Epic Of Beowulf

Epic Poetry of Beowulf Although it is often viewed as the model Anglo-Saxon literary work and as a foundation of modern literature, Beowulf has an odd history that complicates both its historical and its recognized place in English literature. By the time the story of Beowulf was composed by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet (in around 700 a.d.) much of its material had been in movement in the oral native for many years. Many elements of Beowulf date back to the period of the migration of the Anglo-Saxons to Britain. The action of the poem takes place around 500 a.d. Which some of the characters in the poem correspond to some historical figures. Though still an old Anglo-Saxon story, Beowulf was told by a Christian poet. Therefore the Beowulf
King Hrothgar of Denmark, a descendant of the great king Shield Sheafson, enjoys a wealthy and successful time in power. He builds a great Mead-Hall, called Herot, where his warriors can gather to drink, receive gifts from their lord, and listen to the stories of the scops. But the thrilled noise from Herot angers Grendel, an awful demon who lives in the swamplands of Hrothgar’s kingdom. Grendel terrorizes the Danes every night, killing them and defeating their efforts to fight back. The Danes suffer fear, danger and death for many many years. Eventually however, a young Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears Hrothgar’s trouble, inspired by the challenge, Beowulf sails to Denmark determined to defeat Grendel. And while defeating Grendel, he has many other supernatural beings to defeat as
The opening lines introduce to the reader a world that every male figure is known as his father’s son. The importance of the family history is so well-known because of the poem’s importance on relationship bonds. Characters take pride in their ancestors who have acted bravely, and they attempt to live up to the same standards as those ancestors. While heritage may provide models for behavior and help to establish identity by having a good reputation. Having a good reputation is the key to a mans identity. Tensions between the heroic code and the other value methods:
Much of Beowulf is devoted to speaking and illustrating the Germanic code, which values strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors; hospitality, generosity and political skill; and good reputation in all people. This code is traditional and much respected and important to warrior societies as a means of understanding their relationships to the world and the threats hindering beyond their boundaries. Therefore, individual actions can be seen as either complaining about or violating the code.
The difference between a good warrior and a good