Preview

The Theme Of Fame In Beowulf

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
373 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The Theme Of Fame In Beowulf
The Death of a Legend’s Fame
Fulfilling his life to not riches but fame. Sadly he outlived his legendary fame and with his old age was caught up by his boasting in his last fight against his mighty foe. In the epic of Beowulf, the legendary hero goes through the trials and tribulations he gets into because his lustful desire for fame. His boasting soon gets him into trouble where he soon realizes his pride will be the death of him.
In the beginning of his journeys he was already held to a high status for being “ Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world”(23). He let his reputation get the best of him he choose to let his great deeds turn into boasts. Beowulf wanted so badly to
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Beowulf's Achievements In Anglo Saxon Society
    • 347 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf's Achievements In Anglo Saxon Society

    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…

    • 347 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf vs. Grandaddy
    • 644 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf vs. Grandaddy

    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
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: Strength, Bravery, And Determination
    • 274 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf: Strength, Bravery, And Determination

    Beowulf was one of the bravest of his time. Vehemently going into battle, horror and death were only a few things he had to face just to save people in mortal danger. " I shall win the gold…

    • 274 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf: An Archetypal Hero
    • 72 Words
    • 1 Page

    Beowulf: An Archetypal Hero

    To sum it all up, In Beowulf, Beowulf is an archetypal hero who ended up being corrupted by the fame and fortune that was gained while doing the Danes a favour and killing their monsters. In Grendel, Grendel was labeled as a monster who tried to be part of a human society; the failure to be accepted as part of the society has forced Grendel to act like how he was labeled.…

    • 72 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: A True Hero In Literature
    • 951 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Beowulf: A True Hero In Literature

    Beowulf by Gareth Hinds is graphic novel based on the Anglo-Saxon epic from 1000 A.D. This work tells the story of a warrior-prince named Beowulf, who completes various heroic tasks throughout the epic story. How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster teaches the reader the real qualities and characteristics it takes to be a true hero in literature. In his quests Beowulf proves that he is a true hero in literature.…

    • 951 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Why Is Beowulf Not Perfect
    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Why Is Beowulf Not Perfect

    Beowulf was very boastful of himself to others. This characteristic was shown to the reader by “-have watch me rise from the darkness of was, dripping with my enemies blood. I drove five great giants into chains, chased all of that race from the earth. I swam In the Blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they had earned.” (152-157) Beowulf loves the attention that his “mighty” strength gave him. When people mourned over Beowulfs’ death, the author let us know he was well like by the people for example: “-crying that no better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people so deserving of…

    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Beowulf Hero Or King
    • 599 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Essay On Beowulf Hero Or King

    Beowulf grew up a fighter and knew he was destined for greatness in battle as one of the most supreme warriors to roam the mortal world. Beowulf was not fond of recognizing personal downfalls and weakness. Instead, he carried himself with confidence, a sense of swagger, and the heart of a lion. The hero of the time, was much more interested in fighting and building his individual reputation rather than taking over King Heardred’s throne. When the time comes where Beowulf is forced to step into the spotlight and become king, he does not just accept the normal responsibilities that come with being king. Beowulf takes the task by the horns, he doesn’t let his new duties blind…

    • 599 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf's Legacy
    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf's Legacy

    Many human characteristics derive from the imperative trait of self-interest. This egoistic personality can be observed through the ages. A resulting characteristic from this self-centered behavior is the ambition for a lasting legacy. Self-centered behavior creates an aspiration for a legacy because people want their own names to be well remembered. Therefore, a legacy can create an illusion of immortality and have an eternal impact on future generations. In the epic poem Beowulf, Shield Sheafson, Hrothgar, and Beowulf display a will for a legacy. The Scop reveals the desire for a lasting legacy as an archetypal human trait because a legacy decreases the fear of death by providing a form of immortality and as a result can be seen throughout human history.…

    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: A Hero
    • 188 Words
    • 1 Page

    Beowulf: A Hero

    According to Emerson's essay he considers Beowulf a hero because he fits all the qualities of the heroes. A hero has to be respected by others Beowulf was respected, when he was fighting Grendel, the Danes wanted to help him; "Many a noble of Beowulf brandished his battle sword old would guard the live of his lord and protector." They are applying that he is very high and mighty. Emerson also says a hero has to have a war-like attitude. Beowulf portrays this when it describes him. “The stout-hearted warrior snatched as he slumbered, seizing hand with-grip”. Emerson also said that a hero has to have fortitude. One sees that he has fortitude when it says; “The foe i must grapple, fight for my life then foeman with foeman.” Emerson said a hero…

    • 188 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf As A Hero
    • 167 Words
    • 1 Page

    Beowulf As A Hero

    Beowulf has many of the characteristics to classify him as a hero. For example he’s brave, sacrificial, strong, caring and patient. Evidence from the text where Beowulf shows/develops these characteristics are:…

    • 167 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: A True Hero
    • 383 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf: A True Hero

    “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” - Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela is a famous leader, who was also the first black president of South Africa. He fought to make a change for a whole country by overthrowing the pro-apartheid government and spent almost 30 years in jail for the his beliefs. Similarly to Mandela, Beowulf fought for the safety of people and their right to live peacefully. It is evident that Beowulf is a true hero that carries the characteristics of which are comparable to Nelson Mandela’s legacy and leadership qualities. While today’s ideal hero may be different from Beowulf in Anglo-Saxon times, many heroes in modern history, like Nelson…

    • 383 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf As An Epic Hero Essay
    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf As An Epic Hero Essay

    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
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Power Of Pride In Beowulf
    • 285 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Power Of Pride In Beowulf

    Many people or creatures seek power to maintain their pride in the societies that they reside in. Pride is the feeling of satisfaction one receives for one’s own achievements. Not only people feel pride, almost everything in the animal kingdom feels pride, especially when one is able to prove that he/she is more powerful than others in some areas. For example, many heroes are prideful of their powers, and they seek more power to maintain their powers, so they are fit competition against other heroes. For example, the power worries and hero, Beowulf, from the epic Beowulf, when speaking the Hrothgar, say, “They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping with my enemies' blood. I drove five…

    • 285 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf As An Epic Hero
    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf As An Epic Hero

    Power is shown by fighting Grendel, the dragon, and all of the other creatures that he fought. “My duty was to go to the Danes’ great king. They have seen my strength for themselves.” (Lines 245-246). It’s as if Beowulf really wanted everyone to know his strength and know what he is made of. Beowulf’s people already knew he was a great leader, and a very powerful hero, but he wanted to show other people what he was made of. Beowulf really worked to become a legend, and it seems like that’s what he did. He really made sure he was well known.…

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf As A Hero
    • 365 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf As A Hero

    Upon you are items of great value to thy self. Thou shall treasure these items as they have helped thy create a legacy. These are items that helped me become known as a hero by all. Upon you is both Grendel's arm and head whom I defeated bare-handed. My fellow Hrothgar was in need as this monster destroyed the great hall of Herot. I lay awake, waiting for this gruesome monster to enter the hall. Grendel could not stand a chance as I had ripped his arm out of his socket. To show proof of my victory, Grendel's arm hung above on the wall of Herot. In honor of the great Beowulf, thy name was recognized as a hero by all in a song, shared by other ancient heroes. I hope thou keep it in a safe place, as it is indeed a treasure to me. Alone, I fought…

    • 365 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More