Preview

Why Is Unferth Important In Beowulf

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
276 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Why Is Unferth Important In Beowulf
Since all that he does is protect and serve his people, Beowulf's dedication to his community overshadows Unferth's graces because Unferth lacks the substantial morals to be called a man. Although the independence of a man is a trait that is exemplified in all that Beowulf does in the epic, he also shows that the security and well-being of his people are of utmost importance to him. He does all he can in order to make sure his people are not going to be affected by any outside influence. For example, Beowulf does not point the blame for the dragon being awoken by the thief on the thief himself; rather, he is the one who decides to defend his people against the great terror of the dragon despite being elderly and near his final days. Conversely,

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    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…

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf is more noble than Grendel or Unferth because he displays courage through offering to put his life on the line to save Herot, He displays honor through his willingness to drop everything to come defeat Grendel, and Industrious by bringing a swift demise to Grendel. Honor was a trait that a good viking warrior could not live without. To a viking honor meant staying true to yourself and your beliefs. Beowulf is a firm believer in the concept of killing monsters.…

    • 168 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf has many heroic characteristics. When Beowulf went to the Land Of Danes, he went to kill Grendel. He didn't do it for the fame or the power. He wanted to kill him to help the Geats. He felt as if it was right, he says “They had in remembrance my courage and might. Many had seen me come safe from the conflict.” He never expected anything from anybody after anything he would do.…

    • 324 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Beowulf also has the character trait of bravery. He goes before all others when things go bad. He would rather risk his own life, than to see someone else risk theirs. He asked a favor to the ruler…

    • 263 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    In Beowulf, Unferth portrays a condescending, jealous man with an arrogant, self- righteous attitude. In other words Unferth believes no one in the kingdom qualifies to receive anymore glory or honor than he, himself has: “And sharp (vexed by Beowulf’s adventure,/ By their visitor’s courage, and angry that anyone/ In Denmark or anywhere on earth had ever/ Acquired glory and fame greater/ Than his own)” (Beowulf 235). Unferth continues to patronize Beowulf in a condescending manner.”You’re Beowulf, are you—the same/ Boastful fool who fought a swimming/ Match with Brecca” (Beowulf 240). As the conversation between the two progresses, Unferth states “You’ve been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think/ Your luck may change if you challenge Grendel” (Beowulf 258). In the novel, the author places Unferth only briefly in the story, however the reader manages to make assumptions as to what character Unferth truly is, an arrogant self righteous man.…

    • 370 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf exemplifies the perfect hero, even from his youth he perfectly embodies the manners and values dictated by the Germanic heroic code, including pride, loyalty, and strength. Beowulf’s youthful heroism as an unfettered warrior and his mature heroism as a reliable king, help portray him as a man of great character who is fair and just. Beowulf’s actions were some of proving his power and might, his attitude was that he was the best, and he was out to show it. This doesn't mean that he was of bad character, he was proud of himself and was striving to be the best he could be.…

    • 411 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Even though it may appear Beowulf acts for selfish reasons, or to increase his fame, he is actually committed to justice proving his selflessness. Throughout the book, Beowulf goes out of his way to help people even with all the conflicts making it hard on him. In the beginning of the book, he comes to the Danes and he offers to help. It states, “It was the end of their voyage and the Geats vaulted / over the side, out on to the sand, / and moored their ship” (224-226).…

    • 482 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf claims God like properties and traits classic of an epic hero, however alike may epic heroes Beowulf is limited by his morality and is subject to a tragic downfall. Beowulf is constantly caught up in efforts to rid the world from evil through his benevolent deeds to humanity. Though many may label Beowulf as a Utilitarian due to his great accomplishments in the name of God, his acts towards the betterment of humanity were by products if his own selfish quest to achieve greatness. Furthermore, Beowulf often lacks extremism and fails to anticipate the future choosing instead to finalize his own fate rather than endowing his people with substances truly beneficial to their survival.…

    • 970 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    He was loyal to the people he protected, not worrying about the cost of his own life. He was a prideful man, who faced good and evil situations to prove his strengths or praise. Three evil monsters, who sought vengeance upon one of mankind’s most powerful warrior. Beowulf was considered to be of God, whereas the monsters were of the devil. It’s like the old saying one bad apple spoils the bunch. Each monster had an evil agenda to kill, steal, or destroy. Beowulf possessed good qualities and the monsters, and creatures possessed evil, and as I stated in the beginning like oil and water it does not…

    • 2088 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    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
  • Good Essays

    If a person does not risk death for their society, they will not be considered a hero; one will be considered as just an ordinary person. However, Beowulf proves that he is not just an ordinary person when he performs brave deeds and is faced with death on numerous accounts for the good of his people. Beowulf faces Grendel, a man-eating monster; Grendel’s mother, a water witch; and the dragon, a hot breath and poisonous creature. When Beowulf faces Grendel’s mother in lines 620-623 “And in an instant she had him down, held helpless. / Squatting with her weight on his stomach, she drew / A dagger, brown with dried blood and prepared / To avenge her only son” he sees death right before him. He keeps fighting because in lines 683-684 Beowulf says “No man but me / Could hope to defeat this monster”. When Beowulf faced the dragon in lines 718-722 “The monster came quickly toward him, / Pouring out fire and smoke, hurrying / To its fate. Flames beat at the iron / Shield, and for a time it held, protected / Beowulf as he’d planned; then it began to melt” Beowulf’s life flashes before his eyes again when he realizing that the shield is not going to hold up, and he will die from the dragon. Beowulf upholds the ideals of the Anglo-Saxon society; courage, loyalty, and honor throughout the entire literature of…

    • 1031 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf As A Hero Essay

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In conclusion, Beowulf is considered a great warrior but not a true hero. Although he accomplished many heroic deeds he never did any of them for the right reasons. Therefore, Beowulf is not a true hero but only a warrior who values renown and rewards. Although he should signs that he cares about the people he never fought for the people but for himself to the very end. Ultimately we see that Beowulf has the characteristic of a hero but his values differ greatly from that of heroes. It can even we concluded that the values of the people who listen to Beowulf hundred of years ago differ from us…

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    We look at hero’s as someone who is amazing and we want to be like them. All these movies about hero’s such as Spiderman, batman ect. We all wanted to have the same power as them. Beowulf had a duty to do to protect the people from any danger. Once you protected them they expect them to save the rest of the people or town. Duty means the obligation doing it even though you don’t want to. Beowulf it was a choice for him to help others because he knew that is what the best is for everyone, he could have stopped helping people and left everyone hanging.…

    • 483 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf

    • 821 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Beowulf proves to be a loyal character that is rear of his kind. He travels to Denmark just to aid people who have been in danger for twelve years. These people are Horthgar and the rest of the Danish people. Horthgar thankfully says to Beowulf “you have traveled here to favour us with help and fight for us” (line 457).The creature that creates this danger is called Grendel. Grendel is a monster that everyone feared to battle but Beowulf. When Beowulf knows that Grendel has enormous power, he prefers to battle and fulfill his loyalty than to escape safely. That incident shows how loyal he is to Horthgar and his people. He sacrifices with his life in order to protect Horthgar and his people which are definitely a strong proof of his loyalty towards him. Another time Beowulf demonstrates his loyalism when he decides to reach a fearful magical place that all the earth creatures fear to approach. This place is the lair of the beast Grendel’s mother who is furious about her son’s murder by Beowulf. This time Beowulf is almost sure that he will be killed in his battle against Grendel’s mother. Although the enormous danger that is waiting for him underwater, he doesn’t even hesitate in going through this sacrificing act. But He instead assures Horthgar saying “Endure your troubles today” (line 1395).…

    • 821 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    beowulf strength

    • 460 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Throughout the book, Beowulf demonstrates his honorable behavior on his adventures. He exhibits honor when he decides that an evil-doing man should still get a proper burial, and “[Buries] Unferth’s head. He [is] a person to be pitied.” (42). This example shows that Beowulf is honorable because he shows pity for a slain man, even though the man vas extremely rude and uncouth. Also, he is honorable because after he won spoils from killing the monster Grendel, he proves his loyalty by declaring, “You are my king and I am your man. All that I [win], I [win] as your retainer.” (83). This quote shows that Beowulf is honorable, because instead of keeping the treasures he wins, he gives them to his king. Beowulf is a character who does all that is moral, and never inhonorable.…

    • 460 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays

Related Topics