Beowulf Sir Gawain Character Analysis

Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow, “began the greatest feuds” for killing Heatholaf, and was denied by everyone except Hrothgar for refuge (16). Hrothgar not only helps Ecgtheow earn back his honor by paying off his debt for killing Heatholaf, but he provides Ecgtheow with enough money and resources to be able to return to home. Since Hrothgar showed Beowulf’s family a great deal of hospitality and generosity, Beowulf traveled to the Danes to return the same generosity and kill the monster that had been terrorizing and killing Hrothgar’s men. The monster Grendel, gives Beowulf a way to not only pay back Hrothgar’s kind act towards his family, but also a way to restore honor to his family name and improve his heroic reputation by killing this monster that has been undefeatable for twelve

Beowulf is an epic poem about a brave heroic man that comes and helps a king get rid a monster. An epic poem is a story about someone who has heroic like ideas in a society. Beowulf is a story that was sung by the bards and scops because that would be the only thing that will be passed on even after his death. It was written by the Anglo-Saxons, who did not believe in the afterlife, unlike Christianity. So the warrior would have to do something that would let his memory be passed on.

Watching Beowulf, he could see how his king was suffering, burning. Remembering everything his lord and cousin had given him, armor and gold and the great estates Wextan’s family enjoyed”(lines 92-98). The author did not just want to mention Wiglaf’s name, he had to tell of Wiglaf’s family heritage and success to prove his reputation and status. Furthermore, reputation in Anglo Saxon times was also determined by your own individual accomplishments. “I swam in the blackness of the night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one”, Beowulf says this as he is boasting about himself to King Hrothgar and

Beowulf, born in the land of the Geats, makes the voyage over to the Danes upon hearing the problems troubling the Danes. Even though Hygelac told Beowulf not to, Beowulf went on ahead and he proves his worth, both to his king and the Danes’ king. In the time of crossing the waters, Beowulf kills Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and then a dragon and he inspires one young man named Wiglaf. Wiglaf makes a valiant speech to get Beowulf’s men hustling in the line of defense, but ends up fighting alone. “He picked us out from the army deliberately, honoured us and judged us fit for this action, made me these lavish gifts- and all because he considered us the best of his arms-bearing thanes” (Beowulf 179).

If you wish to live in fear and stay inside the prosperity and point of confinement of your nation, this is not the journey for you. In AD 922, Middle Easterner subject Ahmed Ibn Fadlan is sent to the primitive north as an emissary, since he became hopelessly enamored with the wrong lady. Ahmed and his gathering keep running into investigating Vikings and demonstrate the veracity of the memorial service of their dead lord, yet Ahmed is horrified by the Viking traditions - their wanton sexuality, their dismissal for cleanliness, their heartless human penances. Afterward, a young man achieves the camp to request the warriors help: The Wendel, animals of the Fog, have been assaulting his country, murdering and eating everybody in their way. The prophet powers a thirteenth warrior, one who must not be a north man, to go with the Vikings.

Upon hearing about the dragon Beowulf claims “I have never known fear”(Beowulf 607) proving his stagnant personality throughout the story. Showing immense courage, he charges into battle against the dragon. With only one other soldier, he defeats the dragon at the cost of his own life. Truly he succumbed to morality for the first time in his life. Never showing compassion for anyone else, he realizes he has no heir to the throne.

Beowulf didn’t want to fight this battle, the battle of the dragon. He then decided to because he wanted the treasure for winning the battle. Coming into this battle, Beowulf uttered “, I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” Pg.56 The hero was not scared he just wanted the treasure and to be the epic hero he’s always wanted to be. He had many attempts to kill the dragon, but the dragon was stronger than he thought.

The main character is set apart from the other warriors because of his courage and humility. The story tells of many characters who faced the same circumstances as Beowulf, yet failed to respond in a similar and valiant effort, like Beowulf. For example, when facing the dragon nearly all of his hand picked soldiers coward in fear. Beowulf then showed humility by turning down his first offer to be king. When Hrothgar died, he offered Beowulf the throne; however, he refused, which allowed the rightful heir, Hrothgar’s son to be placed into power.

The Dragon had soon burn down Beowulf’s throne-hall to the ground and Beowulf began to plot his revenge. Beowulf had ask his iron smith to make him a mighty shield one that he hopes will stand up against the breath of flame. Beowulf could of use and army to help him kill the dragon but "He is too proud to assemble a huge army for the fight, and, remembering how he defeated Grendel single-handedly in his youth, feels no fear of the dragon." This was Beowulf pride taking control over him even though he is now and

Unferth taunts Beowulf, calling him vain and foolish for challenging Breca, who now has his own land, and has followers who love him. He also suggests that if Beowulf could not win a simple swimming competition, that he would “pay a heavy price” for taking on Grendel (18). Beowulf rebuttals Unferth claims, first by calling him drunk, but then by stating that he killed nine monsters and that “[n]either you nor Breca have yet dared such a deed with shining sword in battle” (20). Beowulf also asks Unferth if he is so brave why is Grendel is not dead yet then. The crowd is overjoyed by Beowulf’s confidence in defeating Grendel.

My personal dragons Anyone can relate to the struggles and the conflict that Beowulf faces throughout his journey to save Hrothgar and his men. There are so many examples of good vs evil in my life and I can relate to his daily struggles as well. For example, Beowulf had to listen to Unferth, who thought completely terrible of him. Unferth pointed out that “Beowulf could not even win a swim match, so why should he be trying to save us?” In the same way, throughout life I believe people will eventually hear or do the identical thing; they can cause less self-worth and confidence in someone, somewhere. People can become so prude if they feel like they have to have help, which is the reason for Unferths ridiculous actions.