Unferth Episode (II. 499-606)
The introductory chapter with Unferth (II. 499-606) develops the character of Beowulf in the poem. Unferth is a significant individual in King Hrothgar’s court. His name occurs four times in the poem and the episode that Beowulf’s early life introduces him to the readers. In the episode, Unferth reproaches Beowulf for losing a swimming contest although he was completely armored, fighting various sea monsters through a storm. However, Beowulf lost the match since one of the monsters drew him towards the bottom of the ocean, but he killed it. The episode shows how the poet interlaces it into a simple story concerning Beowulf and his fight with the sea monsters. The digression of the episode pictures how Unferth used a swimming content …show more content…
“(ll. 506-508).
Unferth’s role in this digression entails an accusation of Beowulf as an arrogant and over-confident warrior. Then, Unferth’s sarcasm explains how Beowulf was struggling in the sea against the icy waves. He likened the situation as a test that Beowulf failed by implying that Breca deservedly won the swimming competition. Thus, he claims that Beowulf’s failure during the contest showed his inability to defeat Grendel.
Beowulf replies proudly to Unfrerth telling him how he fought many of the sea monsters for five nights. Beowulf did not claim that he beat Breca, but for his pride, he humiliates Unferth for killing his brother which is a shameful act among tribes. “You killed your own kith and kin”(II. 587.) Furthermore, for Unferth to challenge Beowulf and act courageous, he himself could not stand against Grendel when attacked his king and invaded his tribe, but talk. Unferth specifically maintained that Breca overwhelmed Beowulf in the swimming
The introductory chapter with Unferth (II. 499-606) develops the character of Beowulf in the poem. Unferth is a significant individual in King Hrothgar’s court. His name occurs four times in the poem and the episode that Beowulf’s early life introduces him to the readers. In the episode, Unferth reproaches Beowulf for losing a swimming contest although he was completely armored, fighting various sea monsters through a storm. However, Beowulf lost the match since one of the monsters drew him towards the bottom of the ocean, but he killed it. The episode shows how the poet interlaces it into a simple story concerning Beowulf and his fight with the sea monsters. The digression of the episode pictures how Unferth used a swimming content …show more content…
“(ll. 506-508).
Unferth’s role in this digression entails an accusation of Beowulf as an arrogant and over-confident warrior. Then, Unferth’s sarcasm explains how Beowulf was struggling in the sea against the icy waves. He likened the situation as a test that Beowulf failed by implying that Breca deservedly won the swimming competition. Thus, he claims that Beowulf’s failure during the contest showed his inability to defeat Grendel.
Beowulf replies proudly to Unfrerth telling him how he fought many of the sea monsters for five nights. Beowulf did not claim that he beat Breca, but for his pride, he humiliates Unferth for killing his brother which is a shameful act among tribes. “You killed your own kith and kin”(II. 587.) Furthermore, for Unferth to challenge Beowulf and act courageous, he himself could not stand against Grendel when attacked his king and invaded his tribe, but talk. Unferth specifically maintained that Breca overwhelmed Beowulf in the swimming