In Beowulf, one poetic narrative tells the story of Beowulf in the Anglo-Saxon era (449 A.D- 1066 A.D). The departure in beowulf occurs when beowulf is acknowledged with the idea to murder Grendel. This action enforces the mentality of asking king Hrothgar to give him permission. Bestowed upon him, Beowulf is told by Hrothgar: "Never, since my hand could hold a shield have I entrusted or given control of the Danes ' hall to anyone but you (655-657).” Being told such a thing, gives Beowulf the authorization that he must go and enforce his personal fists in the soul of Grendel. The action that is bestowed upon beowulf enforces the cultural values of honor as well as loyalty. Honor to the name that is he who
Beowulf shows immense courage and bravery which anglo-saxons believed to be his fate. Grendel has never found a harder opponent in battle than Beowulf “.... Had he met a man whose hands were harder.... ”(167) At this moment
“A protector of his people, pledged to uphold truth and justice and to respect tradition, is entitled to affirm that this man was born to distinction. Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere. In all things you are even-tempered, prudent and resolute. So I stand firm by the promise of friendship we exchanged before. Forever you will be your people's mainstay and your own warriors’ helping hand” (Page 117 lines 1700-1708).
Beowulf is one of the oldest epics in English literature which was written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon rhymester from about 8th century to 11th century. The poem portrays successfully the envy which exemplifying Beowulf’s power as a warrior, and showing his reputation as a brave hero. Furthermore, the poem also becomes more dramatic, attracts the readers due to the envy. When King Hrothgar ruled Denmark, this country had peace and prosperity, that was the reason why Grendel, a "disgusting swamp monster" got jealous and attacked King Hrothgar's mead-hall while he and his warriors were slurring after a lavish banquet. Grendel was described as being descended from the biblical Cain: Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches,
Beowulf is shown to be a threatening beast that will take down anyone. When Grendel wins the fight, he does something that is dishonoring to Beowulf. A quote explains what Beowulf did, “Hanging high from the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster’s arm, claw and shoulder and all” (Beowulf 356-358). This is a wonderful example of how nobody respects Beowulf so much that Grendel hung his arm up for everyone to look upon. On the other hand, many people respect the boundless warrior Achilles.
Beowulf cares greatly for his honor. When he is fighting Grendel, he decides to not use a weapon since Grendel has none. He doesn’t want anyone saying he won unfairly. When being spoken about his fighting it is said, “He, swiftly banished to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes…” (Part 2)
Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless).
In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, faces three “monsters” at different times in his life. The poem begins with Grendel, a monster who attacks only in the dark of night, tormenting the kingdom of Hrothgar. The last two sections of the epic detail the conquering by Beowulf of Grendel’s mother and the dragon. The battle between the monsters and Beowulf represent the theme of good versus evil in the poem, as well as the fusion of pagan and Christian ideals in the changing Germanic society. Grendel’s mother’s actions directly juxtapose the role of a woman in this time period, and the greediness of the dragon with his treasure contrasts with the virtues of what would be considered a good king.
Bravery and courage are interchangeable words used to describe the mind of a person who faces difficulty and pain without fear, according to Dictionary.com. Bravery is displayed all throughout the heroic tale of Beowulf, named after its protagonist Beowulf. Knowing that Grendel was a very dangerous character, Beowulf chose to offer up his services to halt the terror being caused by Grendel. No one had to seek him out; rather he came on his own accords simply for the good of these people living in King Hrothgar’s kingdom. He put himself in dangers way even though he no real tie to these people, and not asking about any sort of payment before going out on the hunt.
Beowulf’s fate causes some of his men to get killed in battle and he leaves his land ungoverned and susceptible to attack demonstrated by the quote, “Grendel snatched at the first Geat, ripped him apart, and cut his body to bits,”(421
As the story progress, Beowulf became king of the Geats for 50 years when suddenly a dragon emerged from slumber began to burn down villages. However, Beowulf didn’t pay the slightest attention, but instead ignored what was happening. Finally, when the dragon burns down Beowulf’s throne room Beowulf decided that he needs to deal with the dragon. In Beowulf 's eyes, the lives of his citizens couldn’t even compare to his throne room. When Beowulf prepared to fight the dragon he said, “Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (lines 2512-2514).
Beowulf had done the unthinkable—he had killed a demon that no warrior of Denmark could have done. This opened several new doors for Beowulf, including one that promised of honor, glory, and riches. Beowulf had achieved his goal of fame, a goal which had created a poem of a hero that birthed and shaped a story to be told even years later. Furthermore, Beowulf’s fame was set in stone by Hrothgar, the king who owed Beowulf his everything, including his thanks. After giving Beowulf the speech to further glorify his prominence, Hrothgar declares, “Glory is now yours/
Loyalty, one of the main themes throughout Beowulf, is an important aspect of the Germanic culture. Loyalty in the Heroic Code is a bond between the king and his warriors; loyalty to the king is first above all, even family in this text. If the warriors lack the loyalty for their king, the urge to protect their king and tribe is diminished. Beowulf’s king, Hygelac, gave him permission to help the Danish king and his people. Beowulf exerts his loyalty to Hrothgar by protecting the king’s people, and killing Grendel.
This is seen multiple times throughout the poem beginning with his quest to kill Grendel. Beowulf personally sought out permission from Hrothgar to help the Danish people. Beowulf was able to help the suffering community; furthermore, he had a chance to receive great recognition for his actions. After defeating Grendel, Beowulf was given the opportunity to receive more glory and once again help Heorot by taking the life of Grendel’s mother. This was an extremely dangerous challenge because he knew her capabilities.
Beowulf is the main hero in the poem, and he travels to the land of the Danes to help King Hrothgar get rid of the monster Grendel. After having slain Grendel, there is still a huge crisis present. Grendel’s mother comes to the Hall of Heorot to avenge the death of her kinsmen by killing Aeschere. Aeschere is one of Hrothgar’s most trusted advisors, and his loss bear’s heavy on Hrothgar’s heart. In the culture displayed in Beowulf, the bonds of friendship and kinsmanship are very important to the characters.
Beowulf manifests the features of a literary epic by reflecting the Anglo-Saxon warrior culture from which it came from, and containing great, descriptive language and plots that include great battles and conflicts. The warrior culture is evident from the explanation of the story in Journeys where Beowulf, along with his group of warriors, sails to Denmark, ready to defeat Grendel to the very end of the excerpt where defeating Grendel brings Beowulf honor, pride, and glory. “He was happy with his / nightwork / and the courage he had shown” (826-828). Great battle and conflict, as well as descriptive detail, can be seen in this line from Beowulf and Grendel’s battle, “Every bone in his body [Grendel’s] / quailed and recoiled, but he could not