Old English poetry may seem irrelevant, but Beowulf manages to tell an epic journey of a hero destined for greatness.Throughout the epic, Beowulf accomplishes multiple triumphs. First, he kills the demon Grendel who torments mankind. Following his victory over Grendel, he defeats Grendel’s mother and a dragon. However, during his crusade against the lethal dragon, Beowulf is fatally wounded, ending his epic journey. Throughout the poem, there are multiple references to Christianity, Anglo-Saxon culture, and paganism; however, Anglo-Saxon culture emerges as the prominent inspiration to unearth a deep value placed on a man’s valor. The epic poem Beowulf relies on strong ties to Anglo-Saxon culture to illustrate the value of heroism through the depiction of a warrior society where Beowulf gives the common man a sense of security by limiting their fear in the course of his Homeric journey.
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As a warrior, Beowulf accomplishes multiple feats, but because he protects his clan, he is respected as a great warrior. Beowulf’s first mighty victory over the demon Grendel earns him the title “prince of the Geats” (Beowulf 11). Again, after Beowulf defeats Grendel’s Mother, “the Geats’ brave prince enter[s]/ Herot covered with glory for the daring/ Battles he had fought” (Beowulf 17). Beowulf is not only a great warrior to these people, but he is referred to as a prince because he can protect the men around him. If he were strong and mighty but did not protect his men, he would not be as respected in Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf can only be glorified through his acts of heroism, valor, and bravery as a warrior and as a protector. He is no longer a common man because of his great achievements and his savior-qualities. The literature suggests that simple men become noble and are regarded as royalty through heroic acts. Beowulf is a hero because he can protect his men and accomplish astounding
As a warrior, Beowulf accomplishes multiple feats, but because he protects his clan, he is respected as a great warrior. Beowulf’s first mighty victory over the demon Grendel earns him the title “prince of the Geats” (Beowulf 11). Again, after Beowulf defeats Grendel’s Mother, “the Geats’ brave prince enter[s]/ Herot covered with glory for the daring/ Battles he had fought” (Beowulf 17). Beowulf is not only a great warrior to these people, but he is referred to as a prince because he can protect the men around him. If he were strong and mighty but did not protect his men, he would not be as respected in Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf can only be glorified through his acts of heroism, valor, and bravery as a warrior and as a protector. He is no longer a common man because of his great achievements and his savior-qualities. The literature suggests that simple men become noble and are regarded as royalty through heroic acts. Beowulf is a hero because he can protect his men and accomplish astounding