This helps established the type of moral character that Beowulf is because the relationship between Beowulf and The King Hrothgar is one of honor, and respect. For instance, during the story Hrothgar tells Beowulf that “"Beloved Beowulf, best of warriors resist this deadly taint,…
Beowulf is a riveting tale of heroism and inspiration that not only inspires the readers but, also the characters within the story. Beowolfs courage and strength inspired Wiglaf to stand with him against the mighty dragon. "Yet God, giver of glory and vengeance, granted him strength to stand with his sword"(87) Not only was Wiglaf touched by Beowulf"s strength but also by his generosity. "Beowulf gave the gear that you wear, the best helms and hauberks found near or far for a prince to proffer". All of this lead to his courage and loyalty, that motivated him to stand not only against the dragon but also against the men who ran…
Vengeance in Beowulf is a very important theme for reasons of glory and riches etc. This can be seen in battles involving vengeance such as Beowulf’s battle with Grendel, Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s Mother, Beowulf’s battle with the dragon, and in short stories that include battles and fiends between kingdoms and individuals.…
Even though it may appear Beowulf acts for selfish reasons, or to increase his fame, he is actually committed to justice proving his selflessness. Throughout the book, Beowulf goes out of his way to help people even with all the conflicts making it hard on him. In the beginning of the book, he comes to the Danes and he offers to help. It states, “It was the end of their voyage and the Geats vaulted / over the side, out on to the sand, / and moored their ship” (224-226).…
The first way we get to know Beowulf is through his own speech and actions. We learn of Beowulf's amazing heroism while he is speaking to the Danes about Grendel. Even though he foresees his own death, he continued with the attempt to battle Grendel. "Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome by death!" This also further develops the theme: courage and bravery in the face of impending doom. Although Beowulf knew he was going to die, he went on. The second way Beowulf's character is introduced is by the way other characters respond to his actions and words. During the conflict with Unferth and Beowulf, Unferth validates how prideful Beowulf is. "All older and wiser heads warned you not to, but no one could check such pride." The third way Beowulf's character is developed is through the authors description of Beowulf's actions, words, or thoughts. "The victory over Grendel is celebrated with feasting, drinking, and the giving of gifts to Beowulf and his followers." This quote from the poem shows how well respected Beowulf was by Hrothgar's…
Beowulf claims God like properties and traits classic of an epic hero, however alike may epic heroes Beowulf is limited by his morality and is subject to a tragic downfall. Beowulf is constantly caught up in efforts to rid the world from evil through his benevolent deeds to humanity. Though many may label Beowulf as a Utilitarian due to his great accomplishments in the name of God, his acts towards the betterment of humanity were by products if his own selfish quest to achieve greatness. Furthermore, Beowulf often lacks extremism and fails to anticipate the future choosing instead to finalize his own fate rather than endowing his people with substances truly beneficial to their survival.…
In the story Beowulf there is many themes that are going on in the story. One that stands out is Heroism, because Beowulf was willing to sacrifice his life to please the king. Beowulf felt the need to help the king because of their past history. The king wanted Grendal dead so that is what Beowulf did. Beowulf has been in so many past fights that he is not afraid to fight one more battle. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now But I will still fight again seek fame still. If the dragons hiding in the tower to face me” (606-611). Beowulf is getting older and older he is not afraid to fight Grendal and if it is his last he…
1b) The three examples of sympathy and no sympathy in Beowulf, the first of Beowulf telling his very boastful story, one of Grendel origins and the third of feeling sympathy for Grendel because of his origins. The first is when the reader is supposed to not feel sympathy for Beowulf when he boasts about his adventure at sea "...I was the strongest swimmer of all. / …. Each of us swam holding a sword, / a naked, hard- proofed blade for protection/ against the whale- beast. /.... pinned fast/ and swathed in its grip, I was granted one/ final chance; my sword plunged/ and the orderdeal was over/"(line 534-557). Beowulf as tradition goes has bragging rights but this also gives our narrator an unreliable edge because it is not possible to hold your…
Beowulf can be analyzed in an endless numbers of ways. There are different morals, themes, and meanings behind the story. A common meaning, maybe even the most important, is the dual ordeal in Beowulf. The dual ordeal is an external battle with vicious opponents and an internal battle with human tendencies of pride, greed, cowardice, betrayal, and self concern. Each external battle Beowulf wins, his internal battle grows.…
-Grendel may have led a painful life for several of reasons. Mainly because he was a descendant of Cain. Meaning he was born evil no matter what. Also, people compared him to a beast which made him lack confidence in himself. Last but not least would be because clearly Beowulf came to kill him and that is alot to endure.…
After he had fought in many battles and saved the Danes from Grendel and Grendel's mother he was still not content. He battled the dragon, which was his greatest accomplishment, and proof of his courage and sheer heroism. Although it can be interpreted as a proof of courage, one could also look at it as foolishness, a man's selfish desire to gain glory, even after he has been saturated with it. However, the Anglo-Saxon concept of selfishness was far less abstruse than our own. Their idea of generosity was helping friends and allies, especially in form of gifts for chivalric acts. He did slay the dragon and Grendel partially because he wanted to protect the Danes and his own people from these two atrocities, but he was also motivated by a desire for glory. Beowulf himself was apathetic to the notion of death, he stated it many times throughout the poem, a fine example is his speech prior to fighting Grendel. However, he is obsessed with his legacy and his name, which is more important than life itself to him and the other Anglo-Saxons. For example, the slave in Beowulf's expedition to slay the dragon is not even in the headcount due to his lineage and…
The hero Beowulf is a king and Danish warrior, also known as “The Geat” (Line 639),Prince of Goodness (676), Weather-Geat (697), The hero, and Kinsman. Hrothgar, King of Heorot have a variety of alternative in the work, as Lord of the Shielding (663), friend of the people (427-428), Helmet of Shielding (456), The King of Glory (665) and Divine Lord(685). The terrible monster Grendel an evil being known as the captain of evil (749), powerful demon (86), the shadow stalker, monster. Grendel’s Mother is an evil character who encourages the atrocities committed by his son Grendel and Wiglaf, Beowulf’s nephew known as man of worth, Shield warrior, Prince of the Scylfing, is finally the King…
Part A- Beowulf like all epic hero’s is strong loyal and brave. These characteristic are what define Beowulf, and instill fear is his enemies. He boasts about “(driving) / five great giants into chains” (248-249) and “In the blackness of night, hunting monsters” (251). Beowulf protects his followers and king, and is proud of his accomplishments. He strives for greatness, his words are arrogant but his actions shine through his overbearing pride and give him the capability to be heroic. (Part B) Beowulf is an epic hero; he takes great pride in his actions, unlike Grendel who feels jealous of humans which causes him to be spiteful towards them: “ Grendel snatched at the first Geat / He came to (and) Ripped him apart” (313-314). Grendel’s pride lays in the fear he instills on humans, without pride Grendel would be a monster with no motive to kill. Furthermore, Beowulf’s pride stems…
Beowulf ultimately represents the ideals of Anglo-Saxons; he is a valiant, courageous warrior, who grows into a wise leader. He maintains his morality during his 50 years as king of the Geats, even refusing extra power when he believes he was overstepping his place. At the end of the epic, he dies in a heroic battle against a dragon, and is given a noble funeral.…
A great man has died. And his name is Beowulf, our king, and a very close friend of mine. Beowulf was a brave man, the bravest of us all. A generous soul, that cared for others. A man whose fury and glory no man could ever match.…