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Beowulf's Battles

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Beowulf's Battles
Beowulf’s Battles The epic poem Beowulf is one of the oldest epics in English literature. Beowulf is a great Anglo-Saxon warrior. He has super human abilities that set him apart from other men. He is a servant to Hrothgar and eventually becomes a beloved king. Beowulf is a true hero in this epic because of his accomplishments in battle. Beowulf fights Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon throughout this poem. The three battles Beowulf engages in differ by his attitude, preparation, and physical ability. In Beowulf’s battle against Grendel, his attitude, preparation, and physical ability illustrate his confidence. Beowulf travels to the land of the Danes because he heard there was a demon terrorizing the Danish …show more content…
He believes that his days on earth are over. At this point in time, Beowulf is the King of Geatland and he is faced with a difficult task. A slave has disturbed a dragon that has guarded treasure for three hundred years. The slave stole a goblet from the dragon’s treasure. The dragon is furious and “[belches] fire and flame, / [Burns] the bright dwellings – the glow of the blaze / [Fills] hearts with horror” (74). Beowulf knew this victory would be difficult to achieve although he was “bold in spirit, [he] makes no boast / as [he] [goes] to fight the flying serpent” (81). In comparison to the battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf plans to bring armor and weapons. In contrast, he prepares for this battle by having a special shield made: “The lord of warriors and leader of earls / [Bids] work for him of iron and wondrous shield, / Knowing full well that wood [can] not serve him / Nor linden defend him against flame” (75). Similar to the battle with Grendel, Beowulf has to slay the dragon because it is terrorizing his people. In comparison to the other battles, Beowulf defeats the dragon. However, he is also defeated because he suffers a fatal wound. The battle with the dragon has few similarities compared to the other battles Beowulf
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