Beowulf is one of the most important works of Old English literature. The epic tells the story of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who saves the Danes from the monster known as Grendel, and also of his triumphs, fighting Grendel's mother and a Dragon. Throughout the epic, many themes are used to construct a certain profundity to the characters and the story. Some of these themes seen in Beowulf include Wealth , Honor, Christian vs Paganistic ideas , etc. However, the epic's most important theme, is the conflict between virtue and evil. This idea of good vs. evil is portrayed in many ways, as we can see in the story's representation of evil, and the concept of the epic hero. .
The representation of virtue vs. evil is very clear in the epic. Beowulf is the main illustration of good because of his ability to perform unselfish acts in aid of others. As we can see, goodness is shown throughout this epic as having the ability to cleanse evil. One of Beowulf's deeds is his offer to King Hrothgar, in which he proposes to eliminate Grendel, who had been terrorizing his kingdom, killing innocent lives. Beowulf kills this evil creature, and brings peace to Hrothgar's kingdom, cleansing them of this evil. . Another selfless act is Beowulf' slay of Grendel's mother, who seeks revenge for Grendels death. After Beowulf becomes king in Geatland, he again shows his great ability once more by hie pledge to kill the dragon. As we can see virtue is clearly represented by Beowulf and his heroic actions. In contrast, evil is presented by Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon, who are filled with a yearning to act against people and in the end destroy them. Evil is first shown by the monster Grendel, who without reason or motive, enjoyed killing, making him Beowulf's first evil creature. Another evil beast in Beowulf is Grendel's mother, who is described as "a monstrous hag," She, like her son, represents evil.
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. Beowulf goes to seek the dragon in his lair. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... "Fifty winters pass, Beowulf, now an old man, faces his final task:"(that was not my Quote). " Together Beowulf and the young Miglaf kill the dragon, but the old king (Beowulf) is fatally wounded." ... Beowulf taking his last few words to the young Miglaf, the last of Beowulf's family, the new king. ... Beowulf's tower. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... This imagery shows Beowulf's superior strength. ...
In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, there are battles between Beowulf himself and several different monsters. ... Loyalty is present when Beowulf chooses to fight the monster for king Hrothgar who had done Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, a great favor. ... Fate comes into play here when Beowulf defeats and unknowingly kills her son. ... The glory belongs to Beowulf because he defeats her, too. ... As fate would have it, the previously victorious Beowulf is put to the test one more time. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Beowulf is also a courageous warrior capable of overcoming many obstacles. ... Beowulf was the king of his land for fifty years. ... Beowulf did things that no other man would do. Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
Beowulf's selflessness and bravery are shown frequently when he battles Grendel. Beowulf shows no signs of retreat and accepts death as it may come. ... Another quality exhibited by Beowulf is his bravery. ... Beowulf displays a sense of strength throughout his life. ... Beowulf's intentions are to protect his people, so fear cannot intervene. ...
Beowulf- The Great of the Greats In the 8th century people were looked at by their character. Each person had important traits, which were very important traits that were admired back then. Some of these traits that were intelligible, they also had to be very honorable and do things fair. The wa...
Beowulf is unlike any other epic hero in the manner in which he fights. ... No sword could hurt Grendle so Beowulf would have beat him by hand alone. ... Beowulf shows his loyalty throughout the story. ... Beowulf showed he is the exact opposite. ... It is easily seen how Beowulf is a great leader. ...
Beowulf also has confidence in his skills as a warrior and as a leader. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In the epic poem, none equaled Beowulf's skill as a warrior or as a leader of men. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Regardless of the fact that he smote Grendel bare handed, Beowulf admits a dragon is a formidable foe indeed, so a decision is made to unsheathe Hrunting Beowulf's mighty blade. ...
