Hygelac

there are more factors that contribute to its categorization such as its demonstration of heroism, therefore Beowulf is an epic poem. To begin with Beowulf throughout the whole poem was seen as godly. Beowulf was highly respected, The Geats and King Hygelac honored and “ensured his enternal reward” (Greenblatt pg. 85). Not only did this show the importance that Beowulf bestows upon others, it showed his loyalty in up keeping the safety of others. Battle after battle, Beowulf continued to…

He asked for all of the treasure he has earned to be sent to Hygelac if he does not return. Beowulf also said that Unferth may have his ancient sword if he perishes. Then, Beowulf drove into the water of the bloody lake. It took him many hours to reach the bottom and when he did Grendel’s mother grabbed him and brought…

The oldest piece of English literature, Beowulf, was composed around 700 A.D., several hundred years after the Anglo Saxons had conquered and settled in Britain. It was transcribed in a physical form around the year 1000 A.D. after exclusively being told orally. The poem was only conveyed by illiterate storytellers who recited it from memory. The story was naturally adapted by these storytellers to remain consistent with their developing culture and society. This poem is one of the only…

In the poem Beowulf, we meet Beowulf and we follow his journey to the swamplands to defeat Grendel and his mother. His successes cause great joy throughout Geatland and his fame spreads like wildfire. The king and queen, Hygelac and Hygd welcome and praise him for his accomplishments. When the king dies Beowulf becomes king and rules successfully for 50 years. His reign has no complications until a thief enrages a dragon. The dragon then causes massive destruction in Geatland and Beowulf is…

There is a breadth of themes that lie in the text of Beowulf. The idea of Good vs. Evil runs through the entirety. It is ultimately the simplest story to tell, but no less effective. Courage and fatalism flood the story as well, with the warrior's bravery coming from a completely fatalistic boldness regarding life and apathy to death. Loyalty and vengeance are reflected in the morals and philosophies of the characters in Beowulf and help to clarify the motivations of the numerous characters…

In Anglo- Saxon culture, the afterlife is nonexistent. They believe when you die, you die and nothing comes after this world. The only way to live eternally is to be remembered. They believed their success in life would determine the fate of their name after their own death. Beowulf is one of the prime examples of the people who accomplished this. Over 10 centuries later, Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, continues to be taught and read about. Although it may have been changed over time,…

In Beowulf, there are themes in the story that helps grasp ahold of the reader’s attention. These themes would be loyalty, reputation/envy, and hospitality. All of these really help to drive the story along and get ideas on how it is going. The first theme is loyalty, this is a major and central one for the story even throughout the difficult journey. Beowulf faces that he is in need, and after joining with the Danes for reasons he is mostly overlooking on gaining a reputation and honor for…

to fight against. They showed how strong Beowulf was but in the end the dragon was a symbol that it couldn't last forever. In (Beowulf), By announcing that it will be a “hand-to-hand combat”, he gains extra glory for himself and the Geatish king, Hygelac, turning the contest into a feat of strength as well as a fight against evil. These acts of strength and bravery make the story very interesting to me, as well as keeping me engaged. From carrying a 70 pound sword to fighting, this story was one…

Seemingly, characters must identify themselves on the basis of tribe of origin. When Beowulf first arrives at the coast near Heorot, he introduces his tribe to the coast guard, saying "we belong by birth to the Geat people / and owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac" (Beowulf 260-261). Tribal titles are used throughout the text; King Horthgar is often referred to as the protector or prince of the Shieldings, and Beowulf as the leader of the Geats. Evidently, a large emphasis is placed on the importance…

of Beowulf with King Hygelac after Beowulf arrives to Hygelac’s kingdom. Hygd like Wealhtheow, becomes illustrated as “...her mind was thoughtful and her manners sure” ( 81). Which the poet uses again enthusiastic comments kind as a backlash again to the queen. Hygd like Wealhtheow is taken as a female stereotype for her manners and her thoughtful mind as a women. Actually, Hygd is a powerful woman in the final meeting between her and Beowulf. As for her husband King Hygelac he unfortunately…