The rise and fall of Beowulf
In the epic poem Beowulf, a hero emerges after the passing away of another. An epic hero must undergo a dangerous journey and faces an enemy that threatens a nation or tribe. Beowulf is the Norse epic saga of good vs. evil and man vs. monster. The famous warrior battles invaders, monsters, and a fire-breathing dragon. This story of Beowulf is one of the oldest in the English language and is what society views as an epic hero.
The Anglo-Saxons believed that a hero was strong and courageous, but humble and kind as well. They also believed that a hero was intelligent and dignified, in which he would fight until death in order to defend his people. The poem also has an important second level, concerned with the interpersonal …show more content…
Upon the death of King Hygelac in battle, Beowulf becomes the King and ruled it well for fifty winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land. He wisely cares for his people and is willing to defend his land for his people. He is willing to risk his own life for the safety of his own people to fight his last battle as an old man. One day an intruder entered the secret dragon vault and removed a gem-stubbed goblet, this action awakes the dragon and in a panic moment, the intruder ran away with the cup. His action enraged the dragon, the dragon breathes fire and burns Beowulf’s home to the …show more content…
I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning). He wishes he could go without weapon as he did with Grendel, but the dragon is more dangerous, he said the outcome would be determined by fate. Before long the fierce contenders clash, Beowulf strike the dragon with his sword, but the cut was not deep enough, which made the dragon go into spasm. I think at that moment when Beowulf realizes that his days are numbered. Of course his men abandon him, except Wiglaf. The battle rages as the dragon clamping his sharp fangs into Beowulf’s neck, this is when Wiglaf sinks his sword into the dragon’s belly. Beowulf then delivers the fatal blow to the dragon. As Beowulf lying on the deathbed, he asks Wiglaf to bring the dragon’s treasure to him, he tells him to take the treasure and distribute among his people. He also gives Wiglaf his golden collar. This is the fall of an epic hero also embodies and represents the most cherished values and ideals of a society. Throughout the story, Beowulf repeatedly acknowledges God as his protector. When Beowulf relates his battle with Grendel 's mother, he states that "The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me”. In conclusion, Beowulf is characterized as a fearless warrior with physical strength and a resourceful leader. These characteristics were very much admired by the Anglo-Saxon culture. He displays these virtues/characteristics throughout the epic tale of
In the epic poem Beowulf, a hero emerges after the passing away of another. An epic hero must undergo a dangerous journey and faces an enemy that threatens a nation or tribe. Beowulf is the Norse epic saga of good vs. evil and man vs. monster. The famous warrior battles invaders, monsters, and a fire-breathing dragon. This story of Beowulf is one of the oldest in the English language and is what society views as an epic hero.
The Anglo-Saxons believed that a hero was strong and courageous, but humble and kind as well. They also believed that a hero was intelligent and dignified, in which he would fight until death in order to defend his people. The poem also has an important second level, concerned with the interpersonal …show more content…
Upon the death of King Hygelac in battle, Beowulf becomes the King and ruled it well for fifty winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land. He wisely cares for his people and is willing to defend his land for his people. He is willing to risk his own life for the safety of his own people to fight his last battle as an old man. One day an intruder entered the secret dragon vault and removed a gem-stubbed goblet, this action awakes the dragon and in a panic moment, the intruder ran away with the cup. His action enraged the dragon, the dragon breathes fire and burns Beowulf’s home to the …show more content…
I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning). He wishes he could go without weapon as he did with Grendel, but the dragon is more dangerous, he said the outcome would be determined by fate. Before long the fierce contenders clash, Beowulf strike the dragon with his sword, but the cut was not deep enough, which made the dragon go into spasm. I think at that moment when Beowulf realizes that his days are numbered. Of course his men abandon him, except Wiglaf. The battle rages as the dragon clamping his sharp fangs into Beowulf’s neck, this is when Wiglaf sinks his sword into the dragon’s belly. Beowulf then delivers the fatal blow to the dragon. As Beowulf lying on the deathbed, he asks Wiglaf to bring the dragon’s treasure to him, he tells him to take the treasure and distribute among his people. He also gives Wiglaf his golden collar. This is the fall of an epic hero also embodies and represents the most cherished values and ideals of a society. Throughout the story, Beowulf repeatedly acknowledges God as his protector. When Beowulf relates his battle with Grendel 's mother, he states that "The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me”. In conclusion, Beowulf is characterized as a fearless warrior with physical strength and a resourceful leader. These characteristics were very much admired by the Anglo-Saxon culture. He displays these virtues/characteristics throughout the epic tale of