Beowulf Essay

“Beowulf” is a renowned Anglo-Saxon tale that has survived ages of being retold by first the Anglo-Saxons, then people all over the world. While the original creator of the legendary poem is unknown, it is recognized as an amazing heroic epic, made up of 3,200 lines of alternative verse that is both pagan and laced with Christian theology. The characters in the poem are not discussed very heavily; even the main hero, Beowulf, exhibits only the basic poetic epic hero qualities: courage, honor,…

into the unknown". This quote depicts the audacious voyage of the great hero, Beowulf. Although the author of the extraordinary epic is left anonymous, this poem is said to have been cherished since the seventh century. The author creates a well written heroic tail that engages the reader. The poet designed this story to contain several symbols, which brings character and originality to the writing. In the epic Beowulf, the author displays a distinct relationship between the symbols that are…

Is Beowulf a hero or not? This is the big question that many want to answer. Although he didn't do all the heroic thing heroes would traditionally do doesn't mean he isn't a hero. This was my first time hearing the story and I wouldn't at first have called him a hero he just seemed like he was conceded. I guess people in the Anglo Saxons it was considered formal boasting therefore it was normal for people to be boasting about themselves and what they can do. In his bragging he never really…

outcast of the world, is the life that Grendel is condemned to live. For as long as he shall live, Grendel, more in touch with his inner monster than others, will stay, “the G-d cursed brute,” (Beowulf 11) that he was condemned to be. He will be forever waging a war, “one against all,” (Beowulf 11). In Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, Grendel is shown through the eyes of his prey; however, through other literary pieces, such as, “Afterwards and “Grendel”; the perception of Grendel changes and he is…

foothold in their society because of this hostility. This extra set of beliefs including; physical prowess, a strong patriarchal lineage, and generosity of kings, defined the Anglo-Saxons and gave shape to one of the most famous epic poems in history, Beowulf. The legendary king of the Danes, Hrothgar, also known as “The Ring-Giver”, was known to be extremely generous to all of his followers. He would give them gold, land, and a safe community to live in, he even opened up his throne room,…

a loud final snap of the creature’s jaws, delivered the Geat to the afterlife. Wasting no time, he lunged for another sleeping body. He snatched at the light-sleeper, Beowulf, with his bloodied claws and, before he could make another move, was seized by Beowulf. His clawed hands were bent backwards at an unnatural angle as Beowulf leaned on one arm. The bloodthirsty creature, the demonic horror, knew in an instant that nowhere on Earth had he ever encountered a man whose power rivaled his own in…

negative connotations. The term has evolved and changed over time but still can be interpreted to mean something that causes fear for people. In the epic poem Beowulf, one of the main monsters is a character named Grendel. Grendel has caused grief for the Danes for a long time, and has put people in danger because his destructive nature. Beowulf is seen as the hero in the story and fights with Grendel in an attempt to save his people from Grendel’s destruction and consumption of the Danes. The…

The Heorot Beowulf is the story of a hero who aides King Hrothgar in his quest to defend his prized possession, the Heorot. This origins of the Heorot are relatively unknown, only that Hrothgar built it in order to display his immense wealth and power. Questions have been raised as to who influenced the Danish architecture of the Heorot and where the Heorot could have potentially been located. The Heorot had many grand exterior features to display its importance and significance. The building…

stressful place that amplifies their isolation from their peers. Being excluded is damaging to self-confidence and the pain builds up inside, until the person finally snaps in some way. Multiple characters in Beowulf are isolated from the rest of society, including Grendel and his mother. The poet of Beowulf fortifies that when people feel isolated and excluded from society, they turn to crime and violence because they seek love and acceptance. Grendel is one character who exemplifies how…

All humans beings have a desire to see triumph in a story, namely, the triumph of good over evil. In some epic poems such as Beowulf, one can see this clear need for triumph demonstrated by the hero of the story Beowulf, where the hero comes in to save the day and provide a triumph in the name of good. While in some literature this theme is not present, there are often similar scenarios where such a theme works its way into the story. Such a theme usually presents itself in the form of a triumph…