manages to get Grendel in such as position where he ripped off Grendel's arm from the socket. This violent act can be seen as very brutal. The killing of Grendel in such a way would deny the right to name Beowulf as a hero in present society. In addition, the killing of Grendel's mother has the same effect. While battling Grendel's mother, Beowulf seeks assistance from an ancient blade. With this sword, he delivers a final blow to the neck of the monster. After determining that she is death, he still proceeds and decapitates her. He then returns with the head and displays it in Heorot. The decapitation of Grendel's mother illustrates Beowulf as disrespectful and in violation of the heroic code, which doesn't identify him as a hero. In the eyes of contemporary society Beowulf can be recognize as a paradoxical character as he is embodied by both heroic and callous…
Beowulf exercises violence for the glory and treasure of the king; his battle with Grendel is one of the most violent scene in the story. Beowulf does not carry any sort of weapon because he feels that doing so provides him with an unfair advantage over the unarmed Grendel. This shows Beowulf’s heroic nature. As all the warriors are asleep, Beowulf waits patiently. He pretends to sleep when Grendel enters the mead-hall. After Grendel devours some of the warriors, he makes a wrong move and goes for Beowulf. As soon as Beowulf grips Grendel’s hand, Grendel realizes the great strength of the opponent. Beowulf does not let go of his deadly grip until victory is his. According to Tokine’s description of the situation, “A grievous hurt of body that…
The Anglo-Saxons were a warrior culture, and as such, they prized honor. Acting fairly and honorably in battle was a sought-after trait. Beowulf displays this trait several times throughout the course of the poem. The most notable instance is when he refuses to fight Grendel with a weapon, as Grendel has none. By fighting his opponent on the latter's terms, Beowulf consciously levels the…