Essay On Beowulf

Research Paper On Beowulf
The Anglo–Saxon period stretched for over six hundred years, 410 to 1066. This period is often
referred to as the Dark Ages because the written documents from this era have become scarce. This
period was a time of war, separation of kingdoms, and religious conversions. The Anglo–Saxon's
were a group of people descending from the German regions of Angeln and Saxon. They cultivated
Britain after the great fall of the Roman Empire around AD 410.
`As the Anglo–Saxon's settled in, the Jutes and the Frisians from Denmark were also settling in the
British Isles, but the Anglo–Saxon settlers set their rules and became their own masters in a new
land. Throughout the period the Anglo–Saxon's broke off into seven known kingdoms: Kent,
Mercia, Northumbria, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, and...show more content...
Around 850 the seven kingdoms consolidated into three kingdoms: Northumbria, Mercia, and
Wessex. Many Roman ways in their past culture were set aside in their new culture; they replaced
the Roman stone buildings with their own wooden ones, and spoke their own language, which gave
rise to the modern English spoken today. Although many spoke in different dialects, which over time
became known as Old English. Famous literature emerged in this era: the poem Beowulf and the
Anglo–Saxon Chronicle, which both cover events in the early history of England.
The Anglo–Saxon's followed their own religious beliefs until the arrival of Saint Augustine in AD
597, which lead to the conversion of Christianity. This period was very religious and Christianity
flourished throughout the Kingdoms. The social order of the Anglo–Saxon's had four tiers: kings,
thanes, churls, and slaves. The kings ruled over the kingdoms and were always on top. Thanes were
very powerful men who reported to the king, and also had influence on the king. Thanes could also
own land. Below the
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

Reflection Paper On Beowulf
Brandon Rickard
Miss Van Arsdale
English IV
September 18, 2014
Beowulf Response The story of Beowulf is not just another story. It is a great and action packed
thriller. Beowulf is a fearless leader of the Geats. He has gained immense respect from not only his
homeland but from people around the world. Beowulf has his stories of his success and greatness
told to people all around. He is an all out celebrity of the time. Everybody knows his name. His most
well known stories are his battle with Grendel, The battle against Grendel's mother, and the Battle
against the dragon. When Beowulf heard of the hardships that the Danes were going through he
decided to take action. He had heard all the terrible tales of the attacks. Hearing them just inspired
him more. Beowulf brought his men with him on an excursion to Denmark. Beowulf was greeted in
Denmark with compliments, but also received a lot of doubt. The...show more content...
There was a dragon harassing the people of his land. Remembering his battles and
accomplishments of the past he set out to destroy the dragon. He goes into battle alone, feeling
confident in his abilities. With sword and shield in hand he felt protected. He attacked the dragon,
trying to kill it with his sword, but could not phase it. His sword disintegrated on impact with the
dragon's body. The dragon attacked Beowulf with fire. At first his shield was withstanding the heat,
but not long after it started to melt. The kings warriors saw what was happening and fled. All
except one warrior. Wiglaf saw that his king was under siege and needed help. He charged the
dragon with determination to save his lord. Between the two men they conquered the dragon but at a
costly measure. During battle Beowulf was fatally wounded. While on his death bed he asked Wiglaf
to build up a tower in his remembrance. The tower was to be in a place where anyone coming into
the land could see it and remember what Beowulf had

Essay On Beowulf
The Structure of Beowulf
An Analysis of the Structure of the Epic Poem Beowulf Every piece of literature has some sort of
structure, or else there would be no poems, stories, essays, etc. One of the earliest known pieces of
English literature was the epic poem Beowulf. In the epic poem Beowulf, the hero in the poem,
Beowulf, goes on a journey to the land of the Danes. Beowulf travels to the land of the Danes in
response to the recent terror attacks from a terrifying monster named Grendel. Upon arrival, the
Danes fear that Beowulf and his party are there to attack the Danes. However, they are there to
defeat Grendel, who has been terrorizing Herot Hall for twelve years. The Danes king, Hrothgar,
gladly welcomes Beowulf and fully supports Beowulf...show more content...
After Beowulf kills both Grendel and Grendel's Mom, Beowulf then returns to the land of the Geats
as a hero. Beowulf then became king of the Geats. Then, fifty years later, King Beowulf is tested for
the last time. A fire–breathing dragon has been terrorizing Beowulf's people. Beowulf knows that
this battle with the dragon, will be his last. Beowulf then rounds up a group of soldiers that will
help him confront the dragon. As soon as Beowulf and his men encounter the dragon, Beowulf's
men run away in fear, leaving their beloved leader to fend for himself. Then, a brave soldier, Wiglaf,
started to speak to the cowards who were leaving their beloved leader helpless, "I remember how we
sat in the mead–hall, drinking and boasting of how brave we'd be when Beowulf needed us, he
who gave us these swords and armor: all of us swore to repay him, when the time came, kindness
for kindness, with our lives, if he needed them," page 60. Later, Wiglaf and Beowulf both kill the
dragon, however Beowulf is critically injured. Beowulf knows he will die soon, Beowulf then tells
Wiglaf to bring him the treasure that they fought so hard for. Once Wiglaf shows Beowulf the
treasure, Beowulf names Wiglaf his heir to the throne, and then dies. The dragon in the poem
represents the greatest evil known to man, death. If it were not for death, Beowulf could've ruled his
kingdom for a longer period of

Essay On Beowulf Is An Epic Hero
A hero should always be a Epic Hero one who is larger than life, and who knows good values in
life. In Beowulf especially, it speaks much about strength, but not only strength in his arms, but
the strength to stay strong and love people. In the poem we learn about how Beowulf who is the
hero during Anglo Saxton times. We learn how invincible and mighty Beowulf really is. He's
actually a great example of a epic hero, cause of his great strength and abilities. We learn in the the
story more about Beowulf's great strength and killed Grendel with his hands. We learn even more
about his strength where it says how he killed Grendel's mother with a massive sword. It elaborates
even more about the sword in the story, as it says no ordinary man would

Beowulf Analytical Essay
"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always
evil." – Ayn Rand. To fully understand the complex world and culture of the Anglo
–Saxons, one
must examine the only form of historical evidence available – texts. One particular great work from
this time period is often underrated and overshadowed in modern society by many other ancient
works such as Iliad or Oedipus Rex. The epic poem, Beowulf, was sung by multiple unknown
Anglo–Saxon poets four centuries before the Norman Conquest. The theme of good versus evil was
constantly reappearing throughout the storyline, the portrayal of evil and its downfall initially
shaped the poem's plot, and illustrates an alien presence; something that...show more content...
Grendel's invasion of Herot symbolizes the destruction of peace and safety, and the imperfections
within the society. The twelve years Grendel had haunted Herot, "Herot stood empty, and stayed
deserted for years" (145–146) were also the twelve years Hrothgar and his kingdom suffered.
Nevertheless, when Beowulf finally eliminated Grendel, readers see a different side of Herot,
"Golden tapestries were lined along the walls, for a host of visitors to see and take pleasure in"
(995–996), the glory and grandeur was restored, all with the slaying of Grendel – an outcast of
society. The rigid and confined society of the Danes also shaped the way its people think and act,
but also influenced greatly on the writings. Given the fact that metaphors and kennings are common
in Old English literature; the representation of "evil" is also something not to be taken on a literal
level. "Edgetho had begun a bitter feud / Killing Hathlaf, a Wulfing warrior" (459–460), inter–tribal
feuds, therefore, are also a destroyer of peace. Grendel takes on a form that is left uncertain; its real
meaning hidden behind the metaphorical mask of a monster, is the never–ending battles between
tribal armies (namely, the Danes, Geats, Frisians, and the Swedes) that had disturbed the tranquility
people had longed for. It is almost a barrier of peacekeeping, hider of hope. Hence, it is represented
by Grendel, a great evil hated by many, whom

Beowulf a Poem Translated by Seamus Heaney Essay
In the poem, Beowulf, by an unknown poet, as translated by Seamus Heaney, we see many
monstrous behaviors. A few of the examples stand out more than the rest: wanton destruction, a
woman acting as a man, and the act of killing one's kin. Wanton destruction goes against the ideals
that governed the Anglo–Saxon culture. The warrior kings had duties to uphold. We see that they
revered kings who would bring protection and give freely to the young and old and not cause harm.
One good illustration of this is the nature in which King Hrothgar dispensed his wealth, he
dispensed it to the needy and he didn't give away "the common land or the people's lives" (71–73).
In contrast we see Grendel, a descendent of Cain, depicted as being a demon,...show more content...
The lord "vented his rage" on the men he drank with and went as far as to murder his own friends
(1713–14).
Another representation of wanton and destruction is seen when Beowulf speaks about Ongentheow's
sons and how they , encompassed Hreasnahill with orchestrated surprise attacks on every given
opportunity, savagely crusading ,they were determined not to make peace, going from ever
"wale–road"(10) entrance to the next (2475–78). Monstrous behaviors that are of the nature of
wanton destruction are determined by the motives of the one being violent, although violence alone
is not deemed monstrous but violence without a justified cause is, with the exception that it is a man
and not woman. Anglo–Saxon culture accepted violence from a man, but when a woman was
violent the behavior was deemed monstrous. Queens had courtesies that they were expected to
observe such as being peace weavers, cup passers (613–15) and "a balm to their battle scarred
Swede" (62–63). They mourned the lost by crying and singing this is seen in the performance by the
minstrel who then ordered her own son's body (1118–1119).This was the formal way for a queen to
mourn. If there was a cause of death by violence then the avenging was left to the king and his
retainers.
Grendel's mom never paid any mind to their culture's ideas of what a woman's place was in their
society. She turned the idea upside down and inside out. Making every man and woman fear her,

Essay on Beowulf is an Epic Hero
Epic battles, terrifying monsters, extraordinary strength, and great leadership; these
characteristics and encounters are what make up the epic hero that is Beowulf. The heroism
exemplified by Beowulf is defined by many different qualities. Beowulf is truly a hero because he
is willing to put himself at great risk for the greater good. Beowulf's defeats of Grendel and
Grendel's mother establish him as a hero because he did it to save his people, rather than for his
own glory. Beowulf is brought from his homeland to Heorot as an aegis for Hrothgar's people. This
illustrates the point that he was willing to put himself at risk because he fought the monster with his
bare hands and put himself in peril just for the sake of saving...show more content...
If this combat kills me, take care of my young company, my comrades in arms" (Heaney
1475–1481). Even though Beowulf knows that he could lose his life, he is concerned about what
will happen to his people should he die. Beowulf makes Hrothgar promise him that if he dies he,
Hrothgar, will look after his warriors and make sure no harm comes of them. Lastly, Beowulf is
offered a position of leadership by Hrothgar for his courageous efforts at saving his people. "In all
things you are even–tempered, prudent, and resolute. So I stand firm by the promise of friendship
we exchanged before. Forever you will be your people's mainstay and your own warriors' helping
hand" (Heaney 1705–1708). Beowulf's ability to protect his people without any care of losing his
own life made him a true hero and also gave him the qualities of a great leader. Beowulf's warriors
praise him after his death as being a hero and a gracious and kind king who always defended his
people with honor and minimal pride. This is an especially difficult thing to accomplish. "The hero
follows a code that exalts indomitable will and valor in the individual, but society requires a king
who acts for the common good, not for his own glory" (Leyerle 56). These two characters, the epic
hero and the mighty king, often conflict with each other. Each one has different characteristics. The
hero acts solely out of pride for his accomplishments, while the king does everything for the
betterment of his

Essay On Beowulf
In the Old English poem, "Beowulf", one was shown valiance, bravery, and sacrifice. It is
debatable on the fact if Beowulf in an epic poem, or not. After reading "Beowulf", one can argue
that it is an epic because of its characters, the way it's written, and the story.
Initially, it is important to know what defines an epic poem. "An epic poem notes or pertains to a
long poetic composition, usually centered upon a hero, in which a series of great achievements or
events is narrated in elevated style" (Epic). "Beowulf" primarily centers around the main character,
Beowulf. He is depended on to save the village and kinsmen whenever a problem occurs. He is
the main hero of the story and has heroic and godlike capabilities. An epic also tends to have
major loss, as shown in the death of Beowulf, Shield, Hygelac, etc. An epic's hero must be able to
adapt and beat all odds. "In addition to his prowess in battle, Beowulf is resourceful and skillful in
many crafts. If shipwrecked, he is an expert swimmer" (Hero)....show more content...
It has a hero, a villain, loss, an avenger, and much more. "The writer of Beowulf is in fact a true
poet; he has created a tragic unity, he sees with the poet's eye which splits and recombines the
elements of everyday perceptions" (Blomfield). There is much explaining in the poem and is
written in a way to extract emotions. The author took time in his verses to drag out details and wait
to very specific moments that were hand selected by the author. The author wrote it in a way
designed to provoke emotion, and did so brilliantly. He also had loose rhythm, and used alliteration.
Epic poems "have a style that sometimes involves rhyme, but more often it doesn't"

Essay on Beowulf
He killed three monsters and then he died. Not a very interesting fate, but it is none the less one
that I find myself having to write about regardless of whether or not I want to. Thus it was, the
mighty Beowulf of old England that went forth to slay the evils which plagued the lands of his own
people as well as those of his neighboring tribes. The second battle was one that was brought about
by Beowulf's willingness to go and help an old friend, and thus he nearly lost his life once more.
For those not acquainted with the story of Beowulf, he was said to be the strongest man ever to live,
and given this he was fated according to their beliefs to accomplish certain things in his life. Some of
these things...show more content...
Beowulf fought Grendal without weapon and delivered a fatal injury with the removal of his arm.
Upon this injury Grendal returned to his lair where he would die and be welcomed into the depths
of Hell. The accomplishment of this great dead by Beowulf allowed him the reputation of a hero,
but this establishment would not become complete until he had beaten the great Grendal's Mother.
Which without going into great detail he did accomplish and was then thanked once more by
Hrothgar, and even offered the mighty king's kingdom. All of this is simply a testament to the
alleged fate of Beowulf, personally I like to think that I can control my own life, even though I
might have a distinct purpose, I do believe it is my responsibility to determine and then carry out that
purpose.
Upon his return home Beowulf is given a hero's welcome and celebrations run rampant. This is
nothing to say the least of what would come later. Through a process of elimination, Beowulf would
inherit the thrown of the Geat kingdom. After a ruling of fifty winters he would face what would be
his final battle, with a creature whose importance on the epic is unending was given a name only
as meager as the "dragon". It was this dragon that Beowulf would yield his life too, and it would be
the end of Beowulf's fate in this world. Beowulf's, Wiglaf, would inherit the thrown after his bravery
and courage allowed

Essay on Beowulf and the Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell's term monomyth can be described as a hero's journey. Many heroic characters
follow the monomyth, no matter the time period or culture the literature was created in. The poem
Beowulf is known to follow the adventure of the hero described in Campbell's monomyth . The
hero's journey consists of three rites of passages: separation, initiation, and return. Beowulf endures
each of these stages throughout the epic poem, so his journey does follow Campbell's monomyth.
The separation is the first stage a hero must go through in his or her journey. This stage consists of
"a blunder –apparently the merest chance– reveals an unsuspected world, and the individual is
drawn into a relationship with forces that are not rightly...show more content...
Beowulf is tested when Grendel's mother retaliates to her son's death. She lashes out and kills
Hrothgar's best man. Then, Beowulf goes down into her cave where he duels her. He nearly loses
his life when both his sword and armor fail him. "No sword could slice her evil skin , that Hrunting
could not hurt her, was useless now when he needed it." (1521–24) He took a magical sword that
was hanging on her wall and killed her with it. Beowulf's helpers in this stage would be the sword
and God. Without the sword he would not have been to kill Grendel's mother. Beowulf relies on
God's help and often gives Him thanks after a battle is over. The next stage in his journey is the
climax or final battle. After defeating Grendel's mother, Beowulf returns to his hometown where
he reigns as king for fifty years. He is a good king, keeping peace in his country. After fifty years of
peace, a fire–breathing dragon is awoken, so he must go protect his people. Beowulf and his
warriors venture out to the dragon's lair. He goes in alone, confident that he can defeat the beast.
He is sadly mistaken; Beowulf's armor starts to melt and his sword breaks against the dragon's scaly
back. He was left there to die when all of his fellow warriors ran away cowardly into the woods.
Only one brave soldier remained: Wiglaf. The final stage in initiation is the hero's flight. This story's
flight is Wiglaf saving Beowulf.

How is Beowulf an Epic Hero
Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most
heroic man of the Anglo–Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by
always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is
known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and
traits that a true hero possesses. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic
qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They show great bravery, intelligence,
strength and resourcefulness. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. They are
dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they...show more content...
This shows Beowulf's strength, courage and fearlessness. Through this it is evident that he
possess courageous traits. Beowulf's strength is exemplified many times in the story. Beowulf
was said to have "the strength of thirty men in his mighty handgrip." He fought in numerous
battles and returned victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf
explains the reason he lost a swimming match with his opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf
been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of
the ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel with his bare hands by
ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, he is able to slay her by slashing
the monster's neck with a giant sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf.
When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with no difficulty, but it takes four men
to lift and carry it back to Heorot. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism. Another heroic
trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people's welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king
of the Geats so he is sent to help kill Grendel. His actions toward Grendel show that he is willing to
help others. In an epic it is usually found that the hero often determines the fate of a nation or group
of people. He uses his super–human physical strength

Research Paper On Beowulf
In Raffel's translation of the epic poem Beowulf , Beowulf is an epic hero, as he epitomizes all
the traits and elements of a hero. The protagonist possesses supernatural qualities that are unusual
to humankind and are an advantage, as he is set on a quest to prove his worthiness and capability
of defeating mythical creatures. However, his pride got the best of him and fate dictates that his
life must come to an end. Beowulf is an epic hero who epitomizes abilities that are greater than life.
He is " the follower and the strongest of the Geats– greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in
this world–..." ( Raffel 44). Beowulf feels that he is an indomitable individual who can defeat any
creature that is a menace. He is complacent with...show more content...
The dragon's breath flared with flames and mortally wounded Beowulf. " And he suffered, wrapped
around in swirling flames–a king,before, but now a beaten warrior" ( Raffel 92). Beowulf was
uncertain if he was going to survive and be crowned victor in the battle, but he goes through with
the battle to prove his worthiness and loyalty. He put his life in the hands of fate, as only fate
would determine if he would triumph or fail. " My days have gone by as fate willed, waiting for
its word to be spoken" ( Raffel 92). Beowulf meets his downfall through the act of excessive pride.
The author, Raffel, casts Beowulf as an epic hero, as he embodies all the characteristics of a hero.
He was willing to risk his life for the love of his people because it was imperative for him to
protect them from any danger. Beowulf's agility and strength worked towards his advantage to
defeat mythical creatures.He proved his worthiness and capability to defeat creatures, in order to
protect the Danes, by displaying a warrior conduct of loyalty.Although he undergoes a downfall, he
is a true hero who persevered until the

Essay On Beowulf
Beowulf, the Epic Hero and Risk Taker(20 points)
Please complete this chart as a graphic organizer for your analysis of Beowulf as an epic hero. Use
quotes and examples from the assigned reading and the video to support each of these 8
characteristics. You must include at least 3 direct quotes from the reading in the "quote and
example" section.
Characteristics of an Epic Hero Quotes and Examples from the text and/or video.
You must include at least 3 direct quotes from the reading.
1. Is significant and glorified 2 points
All of the brave deeds Beowulf accomplishes, and the strength that he possesses, gains him much
respect and glorification from people.
2. Is on a quest2 points
"Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, Now when...show more content...
9. Why do you think Beowulf is included in the "Taking Risks" unit? (2 points)
Beowulf has been included in the taking risks unit to show how a leader should be ready to take
risks for his or her people. Beowulf lives by the warrior code and showed bravery and courage when
he is faced all the challenges to save his people.
10. Name a character from comics, movies, or stories who possesses many of the characteristics of
an epic hero listed in the chart. In great detail, name your character and show how at least three of
the characteristics of an epic hero apply to that character. (2 points)
Rick Grimes of "The Walking Dead" is an epic hero because he demonstrates intelligence,
courage, is a strong and responsible leader and is the beginning is on an epic journey. Rick
Grimes exhibits intelligence throughout the series as he leads his group of people after the
zombie apocalypse. But his intelligence is at its best when he outmaneuvers the Governor
(twice) and Neagan. Rick Grimes proves his courage by going into Atlanta alone even after
Morgan informs him that is not a good idea. Also, when he begs Negan to kill him and not his son
Carl. Rick Grimes demonstrates that he is a strong and responsible leader when he first makes
contact with the group his wife and son are a part of and despite being in a coma when the
apocalypse started people immediately looked to Rick to save them and keep them

Essay about Beowulf The King
Many readers of the poem Beowulf may find it difficult to distinguish the 'good' kings from the rest
– indeed, almost every man who holds a throne in the epic is named at one point or another to be
'good'. By examining the ideals of the time period as identified by the 'heroic code', it becomes
clearer that a truly 'good' king is one who generously distributes treasure and weaponry to deserving
retainers to honour courage and strength displayed in battle and to encourage the defense of the
kingdom (Intro). When Beowulf ascends the throne of the Geats, the heroic traits of courage and
strength for which he was so highly praised as a warrior do not serve well in making him a good
king. Indeed, by exhibiting the traits of a thane, that is, by...show more content...
Hrothgar's intentions are sociocentric: by employing the strength of "many peoples" (76) to build
the "legendary hall" (412) of Heorot, he brings his people together and gives his people a legacy,
ensuring a future for Denmark. Beowulf's main fault lies in his neglect to unite his people under his
rule. He is described, like Hrothgar, as a "ring–giver" (2635), but since Beowulf himself is "too
proud/ to line up with a large army" (2345–46) and he adopts the title of sole "protector" (2337),
"trusting his own strength entirely" (2540), he doesn't allow his thanes the opportunity to show their
courage and strength in battle. The price in gold of any treasure is inconsequential: it is its price in
deeds performed to earn the treasure that matters. In other words, only treasures earned are worth
something, and endowing gifts to the undeserving is akin to when the theif steals the "gem–studded
goblet" (2217) from the dragon's hoard: it "gained him nothing" (2217). Beowulf never realizes
this as king. As he lies on his deathbed, beholding the treasure hoard of the dragon, he even gives
thanks that he has "been allowed to leave [his] people/ so well endowed on the day [he] die[s]"
(3797–98). The reader sees, however, that his people are left with nothing. Even the treasure,
"bought and paid for by Beowulf's death" (2843) is left in the ground, "useless to men

Essay On Beowulf Being A Hero
Christopher Reeve once said, "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve
and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for
courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Hero's are around us in our everyday lives
such as firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect people and their property. Other hero's
can be found in literature. These hero's, also know as an epic hero, exhibit superhuman qualities to
help fight and protect others while on their quest. Being a hero means taking on enormous
responsibilities. With these responsibilities comes great praise from others which both Beowulf and
everyday firefighter receive for their extraordinary work....show more content...
In the poem, Beowulf stands by his promise to kill Grendal's mother. He does this by traveling far
to go fight a blood thirsty battle. Before the battle, Beowulf says "And if your enemy should end
my life/ Then be, O generous prince." Within these lines, Beowulf has no remorse about being
killed, and in addition shows that he would by willing to sacrifice his life for King Hrothgar and
his people. Firefighters on the other hand, risk their lives everyday while on the job of saving
people and their property. Being a firefighter can be a very dangerous and risky job. When on the
line of duty anything can happen. Firemen get put at risk for getting burned while in a burning
house, and inhaling smoke which can overwhelm a firefighter whose equipment fail him. Not to
mention, while in these burning houses anything could collapse on these men and could cause
serious injury or even their

Literary Analysis Essay On Beowulf
The epic poem Beowulf follows the battles of a warrior named Beowulf. Beowulf originated during
the Anglo–Saxon Period, which was also known as the Dark Ages. This time period was a
preliterate society; unlike most of the poems we know today, the poems and stories of that time
were orally spoken. The literature of that time focused more on the cruel lifestyle of the warriors and
the unspoken rules they had to live by. In Beowulf, Beowulf, the prince of the Geats, had many
devastating challenges, including battles with fearsome monsters such as Grendels and a Dragon.
Throughout the poem, Beowulf shows many signs of courage and bravery while he saves his nation
and his people. Beowulf is considered an epic hero because he illustrates the idea of being of noble
status, showing bravery, and bringing glory to his nation and his people. Beowulf was didn't have
to earn the title of a noble, because he was born as the nephew of the King. Proven by Beowulf
when he introduces himself to everyone, "Hail, Hrothgar! Higlac is my cousin and my king:"
(140–142) During this time he also tells everyone about the monsters he...show more content...
If weapons were useless, he'd use his hands" (487–490) , he fought both the Grendel and its mother
with his bare hands. His final battle was the greatest sign of bravery any man could have given,
and this was Beowulf gave up his life in order to save his kingdom and his people. While doing
this he also glorified his kingdom and all the people within it by drowning them in gold and
jewels, "This tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf's tower, and boats in the
darkness And mist, crossing the sea, will know it." Even though it may seem like he was trying to
make himself look better, in the end as he was the king and once the greatest warrior, as his name is
known throughout the world, so is his

How To Write An Essay About Beowulf's Journey
Beowulf endures three brave challenges throughout this story. The hero himself is one of the
strongest beings to reside in the setting of Geatland. This attribute makes him feel obligated to help
on the defensive side of things. His powerful charisma and willingness to fight, protect, and lead,
make him almost unstoppable during battle. All three of the main battles Beowulf experiences require
him to approach each with different tactics and strategies. There are many similarities and
differences in regards to each battle Beowulf endures. The battle with Grendel starts out as an
impossible feat. Beowulf participates in this fight as a way to repay for all the splendid things that
the king has given to his father. Beowulf possesses the strength...show more content...
The mother comes to fight for her dead son, who Beowulf had destroyed earlier. Although she
does put up a fight in rearing Beowulf back to her swamp, she ultimately has no chance because of
Beowulf's mighty power. The symbolism behind this battle reveals that Beowulf is not a force to
be messing with. After diving down into the depths of the mother's swamp to fight off many more
creatures, it portrays the sole idea of the fact behind which Beowulf can be dragged to the depths of
any situation while still being able to possess the strength to rise to the top. While at the top, he can
defend his character.
In this case he attacks her with a sword granted to him for his earlier defeat over Grendel. The
irony showcases itself in the sense that the sword in which strikes Grendel's mother, was a token
earned from killing her son. He again cuts off her head, and keeps it as a trophy. In this second
battle, Beowulf also keeps a symbolic reward. The fact that he does this action again proves his
high confidence in his ability to fend off the two most harmful creatures in the land and protected
the King's people for a second

Argumentative Essay On Beowulf
In a mighty kingdom named Herot, many men and women lived happily under the power of their
king Hrothgar. The only thing that would ruin their happiness and joy would be this monster named
Grendel. Grendel lived beneath the kingdom, he was hateful and forged in slime. Grendel was a
monster born of Cain, he was banned by God for his murderous death of his brother. Grendel
attacked the kingdom during the night when the men were sleeping. He killed many of the men that
were trying to kill him. When Beowulf heard of this so called monster, he went around and gathered
up all the men he could find. He gathered fourteen men and led them all to their boat. They took sail
and headed for the Danish shore ready to take on the beast. Beowulf and his fourteen

Narrative Essay About Beowulf
Season: Summer Location: Riverfalls aquarium. Date: 30th of Summer, 492AV Outside, the hot
sun sat high above Riverfall. With summer under way the atmosphere was thick with clouds and
humidity. Child and adult alike gathered together in search of whatever reprieve could be found,
sticking to refreshing water and cool shade. Some chose a more adventurous method to escape the
oppressive weather, taking to the water park and aquarium. Occasionally Zaileys father would pay
to cross the waters between Alvadas and Riverfall to trade some of the skins he had gathered over
the past season or two. Tanning wasn't what he was paid to do in Alvadas but more of the result of a
pastime he enjoyed and an excuse to visit Riverfall. Because there was always the risk of danger, the
father would normally take one of his boys with him, confident that if things turned sour, they would
have a better chance at taking care of themselves. This time however, after much thought and
discussion with his wife, he invited his daughter, believing the journey to be an excellent opportunity
to bond with his youngest. After the many...show more content...
All the way to The Stained Pelt, Zaileys eyes darted around. There were so many things to see,
but unlike at home, they would stay where she saw them. It was hard for her to grasp the idea of
a stationary city. "Dad," she started in an attempt to get his attention, "Will everything really be
in the same place when we come back here?" His answer was just a chuckle and a nod. He knew it
would be difficult to believe at first, having lived in Alvadas her whole life, but she would see for
herself later. "Zai, once we're at The Stained Pelt, you can go exploring if you want. Navigating this
place should be easy compared to home." The idea of exploring a new place put a sparkle of
excitement in her eye and a smile on her

Analysis of Beowulf Essay
After a long journey, you find yourself in uncharted territory. As you scout the area, you notice a
small village off in the distance. Upon approaching this settlement, you are greeted by some armed
townsfolk. They attack you without warning, and take you to a large hall in the center of town.
There, you see many men parading around in an intoxicated stupor, showing off their trophies and
talking of their success in past battles and wars. They eat with bare hands, ripping at the food and
drinking until they can no longer handle themselves, finding a home on the open floor. The hall is
dressed with weapons of war, from shields to swords and everything in between. The women are
wrapped in chains, fulfilling their only purpose of serving the...show more content...
When describing a nation as "barbaric" or "uncivilized", there are a few key factors you search
for. One of the most common factors discussed in an uncivilized nation is the over abundance of
violence, most likely due to a lack of social order and control. If you were to base the idea of
barbarism exclusively on violence, then the Anglo–Saxons would without doubt be considered
uncivilized. The author of the poem seems to have a fascination with the violent nature of man kind.
Beowulf, the main character of the poem, seems to thrash about the countryside looking for
violence around every corner. For example, at the beginning of the poem, Beowulf travels to the
"lord of the Danes" to "proffer [his] wholehearted help...a way to defeat [Hrothgar's] enemy and find
respite..." (278–280). It seems, at least to the poet, fighting is the best way to establish favorable
renown and show your power among others. The first

Essay On Beowulf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

More from Paper Writer Service

More from Paper Writer Service (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Essay On Beowulf