Beowulf is willing to risk his life by battling battles to protect the people. There are three main battles. The first battled Beowulf had to fight was against Grendel. The second battle, Beowulf had to fight was against Grendel's mother. The third battle, Beowulf fight was against a dragon. Tangible riches are things that are able to be touched or felt. Gold is an example of tangible riches. Intangible glory is something that is unable to be touched, but it is unable to be felt. Love is an example of intangible glory. Beowulf fought Grendel for his first battle. Beowulf was presented with many gifts for battling Grendel. Beowulf received many tangible gifts. “Then Halfdane’s son presented Beowulf with a gold standard …show more content…
Beowulf received many tangible riches after killing Grendel's mother. “The Geat captain saw treasure in abundance, but carried no spoils from those quarters except for the head and the inlaid hilt embossed with jewels; its blade had melted and the scrollwork on it burnt, so scalding was the blood of the poisonous fiend who had perished there. Then away, he swam, the one who had survived the fall of his enemies, flailing to the surface”(Page 111 lines 1612-1619). The inlaid hilt embossed with jewels is an example of tangible riches. Beowulf received many intangible glories for defeating Grendel's mother. “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). Promise of friendship is a perfect example of intangible glory Beowulf received because he cares for people and helps
Heroism is the act of bravery, which is signified in both characters: Antigone and Beowulf. These two texts provide proof that both men and female can show bravery. The heroism in Antigone and Beowulf is similar and different in many ways. Both are willing to go against others for what they believe in. Antigone and her sister Ismene have two brothers that go to battle.
That was a good king.” (9-11) Beowulf ruled over 50 years with the influence of the Anglo-Saxon culture that he was the strongest ruler there would ever be, even long after he was gone. The idealism of Beowulf will live forever and strike fear in the enemies of the Anglo-Saxons. The goodness, loyalty, courteousness, evenness, and bravery of Beowulf to the Anglo-Saxon culture was well proven in Beowulf and Beowulf and Grendel by showing both versions of the tale who Beowulf was. While the epic provided a more specific, vivid, and precise understanding of not only the cultural values and the characteristics of the old English tale, but also the detail of an Anglo-Saxon writer.
“Since you confessed so cleanly, acknowledging sins And bearing the plain penance of my point: I consider you polished as white and perfectly clean.” Beowulf proved to be honorable because when the kingdom needed him most, he took a boat and got to action with his men. He proved with numerous battles that no foe could ever make him back down. “Now when help was needed. None of the wise ones regretted his going, much as he was loved by the geats: the omens were
When someone gives their friend a birthday present, it’s clear to see that the relationship between the two of them is a positive one, likewise, if one person were to steal from another, the relationship between the two is negative. Relationships among people can be seen through the exchange of wealth. In Beowulf, wealth plays a similar role as it does in modern society. Therefore, In Beowulf, wealth represents alliances among people because when wealth is acquired in a respectable way, relationships among them are positive, but when it is stolen, the relationships aren’t friendly and and even hostile.
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”
Glory is the prime motivation for Beowulf in his story. Beowulf wants to be remembered for the great deeds he has done in his lifetime, like Hrothgar. Hrothgar, the king has earned his glory in his youth. “To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly…” (Part 1) Hrothgar is now old and unable to protect his kingdom, and Beowulf decides that he will step in and help because of the glory it will give him.
Pride Will be the Death of Him People deal with fighting evil in a more intelligent way as they mature and as the degree of evil increases. This progression is illustrated in the epic poem Beowulf as the epic hero, Beowulf, constantly duals the hands of evil in three major fights until his heroic death. Beowulf is talking to the people of Herot when he says, “I have heard moreover that the monster scorns/ in his reckless way to use weapons;/ therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame/ and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce/ sword and the shelter of the broad shield,/ the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand/ is how it will be, a life-and-death/ fight with the fiend" (Heaney 433-440).
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).
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
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/
Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.
Beowulf is part of another tribe and is willingly offering to help the Danes. This shows that providing protection and safety to the people, even those of another
Beowulf went through so much to prove he was worthy enough to protect their kingdom and defeat Grendel. The story Beowulf was a great story to read and a great movie to watch; however, the battles were very eye catching and had a lot of extravagant and heroic doings of Beowulf. The first scenario that I’m going to discuss in the movie and story of Beowulf is The Battle with Grendel. In the movie Grendel attacked Beowulf in the Heriot while everyone was dancing and singing.
Yet Beowulf’s purpose is to be a moral example, meant to instruct Anglo-Saxons as to the importance of honor, fame, dedication, and subservience. The character