Beowulf Paper
Fate/Destiny/Chance One of the most well known epic poems written in the 14th century is Beowulf. It was written by an anonymous author, but later rewritten by monks. The story is about a strong man named Beowulf who battles three ferocious advocates in Grendel, his Mother, and an unnamed fire-breathing dragon. He was also named the Hero of the Geats because he was the only one in the world who could put the end to the evil that was happening. Beowulf is also mentioned as the strongest person on earth at the time, so that adds to his title. All in all, this poem does not only tell a story but also shows how character traits were important to the Anglo Saxon people and society.
This epic has many traits and they are reflected on how people back in the 14th century lived and looked at life. Everyone could tell that Beowulf is very different warrior and person than all of the others because of his courage, (627-630), “No one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster.” Overconfident he is but , that’s how he wins most of his battles. He already has his heart and mind set on the outcome of the battle.
The way Beowulf carries himself is a direct reflection on how Anglo-Saxon’s attitudes are toward fate, destiny, and chance. The Anglo-Saxons were very brave warriors and most of time fought to the death. To not do so was considered dishonor. However the word Honor is defined as highly respected or esteem, so that was a great title to have when one died. An example is when Beowulf fights the dragon and all of his soldiers flee, except for one. After Beowulf got mortally wounded, he called his only soldier and left everything to him, (811-812) “Take what I leave, Wiglaf, and lead my people, help them, my time is gone.” This shows how honoring it is to risk a life for a greater need and it paid off for Wiglaf at the end. As for the other cowardly soldiers, they are stripped of all of their worldly possessions except their
This epic has many traits and they are reflected on how people back in the 14th century lived and looked at life. Everyone could tell that Beowulf is very different warrior and person than all of the others because of his courage, (627-630), “No one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster.” Overconfident he is but , that’s how he wins most of his battles. He already has his heart and mind set on the outcome of the battle.
The way Beowulf carries himself is a direct reflection on how Anglo-Saxon’s attitudes are toward fate, destiny, and chance. The Anglo-Saxons were very brave warriors and most of time fought to the death. To not do so was considered dishonor. However the word Honor is defined as highly respected or esteem, so that was a great title to have when one died. An example is when Beowulf fights the dragon and all of his soldiers flee, except for one. After Beowulf got mortally wounded, he called his only soldier and left everything to him, (811-812) “Take what I leave, Wiglaf, and lead my people, help them, my time is gone.” This shows how honoring it is to risk a life for a greater need and it paid off for Wiglaf at the end. As for the other cowardly soldiers, they are stripped of all of their worldly possessions except their
Cited: Beowulf, The Language of Literature: British Literature, Arthur N. Applebee and Andrea B. Bermudez, et all. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal-Little, 2000.