In the first two chapters of the informative book, Modern-day Vikings: A Practical Guide to Interacting with the Swedes, Christina Johansson Robinowitz and Lisa Werner Carr provide readers with an overview of Sweden’s history and relate it back to present day Sweden. Modern day Sweden is most notably known for their welfare state. They are reputed for the countries conscious efforts towards equality, fairness, and high values. However, the Swedes also have a barbarous Vikings past that contradicts the welfare state they have obtained in this present day and age. The Vikings were known for being merciless warriors who used their impressive ships to travel to faraway lands and raid wealthy, defenseless monasteries . The very fact that the Vikings…
On June 8th 793ce foreign ships brought an unexpected surprise to the Lindisfarne monastery, the Northmen had arrived. This attack marked the beginning of the Viking Age, an era of raids that shook the western world until its end at the battle of Hastings in 1066. These Northmen arrived and promptly the “heathen miserably destroyed God's church by rapine and slaughter .” It is important to note that the Vikings had an oral tradition and no known sources exist depicting events from their perspective. “We see the attack through the eyes of the victims, who spread the word that the Vikings were bloody and violent. In fact, they were violent, but no more than anyone else at the time. Compared to Charlemagne’s armies, the Vikings were amateurs.…
Beowulf is a poem translated by Seamus Heaney, that tells the tale of the protagonist named Beowulf. Beowulf is a Geat warrior who bears the similar strength of 30 men. Throughout many occasions, he had risen up and molded himself into a representation of an epic hero. Every time the warrior had finished any remarkable feats, it quickly became another additional evidence that showcased his accomplishments, godsend strength, or/and dedication as a leader. His characteristics all became that much more apparent as Beowulf stood side by side with faith, and courage even in the most serious dealt situations. The ability to take on his choices and what God had already organized for his future, is what made his success stand out among those who…
Beowulf is an epic poem from the medieval time that depicts the traits of an epic hero and his journey. He demonstrates good and evil throughout his quest. The imagery helps the reader understand the events throughout Beowulf’s battle over evil and his struggle through life. The images reveal the epic tradition as well as Christian themes and Pagan beliefs.…
Day of the Viking is the kind of entertainment that fits mobile impeccably. It fasts paced, very easy to find out, as well as functions more effective simply put dimensions over enhanced sessions.…
The Vikings came from what is known as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. During the time from the 8th to the 11th centuries the Vikings traveled in their longboats to the British Isles and the coast of Europe raiding the settlements.…
The Old English poem, Beowulf, is arguably the first writings that highlights the battle between man and dragon and portray a Scandinavian warrior who is destine to rule a kingdom. The age-old question of fighting for glory or fighting for riches is tested, as the story begins with a young warrior who battles his way to become king and in the end give his life for his kingdom. After a successful reign as king, the story leads the hero to a final battle with the fantastic dragon. The question, that has been put before the readers is one of motive for Beowulf’s battle of the dragon. It has been put upon us to decide if Beowulf was fighting the dragon for personal glory or for the protection and safety of his kingdom. In this writer’s…
Beowulf, the name of the Anglo-Saxon heroic narrative, and also the name of its Scandinavian prince protagonist, cultivates one of the many eight literary theories: Mythological and Archetypal. Beowulf, the protagonist, takes it upon himself to cross the Baltic sea to help assist the land of the Danes from a blood-thirsty brute called Grendel. Initially, Grendel is the only threat is perceived by the Danes, until his mother seeks vengeance for the death of her son. Throughout the epic poem, Grendel and his mother’s background help facilitate many themes, ideals, and archetypes within the narrative. Since they originate from the clan of Cain, Grendel and his mother affect the heroic poem by causing certain individuals…
One of the best literary devices the author of Beowulf uses is the use of episodes and digressions. Each of these episodes and digressions tell another story apart from the main plot of Beowulf, but sets up an introduction to the main plot. One such episode, the Sigemund episode, tells of valiant King Sigemund who received glory and honor through his killing of the dragon and possession of the hoard. Sigemund became a noble and experienced king, only to be betrayed and brought to his downfall. Beowulf was much the same as Sigemund, and both were great examples of heroes. The Sigemund episode introduces a comparison to Beowulf, foreshadows Beowulf’s downfall, and parallels the irony of Beowulf’s shortcomings.…
The Vikings were people who lived from 800-1100 AD. Most of the lived in Scandinavia, but they also had colonies in places such as England, Ireland, Scotland, and many other places in Eastern Europe. The main language that they spoke was called Old Norse, and it has become the basis of many languages today, including Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish. The word Viking comes from the Old Norse word vikingr, which means "camp", or "dwelling place". They wrote in an alphabet known as Runes. Runes were also used to write many Germanic languages at this time.…
To be a leader or a king during the time period that King Harold was around was much different then being a king nowadays. To be a king or a leader back in King Haralds time period was all about having power and control, some also has to do with reputation and sometimes even ancestry. In the medieval periods being a king was all about your army, strategy plan and pure gruesomeness. King Harald earned such high power by first taking over many of the cities around him. With his Varangian army and his scheming army tactics he took over nearby villages and struck fear in the eyes of his opponents. After King Haralds conquest of the three villages Sicily the King and his army had a know reputation of power. After theses conquering’s the King was also very wealthy and full of riches, wherever he went he found treasures and gold which all added up to almost an endless supply of wealth. Having power and wealth back in King Haralds time was basically all you needed to be a powerful King and ruler.…
Beowulf, the Old-English epic poem, is characteristic of its Nordic-Germanic roots as a tale of a great Scandinavian hero Beowulf, who saves a neighboring kingdom from the wrath of the destructive, blood-thirsty monster, Grendel, and eventually becomes the king of his own people, the Geats. Closely related to modern day tribal and gang customs, it is questioned as to whether Beowulf should be considered a hero. He proves to be a great warrior and protector by killing three terrorizing beasts, a provider by bringing back great treasures from each of his exploits, and faithful by always looking out for his tribe and fighting in their honor. The true question…
The tale of an epic hero unlike any other thrives on in Beowulf, who is a powerful warrior and leader. By definition, a hero is typically a man who is greatly admired or idealized for their noble, courageous and notable qualities, exceptional achievements and brave feats. Beowulf, warrior of Geatland and King of the Swedes, battles monsters and accomplishes, no doubt, heroic deeds in this centuries-old text. In this essay, I argue the qualities of a true hero and that Beowulf possesses each of these and utilizes them in this ancient and epic tale.…
In 844 AD a Viking fleet attacked Nantes, Toulouse, Gijon, Lisbon and Seville, where they were defeated by the Moors and forced to retreat back to Aquitaine .…
In the beginning, we meet our first official king, Hrothgar. Hrothgar is the king of the Danes. Over time Hrothgar had won many battles and became a famous soldier in his kingdom. Hrothgar very admired until, He fell as a king when he first met Grendel . Grendel with his great strength over…