beowulf
In many ways, Beowulf is the simplest kind of epic there is. It's about the conflict between a courageous, mighty, loyal warrior and the demons and dragons of hell. The forces of good battle the forces of evil again and again, knowing that one day they will be defeated, but at least they'll die fighting. Of course, "good" in Beowulf means "strong, generous, and proud," and "evil" means "demonic creatures from the marshes.” So with this, I’d have to say that the most noticeable universal theme would have to be courage.
“So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns.” (1-3) In the first few lines of Beowulf, the writer already hints you with a sense of courage that’s going to occur throughout the whole story. “Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked.” (572-573) With Beowulf saying this, he is explaining that if your fate has not been pre-decided, then you can pull through anything and succeed, if you have enough courage.
In conclusion courage is by far the most noticeable universal them in this epic. Courage is the foundation of the warrior culture that controls the story of Beowulf. In this epic, a true warrior's bravery comes from a completely discouraged attitude toward life and indifference to death. Someday, he will die and be defeated. Everything is going to happen as God wills it. All that the warrior can do is meet every challenge fearlessly, boosting his own reputation for courageous acts, so that when he dies he will be known for his bravery. Beowulf lived by the code of honor.
“So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns.” (1-3) In the first few lines of Beowulf, the writer already hints you with a sense of courage that’s going to occur throughout the whole story. “Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked.” (572-573) With Beowulf saying this, he is explaining that if your fate has not been pre-decided, then you can pull through anything and succeed, if you have enough courage.
In conclusion courage is by far the most noticeable universal them in this epic. Courage is the foundation of the warrior culture that controls the story of Beowulf. In this epic, a true warrior's bravery comes from a completely discouraged attitude toward life and indifference to death. Someday, he will die and be defeated. Everything is going to happen as God wills it. All that the warrior can do is meet every challenge fearlessly, boosting his own reputation for courageous acts, so that when he dies he will be known for his bravery. Beowulf lived by the code of honor.