Challenges And Battles In The Epic Of Beowulf

In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist Beowulf encounters many challenges and battles on his journey to help the Danes with their frequent monster attacks over the last 12 years. These battles show many of Beowulf 's qualities such as being courageous, selfless, and brave. During the battles between Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, Beowulf helps fight off monsters for people he does not even know, fighting alone to prevent the sacrifice of his best men. All of the battles are alike to each other in ways including each battle was against something evil and treacherous while also fighting for a group of people he had never met, Beowulf not killing his enemies with mortal weapons in the first two battles, and the similar battle strategy …show more content…
By doing this, Beowulf shows his characteristics of bravery and courage but also prideful as he also wants the fame and glory from fighting alone in battle. By killing Grendel, he enrages his mother who ravages throughout the town in search of Beowulf. Encountering each other alone, the two clash ending in Beowulf slaying Grendel’s mother with his mighty and enchanted sword. With all the anger and pride of defeating Grendel’s mother, he searches for the remains of Grendel, only to find him dying in the corner of his mother’s lair. He cuts off his head and takes it as a victory trophy. After defeating Grendel’s mother, Beowulf is put to his final test against a mighty dragon. This dragon has been living for many years and protects its treasure with all it has. Beowulf decides to disturb it and have his last fight of his life. At this time, he has grown old and does not have the strength the finish off his fight alone. He gives the fight all his might but unfortunately he is injected with poison from the dragon’s mouth fatally falling to the ground. His trusted friend, Wiglaf comes to his aid and avenge his friend by slaying the dragon with his sword. The treacherous dragon falls but a hero had fallen as well. The people he had helped come and go as they give alms to his death at his funeral.
Throughout the epic poem Beowulf, the battles between Beowulf and the treacherous monsters he encountered show much similarity. Beowulf fought each battle he encountered alone to protect the lives of his fellow soldier while also fighting with supernatural forces including his amazing amount of strength and enchanted sword. Although he does not come out as the victor in his third battle against the dragon, Beowulf was remembered for his acts of bravery and courage as well as the pride he took into each