... weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares." (677-685) Beowulf shows tremendous bravery and honor in fighting without a sword or shield. Beowulf's loyalty is most evident after he has defeated Grendel. After Beowulf fatally wounds the demon, by ripping his arm and shoulder from his body, there is a great celebration in Heorot. When night falls ... killing Hrothgar's friend Aeschere, are direct consequences of his fight with Grendel. Because of this, Beowulf eagerly accepts Hrothgar's proposal to attack Grendel's mother. Although he had alread...

• Word Count: 735
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... by pagans; heathenism. CHRISTIANITY (Chris*tian"i*ty): The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ. The epic poem Beowulf was composed by an anonymous English author around the year 1000 AD. Through the author's use of character development and description it can be ... the poem the author's inconsistency portrays the society's struggle with the change. The most obvious of pagan influences of the poem are derived from Beowulf's paranormal strength and god-like demeanor. The first instance of this is contained in his battle with Grendel as he foregoes...

• Word Count: 685
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... 's decree, as it still lies today" (lines 2858-2859) , Beowulf clearly represents this value in two of his quarrels, one with a very strong and vicious demon named Grendel. Fate is represented in the battle with Grendel because beowulf knows how strong Grendel is and has heard and almost witnessed the damage he ... has done but yet will still go into battle accepting the fate of not making it out alive, Beowulf is sure that this creature demon will not simply lay down for him, but will take him on and try to end his twelve years of terror this creature ... has created. Hrothgar who is t...

• Word Count: 1131
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... it has been translated to give readers the opportunity to enjoy this colorful, heroic poem. It is a story about a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who rids the Danes of the monster Grendel, a descendent of Cain. It has been declared an ageless epic poem, because it continuously and clearly possesses ... that he needs no weapon and fears none (167-168)," he relied, " Nor will I. (169)" and kept true to his promise. Beowulf fought the supernatural demon single-handedly with only his bare hands. This epic hero did this noble deed for no personal gain but to purge all evil from th...

• Word Count: 811
• Approx Pages: 3

... Grendel. Eventually, however, a young Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears of Hrothgar's plight. Inspired by the challenge, Beowulf sails to Denmark with a small company of men, determined to defeat Grendel. Hrothgar accepts Beowulf's offer to fight Grendel. During a feast, one which Beowulf is attending, Grendel shows up and challenges Beowulf. Beowulf fights him unarmed, proving himself stronger than the demon, who is terrified. As Grendel struggles to escape ... , Beowulf tears the monster's arm off. Mortally wounded, Grendel slinks back into the swamp to die. The ... ...

• Word Count: 350
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

... widely known Beowulf to attempt what others have failed. While preparing for the battle with Grendel, Beowulf uses his intelligence to outwit the cruel demon. As the fiend arrives, Beowulf's plan slowly begins to take course. Grendel's feast begins with one of Beowulf's soldiers ... , "Grendel snatched at the first Great/He came to, ripped him apart. Then he stepped up to another/Still body, clutched at Beowulf ... with his claws and was instantly seized himself "(421-422, 427-428, 430). Beowulf ... savior against the wretched dragon plaguing their town. For this battle, he needs his sol...

• Word Count: 1010
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... Through the poet's description, one sees Grendel as an advocate of evil, a product of God's curse upon Cain. "Grendel was the name of this grim demon [ ] in misery among the banished monsters, Cain's clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts" (103-18). Klaeber describes Grendel as an ... -racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge" (1278) due to the murder of her son. After Grendel's mother "avenged her son and wreaked desctruction" (1278), Beowulf must descend into "some other world" (1349) to find her. This other world seems to parallel the lakes of Hell, infested wi...

• Word Count: 824
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... been many different characters throughout history and one of the most highly esteemed and recognized is Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. The epic of Beowulf represents an amalgamation of the culture of the dark ages and the traditions of Christianity all intertwined to reveal how one gladiator possesses the merits of ... loyalty, courage, and faith while he endeavors to combat against the forces of evil. The character of Beowulf himself in the epic Beowulf is representative of Christ in that he acts as a deliverer to the people of Herot by redeeming them from the evils of Grendel ......

• Word Count: 1019
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... stories and song, as the world passes on. Thus it happens that heroes of the past no longer remain the heroes of the future; Beowulf and Sir Gawain have heroic attributes, but they are no longer what today's culture would consider a "hero." However, by looking at those ... , R.; Elbow, P.; Hynds, S.; Langer, J. A.; & Marshall, J. 2002. pg. 43) as Beowulf rips off Grendel's arm. Grendel himself is extremely powerful; to tear the arm off this "sin-stained demon" (Applebee et al. 2002. pg. 42) is a testament to Beowulf's strength. Beowulf's second notable trait is his incredible valor in b...

• Word Count: 1151
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... fused it with Christian beliefs to create a poem that would still interest the people of the time while showing them the Christian ways. The Beowulf poet was put to the task of successfully blending these religious beliefs in an effective plot that appealed to his audience. Therefore, I agree with ... there is little reason to read it as a survival from the heathen age that came to be marred by monkish interpolations" (137). Although Beowulf most likely began as a pagan epic, it eventually was expanded to include Christian elements. Drawn from the Bible and some fictional texts as ... h...

• Word Count: 1142
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... A hero by definition is a mythological or legendary figure of great strengths or ability, in which both Beowulf and Superman are. Beowulf was greater and stronger than anyone, anywhere in his world! He was mightiest of the Geats. Beowulf would travel long distances just to be there when help was needed most. He was a leader, not ... mankind. He was also a man who showed no fear and would back down from no fight no matter how big the challenge! Beowulf would pursue any beast, demon, or dragon until it ceased to exist.Superman was considered to be one of the greatest heroes of this century...

• Word Count: 528
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... order to obtain victory. As Beowulf conquered his enemies, he became a distinguished hero, and was known throughout the world for his bravery and courage. The first main division begins on line 86, where we begin to learn about Hrothgar's struggles with Grendel, "a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark ... a fiend from hell." It ends on line 1250 after Hrothgar rewards Beowulf for saving Heorot from the monster's constant night attacks. In this first division, Beowulf proves himself as a great warrior to Hrothgar, and gains ... main division begins with the vengeful night attack f...

• Word Count: 538
• Approx Pages: 2

... one from a community consistently has the same effect. Those exiled feel lonely, angry, and jealous of those that banished them. In both Beowulf and The Wife's Lament, characters are the victims of exile. It is these character's reactions to being exiled that influence both works with ... feelings of jealousy, anger, depression and loneliness. In Beowulf, Grendel, the monster, had "dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters" (line 105). Despite Grendel's existence as a demon, he is still effected by his exile, his emotions eventually leading to uncontrollable ... ) and jeal...

• Word Count: 515
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... up arms not only to protect their people, their loved ones, but also those who cannot protect themselves. Like Beowulf, they have gone to the aid of a people who could not vanquish the demon alone. They lend themselves to the fight to prove their loyalty to their country and their leaders. I think ... that modern day soldiers bear the closest resemblance to Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon definition of a hero. Not to be discarded ... to have heroes amongst us. I am of the opinion that heroes can also be those who display characteristics which seem to be opposite of those that Beowulf project...

• Word Count: 729
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... up to his father's reputation. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf explains the reason he "lost" a simple swimming match with his youthful opponent Brecca. Not only had he been swimming for seven nights, he had ... as he tries to pull away. Grendel is in such agony that he finally rips from the grasp and runs away, leaving a bloody trail and his severed arm. Beowulf's ability to beat the monster with his bear hands shows his super-human strength and courage to put his people before himself. After...

• Word Count: 1056
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... Grendel by first watching his attack. Beowulf grabs hold of Grendel's claws and finally rips off his arm. In the morning, warriors look for the body of Grendel by following his bloody trail. They cannot find his body and turn back. Hrothgar's men finally think that they no longer will be ... was "the space of a day," before he could see the bottom of the mere (Burlin 121). The hero's physical powers grow far beyond human dimensions. Beowulf is about to attempt to use a weapon although they were useless against her; "then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy sword...but so massive ... ...

• Word Count: 1070
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... monster, Grendel. At this age, humans in general have usually started a permanent individuality and consequently have encountered difficulties. The battle between Beowulf and Grendel is represented by this stage in life. Regardless of whatever the problem is, people in general always have significant problems at this ... age. The source of the problem maybe of marriage difficulties, lack of responsibility, depression caused by the current situation, et cetera. Beowulf ambushes Grendel by thinking first, and acting on his previous dealings with monsters. For someone to overcome a problem...

• Word Count: 866
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... is one of the things that drove Grendel to his madness. Two examples from the listening include "the crowd was happy," and "Beowulf's doings were praised." Beowulf is praised for protecting Herot, leading the crowd to be happy. Sorrow is displayed directly in the book, "the living sorrow of Healfdane ... Other examples of savagery include, "showed no remorse," and "ruthless killings." The final theme was Good vs. Evil. This was seen several times throughout Beowulf. A direct quote would be, "hail to those who will rise to god." This just shows appreciation for god and for good. Other ex...

• Word Count: 697
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... monsters, at the end the marginalization of these two groups will be compared and contrasted. The main question is; Why and how are certain groups in Beowulf marginalized and thus made outcasts and in what ways are they similar and different? First of all, women are the major victims of marginalisation in the ... enters the hall, "observing the courtesies Adorned in her gold, she graciously saluted the men in the hall, then handed the cup" (Beowulf 614-616). By handing the cup, she is bestowing gifts to the men in the hall. This is the case with all the women in the ... for their exclus...

• Word Count: 992
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... malevolence through his own actions and portrayals. The next is the depiction of Grendel's menacing environment and surroundings. And lastly, biblical references in "Beowulf" notify you that Grendel is born into iniquity, and is not entirely liable for his immorality. One way that the epic describes that Grendel is ... evil, is through his actions, thoughts, and description. This is also established at the launch of the story. As "Beowulf" begins, Grendel grows impatient, as people are rejoicing in Herot day by day. The only justification that one can develop about why such happiness an...

• Word Count: 516
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... the reader the extent of his bravery. Secondly, Unferth's challenge gets Beowulf angry, which provides Beowulf with more motivation to fight Grendel. Beowulf exclaims, ""And when the sun/ Comes up again, opening another/ Bright day, anyone in Denmark/ May enter this hall: that evil [Grendel] will be gone!"" (336-39). Thus, Unferth unknowingly gives Beowulf drive to kill Grendel. All points considered, Unferth's argument with ... Beowulf reveals the accomplishments of Beowulf and inspires him to kill the monster too. Wiglaf's character adds loyalty and tradition to the epic. He proves hi...

• Word Count: 498
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... is said to be a savage beast, who returns with "blood dripping behind him, back / To his lair, delighted with his night's slaughter" (lines 39-40). Grendel terrorizes the people of the land, ripping men apart with his brute strength. He is a cold, merciless beast who is completely devoid of ... compassion for others. Grendel's evil nature is explained by the absence of God in his life: " He [Beowulf] never / Dared to touch king Hrothgar's glorious / Throne, protected by God - God, / Whose love Grendel could not know." (lines 82-85). Finally ... near; down / To hell he would go" (lines 48...

• Word Count: 794
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... itself is based in a time well before the sixth century, with most of its material based on early folk legend. The author of the epic of Beowulf uses characterization to show the world what Grendel was like and possibly his deeper side. "Grendel", the name itself sounds evil or at least unfriendly and is ... the darkness (1)." This starts the very lengthy wording of how evil Grendel is and how much the audience is suppose to not like him. Grendel was "the demon, the fiend that haunted the moors and lived in hell but on earth (16)." This is eye candy to the mind, which brings life to a c...

• Word Count: 691
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... uses Grendel as a symbol of what is evil and immoral. It is a typical battle of good and evil, something that we see every day in our lives. In the story Beowulf the author makes three main points to show that Grendel is indeed a symbol of immorality, where Grendel comes from, the terrible description of Grendel's killing, and Grendel's loneliness and isolation ... of society and all that is good. His whole existence is grounded solely in the moral perversion to hate good simply because it is good. He is described as a monster, demon, and a fiend. "murderous creatures banished by God, p...

• Word Count: 652
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king would sail across the sea to Hrothgar" (Beowulf 112-115) It was Beowulf's loyalty to the Danes that conveyed him to Hrothgar to overcome Grendel. Grendel, an animal of revolting aura had been plundering and slaughtering Hrothgar's ... "There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful" (Beowulf, 196-198). Beowulf's strength was by far the leading factor in why his heroic journey in the land of the Geats was very successful. Not only was he ...

• Word Count: 1028
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate