... Shepherd of evil, guardian of crime,/ Knew at once that nowhere on earth/ Had he met a man whose hands were harder;"(Beowulf 432-434). Fate allowed Beowulf to overcome Grendel's strength. Beowulf had a much stronger grip then Grendel would ever have. In addition to the previous quote, Grendel realized, "Now he discovered-once ... the afflictor/ Of men, tormentor of their days-what it meant/ To feud with Almighty God:"(Beowulf 490-492). Grendel realized that he had it easy with the other warriors because they could not fight back. Once Grendel grasped the hand of the warrior ... sent fr...

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... Herot, and patiently waits for his moment to attack them. When darkness has fallen upon the landscape, Grendel attacks them during their sleep, but Beowulf does not get involved in the beginning, instead he is watching the battle and trying to find Grendel's weaknesses. After a moment, he grabs ... comes upon his kingdom like a plague, causing destruction and death wherever he travels, The reason for the dragon's fury is that a slave of one of Beowulf's lords had discovered the cavern, which the dragon had been guarding, with a treasure inside and stolen a cup to bring back to his lord. ...

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... deeds. Some examples of an epic would be The Odyssey by the Greeks and The Aneid by the Romans. However the most popular epic would be Beowulf which was written by the Anglo Saxons who lived in England of the year 449. The Anglo Saxons also wrote poems such as "The Seafarer and " ... here, knowing the Lord of all life has never watched me wash my sword in blood born of my own family."(p56,750-755). A final example of Beowulf's faith is as the dragon strikes him he"s aware about "A journey into the darkness that all men must make, as death ends their few brief hours on ... earth."(p54,6...

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... purpose of saving Heorot, the great mead-hall, from the demon Grendel. He sets out to repay Hrothgar for helping his father, showing Beowulf's loyalty and faith. Before Beowulf came, Grendel feasted on those in the mead-hall at night. The demon never used weapons; he slaughtered and ate those who tried to ... fight him. Beowulf honorably decides that since Grendel uses no weapons, he also shall fight weaponless. "When it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous any ... he does receive rewards from the King upon killing Grendel and the demon's mother, his mainly does it for the ho...

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... of literature in English, even though it was written in Old English, an ancient form of the language that slowly evolved into the English now spoken. Beowulf is a hero who embodies the ideal characteristics in the Anglo-Saxon culture; these characteristics all come together to make up an epic tale. He possesses the ... were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster." Beowulf jumped in the water to fight Grendel's mourning mother, he did not know where he was going yet, he went for glory and fame showing...

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... / or death will hurry me from this earth! " / "As his words ended / he leaped into the lake / would not wait for anyone's answer"" (1490-94). Beowulf later talks to Hrothgar about his courageous efforts fighting Grendel's mother saying, "Hrothgar! / Behold Healfdane's son / this glorious sign of victory / brought you joyful Geats. / My ... and blessed with their magic / but so massive that no ordinary man could lift its carved and decorated length. / He drew it"" (1557-61). Beowulf's great strength proves here to be a heroic quality because he is able to pull the magic sword from its sh...

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... great sense of duty. This is clearly illustrated by the way both men put their own lives at risk to protect their people from evil. Beowulf becomes excited about the opportunity to protect his people. "They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war ... Even during his death, he wishes for a tall lighthouse to be builit in order to help the people find their way back from sea. Also, Beowulf seeks reputation and fame for his brave endeavors. He seeks revenge on Grendel. " Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat ... ...

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... the perfect hero are amazing physical strength, ability to put his people's welfare before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles, and he returned victorious until his ... his strength to kill the monster, Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years. With his bare hands, Beowulf rips off the monster's arm leaving him to die. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's vengeful mother, he is slays her by slashing her neck with a Giant's sword that could o...

• Word Count: 473
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... though he is famous for his massive strength, other attributions that are no-ticeable are courage, bravery, and a strong love for his people. Beowulf is a very courageous man. When Beowulf and Wiglaf fight the dragon, "None of his comrades came to him, helped him, his brave and noble followers; they ran for their lives ... is fearless when he says, "I'd use no sword, no weapon, if this beast could be killed without it, crushed to death like Grendel- (72). Beowulf physical strength and courage are immense, but he couldn't be a hero without his bravery. Even after all of the horror stories...

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... the people of his town. The three battles showed a distinct "good vs. evil" conflict that is the basis of the entire story. In the first battle, Beowulf has set up some of his men as bait in Herot. Because they know that Grendel will come as night, they are prepared for him when he arrives. ... aided him in immense ways. Grendel's mother could not pierce the mailshirt with her weapon. Both battles were fought inside, one under Beowulf's "roof" and the other under Grendel and his mothers. Beowulf realized that his sword made by a human could not hurt the monster. During his struggle, he n...

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... . • The story includes features such as the introduction of supernatural forces that shape the action. Evidence of this lies in lines 201 - 205 during Grendel and Beowulf's fight where it states that no man's weapon could harm Grendel because they were all bewitched. Witchcraft is a supernatural force in a sense. Another detail that indicated ... which is the Danes. The crucial period of its history is illustrated in the poem in which the fate of the nation depends on Beowulf, the hero. • An epic poem usually presents the situations of good and evil and life and death. These traits a...

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... tell the life of a people who fight evil beings to protect their land and property. In both renditions many battles took place. The 13th Warrior and Beowulf, despite their many similiarlities, the battles had differences in location, weapons, and the people who were involved. The biggest similiarlities between the two versions involved ... place in the same spot. Both groups of people went to help Hrothgar's people and fought at Mead Hall. Also in the second battle of Beowulf and the third battle of The 13th Warrior, the battle took place underground in caves where they had to fight an ev...

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... the land of the Geats to help defend the mead-hall against Grendel. After he defeats Grendel and Grendel's mother he returns to his untimely death. Beowulf exemplifies several characteristics of the heroic code such as fair fighting, equal weapons, and showing loyalty to the ones he is in debt to and to his ... this epic poem. Not only is it showing loyalty to one's who have defeated him but showing loyalty to those in need of help as Beowulf does for Hrothgar. Beowulf's loyalty runs deeper then just helping Hrothgar, he is also paying his dues to Hrothgar for taking his father in when h...

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... a fresh attitude, and was very fair and honorable. This was evident in his first fight, against Grendel. Since Grendel hadn't any weapons or armor, Beowulf didn't use them. But later, in the fight against Grendel's mother, he used the weapons and armor. These actions showed that he no longer was ... died, he said that he sold his life for this [the gold/treasure] and sold it well. One might consider that Beowulf had "sold out", since he acted and fought out of greed. Beowulf could be considered as a hero to many. One's opinion on the components of a person can make them see that ... as...

• Word Count: 469
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... is the strongest when he fought three battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon. Heroes are supernaturally built also have a noble birth. When Beowulf fought the dragon, he was fearless and also fought without any kind of weapons. "I"d use no sword, no weapons, if this beast could be ... killed without it, crushed to deathlike Grendel, gripped in my hands and town limb from limb." This is the best example of a fearless and brave warrior. Beowulf was a part of many mystical battles and events. When he fights with Grendel, he grabs Grendel's claws and rips off his arm. A good ...

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... to amuse Hygelac my lord, scorn to carry sword or shield, but I shall seize my enemy in my hand grip and fight, enemy against enemy" Also, Beowulf is selfless and very caring towards other people's being. After being told of how strong and dangerous Grendel is, you might think that he would back off for ... his own safety, but he doesn't. Beowulf is aware of the fact that he might lose his own life fighting Grendel, but for him his life has no value next to all the people ... destroy everything. "Nor will you need, if death takes me, worry about a burial" As he says, Beowulf fights Grend...

• Word Count: 450
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... to amuse Hygelac my lord, scorn to carry sword or shield, but I shall seize my enemy in my hand grip and fight, enemy against enemy" Also, Beowulf is selfless and very caring towards other people's being. After being told of how strong and dangerous Grendel is, you might think that he would back off for ... his own safety, but he doesn't. Beowulf is aware of the fact that he might lose his own life fighting Grendel, but for him his life has no value next to all the people ... destroy everything. "Nor will you need, if death takes me, worry about a burial" As he says, Beowulf fights Grend...

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... long-lasting fame in battle; he must risk his life, regardless." In risking one's life for the good of his clan, a man in Beowulf's time gained fame. Beowulf is the expression of the heroic ideal because even when he knew he was going to lose the battle with the dragon, which is shown ... his hidden spirit, to split life and body; flesh was to confine the soul of the king only a little longer- Beowulf still bravely fought until death overtook the king. Beowulf also shows that he is a hero when he makes the right decisions when the answers aren't obvious like when he decides to ... ," or...

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... went outside to look at the Grendel. It was a beautiful sight to see that monster on his back with my sword in his heart. That's right it wasn't Beowulf's sword, but mine. Let me start at the beginning. During the attack I was in the middle of all the action. When Grendel first attacked the king was ... dead." So all the warriors including me came rushed out to fight and take down that hideous monster. The fist person I saw when I ran out was Beowulf. He was one of the bravest if not the bravest one fighting. But he couldn't have taken Grendel alone. He couldn't have done it with his .....

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... first monster he fought was Grendel. Later, he fought Grendel's mother. At the end of the story he had to defeat a dragon, which also hurt him. After Beowulf defeated Grendel he was looked at as one of the strongest men on earth. He is also considered a "mighty protector of men." (line 472). I believe that ... Beowulf is very brave and is a great leader. The people had been frightened by the monster and he helped protect them. After he defeated Grendel, he fought Grendel's ... and had to find something but his own hands to use against her. During his last battle he was an old man. Beow...

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... son to die. Grenade's mom chose to use a dagger to fight with. The weapon that the monster chose to use in battle always directly affected the weapon Beowulf used so in this battle he used a sword then later a magical sword. The third battle was with the dragon. The dragon was angry because someone had stolen ... anyone can respond making me think that he never really intended for their to be a need for a will. In the third battle like the first Beowulf is not sure of his abilities anymore but not due to inexperience but because he is so old now. He knows he will die but he does ... not...

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... and monsters, both good and evil fighting each other, is a theme that even today we are all too familiar with in movies, books, and television. However, Beowulf depicts the accomplishments of a Geatish hero who rids Hrothgar's kingdom of two monsters, Grendel and Grendel's mother. This is a characteristic of a violent society where war ... for him to swim, let alone kill sea monsters. Only a hero with supernatural abilities could accomplish this feat. Beowulf demonstrates his super natural strength when he rips off Grendel's arm with his bare hands. Finally, Beowulf was able to stay unde...

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... An ancient war-brand of biting edge, / Choicest of weapons worthy and strong, / The work of giants, a warrior's joy" (1046-1049). This mysterious weapon proves that Beowulf is an epic hero. It is conveniently there for him when he needs it most, and Fate, or God, often favors the hero of a story. It is also the only ... sword or weapon that will even harm the Troll-Wife. Beowulf is also aided by his chain mail armor. The narrator describes the scene when he says, "Swift she grappled and grasped the warrior / With horrid grip, but ... the hero once again, and he is able to locate another...

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... himself by. The most obvious pair of ideals were those of strength and wisdom. These are most apparent not only because they are obvious but also because of Beowulf himself proclaiming them to all whom will hear. King Hrothgar said, "He was the strongest of the Geats greater and stronger than anyone else in the world." ... this because he wanted it to be a fair fight and the sword would make it unfair and since Grendel had no weapon but his bare hands, Beowulf followed suit and the two engaged in combat with their fists. The dignity that should be displayed by all great heroes didn't sp...

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... us to better understand the story and get a better sense of how his life is compared to the civilians of Herot. Coming of Beowulf In this section it portrays the greatness and importance of Beowulf to his town's people. He gathers 14 of his best men and sails to Herot to banish Grendal. Once he has landed there ... people trust him. He goes on his way to go see the king and explains to him that he will use no weapons in the killing of Grendal. Beowulf has completley assured himself that if Grendal doesn't need weapons to fight then nor does he. He will prove to the town's people that his ...

• Word Count: 567
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• Grade Level: High School