The epic poem, “Beowulf” describes the story of a valiant, honorable Knight as he battles a variety of mysterious creatures. Throughout the text, each monster intensifies their tactics of combat as Beowulf equally changes his methods of preparation; each time Beowulf engages in arming himself, he dresses to appropriately balance the level of power that his enemy bestows. Respectively, Grendel signifies a contrasting value in regards to the old Pagan and new Christian lifestyles. Grendel’s mother and the Dragon bring forth the concepts of revenge and greed. Each creature Beowulf encounters embodies the outlook on a variety of customs and traditions throughout approximately the 10th century.
The first creature that Beowulf faces is known as Grendel; he is a demon that terrorizes Hereot, Hrothgar’s mead hall, due to his distaste of parties that are …show more content…
She is eager to, “avenge her boy, her only offspring,”(line 1546) a practical response from any mother. Grendel’s mother resembles a smaller female version of her son. However, although she is of a smaller stature than her son, the motivation that develops in her mind provokes the use of weapons for combat and therefore a stronger opponent for Beowulf. He reaches his full potential of fighting monsters even though he struggles initially to kill off Grendel’s mother; his success in doing so feeds Beowulf’s confidence. Revenge does not only reside within Grendel’s mother but Beowulf as well. Upon leaving the evil lair, Beowulf, “quickly wished to pay back Grendel for the many battle-storms /which he had wrought on the West-Danes /on more than one occasion”(line 1576-1579). Despite the fact that Beowulf defeats both demonic creatures, the retribution that Beowulf decides to get for King Hrothgar; by taking action for the king, Beowulf is ultimately demonstrating courtly behavior as well as sympathy for the Hrothar’s
The first creature that Beowulf faces is known as Grendel; he is a demon that terrorizes Hereot, Hrothgar’s mead hall, due to his distaste of parties that are …show more content…
She is eager to, “avenge her boy, her only offspring,”(line 1546) a practical response from any mother. Grendel’s mother resembles a smaller female version of her son. However, although she is of a smaller stature than her son, the motivation that develops in her mind provokes the use of weapons for combat and therefore a stronger opponent for Beowulf. He reaches his full potential of fighting monsters even though he struggles initially to kill off Grendel’s mother; his success in doing so feeds Beowulf’s confidence. Revenge does not only reside within Grendel’s mother but Beowulf as well. Upon leaving the evil lair, Beowulf, “quickly wished to pay back Grendel for the many battle-storms /which he had wrought on the West-Danes /on more than one occasion”(line 1576-1579). Despite the fact that Beowulf defeats both demonic creatures, the retribution that Beowulf decides to get for King Hrothgar; by taking action for the king, Beowulf is ultimately demonstrating courtly behavior as well as sympathy for the Hrothar’s