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.…
Hrafnkel, in the eponymous Hrafnkel’s Saga, by modern standards would certainly be considered a ruthless murderer. However, it is necessary to take into consideration the time period and culture of this historic Scandinavian saga. The entirety of the Icelandic population was illiterate and as such the justice system established in 10th century Iceland was based mostly on a system of honor and violence. The laws of Iceland were not actually written down, but rather kept alive verbally. An oral oath was considered to be a legally binding contract. This system was a weak attempt at avoiding bloody feuds and altercations among the common people, amidst a governing system of honor and trust. Hrafnkel, the protagonist of Hrafnkel’s Saga, demonstrated this skewed justice system by asserting himself as a Chieftain and bringing wrath upon his enemies or anybody who crossed his word. Thus, when Einar broke his oral agreement with Hrafnkel, Einar essentially broke a legally binding contract and was consequently subject to the full penalty of their agreement. Therefore, Hrafnkel, who agreed to kill anybody who rode his beloved horse, Freyfaxi, was then not guilty in committing murder as he was not breaking any Icelandic laws and was simply committing to his contract with Einar.…
Beowulf, in the reader’s perspective is a very strong and noble man. As the poem says, “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. There is mere hanger-on in a hero’s armour.” (244-251). He is noble because he knows his possible consequence of fighting but does not fear death. Beowulf…
In his blog post, Sean Patrick Hughes discusses his concern over the election by arguing that a Donald Trump presidency could be a significant barrier to the fight against division in our country. He begins his post by clearing articulating where his view is coming from; he is not a “safe space, social crusader,” but rather identifies as “someone with conservative values” who loves God, his family, and his guns. The first paragraph is entirely dedicated to establishing ethos because he understands that to effectively argue to his audience, they must not instantly write him off as a “leftist cry baby” or a “right-wing nut job,” as is so common in many opinion pieces relating to the election. The next paragraphs are dedicated to providing a background…
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…
Throughout the film, it isn't hard to notice that Beowulf is more noble and slightly a more gentlemen. It shows him fighting to protect the people of the kingdom; he doesn't just do this for the fame, glory, or rewards. That is what we did know of Beowulf in the book though. His fighting was just to be self-centered and selfishly misusing his abilities for his own good, not for the good of others. Both Beowulf vs. Beowulf have completely different personalities in the film and book, and do each task in a different way. All that was just discussed of Beowulf was all regard to the concept of honor, good and evil.…
They are not only great in a literary sense, but their achievements are considered to be historical landmarks. In the epic poem” Beowulf”, Beowulf himself is put upon a pedestal because he is the leader of a nation and a respected warrior. His personality and courageous achievements separate him from everyone else. Beowulf’s strong…
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.…
The hero Beowulf is a king and Danish warrior, also known as “The Geat” (Line 639),Prince of Goodness (676), Weather-Geat (697), The hero, and Kinsman. Hrothgar, King of Heorot have a variety of alternative in the work, as Lord of the Shielding (663), friend of the people (427-428), Helmet of Shielding (456), The King of Glory (665) and Divine Lord(685). The terrible monster Grendel an evil being known as the captain of evil (749), powerful demon (86), the shadow stalker, monster. Grendel’s Mother is an evil character who encourages the atrocities committed by his son Grendel and Wiglaf, Beowulf’s nephew known as man of worth, Shield warrior, Prince of the Scylfing, is finally the King…
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…
1.1) it is important to have a positive relationshop with children and young people because it will help you and both children and ypung people to have a happier relationahip with each other and make the enviroment much better. With children its good to have a positive relationship so that they can get to no you, get use to the enviroment and so that they feel safe and happy. With young peopleit is good to have a good positive relationship with them so that they again get to no you, get use to enviroment and that their happy and safe. It is imporant that…
They see the mightiest fall of the beast. They see many men knocked off their pedestals. They have seen the truth first hand, that no man is invincible. Contrastingly, it is with the greatest admiration and hope that they hold Beowulf in a higher regard. The villagers and even King Hrothgar sees Beowulf as a God and give every responsibility to him, “But you have made yourself immortal By your glorious action”(21). The most supreme and noble citizen calls Beowulf “immortal” in front of every other citizen in the mead hall. The Danes have seen warriors, kings, and men alike fail and fall at some point. They know that Beowulf cannot truly be invincible. However, they never act on that truth but instead continue to treat Beowulf like a mystical and unbreakable God. If they accept the truth then they are without true hope, and it is easier for them to live in the dark than to live with no hope and only truth. In conjunction with that Godly treatment, they hand Beowulf every responsibility of keeping the people safe. They ignore the truth that Beowulf will one day fall because of the instant gratification of not having to face their monsters and problems face to face. Through this complacency and blatant disregard for the truth, the people are able to sit back and watch Beowulf and his men fight every battle for them. Ultimately, once the truth does come out and Beowulf shows vulnerability, nobody knows what to do because…
H Commentary #1: Beowulf’s behavior is clearly shown his loyalty not only for the king of the Danes but also to his people in the Danes.…
When you think of Vikings you don’t necessarily think of a civilized society. In Beowulf, the society of that particular era and people is thought to be fighting, dangerous and overall barbaric. This assumption is not completely because in the poem, the are big into fighting and most importantly there are monstrous creatures running amok, reeking havoc. With the monsters of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon existing, it makes the society seem that much more horrid and barbaric. In the poem it describes Grendel by saying “He was spawned in that slime of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God, punished forever for the crime of Abel’s death.” (35 l. 105-108 ). This just goes to show how elements like this can cause someone to believe this time period is more barbaric.…
The bond shared between family members is unbreakable. The people that surround you shape the future of your life, thoughts, and actions. In Homer’s, The Odyssey, family plays a major role with the character Odysseus. Odysseus wants to make a dangerous journey home because of the love and bond he has with his family. Although Odysseus and I are from completely different time periods, we both share the experiences of facing obstacles and making a commitment to see family members who live far away from us.…