The Symbolism Of Water In Beowulf

Allegory is a depiction or symbol of an abstract or spiritual meaning through tangible or material forms. Relatively a story, poem, or portrayal that could be elucidated to divulge an unknown and clandestine meaning. In the following tales of the erratically depicted heroes such as the gallant yet reluctant figure known as Sir Gaiwan to the courageous yet audacious individual known as Beowulf, these men are known for their honor, unrighteousness, and integrity. Also within comparison to these divine, fierce, and distinctive individuals are a character in which Chaucer calls the perfect knight in The Canterbury Tales. These parables exonerate examples and illustrates three atypical barrages of character of profound Middle Age literature. In

All living beings must face the inevitable fact that we all must die. The poem Beowulf was written during the Anglo-Saxon period and it was not merely to entertain people, but to teach the values of their culture. Mortality was alluded several times throughout the poem and some people argue that it was alluded to foreshadow a character’s death so they can perform as many deeds as they can so they be remembered for it. I argue that the author alluded mortality to teach the readers important values about Anglo-Saxon culture such as physical strength in a leader, the importance of God, caution of excessive pride and that everyone is destined to die.

Beowulf is a classic tale of a hero who undergoes certain trials and tribulations and proves his bravery. However when one glances under the surface, it is clear that the story is about so much more. Over the course of the poem Beowulf has to learn to balance two opposing sides of his personality-his monstrous, angry, berserker-like side with more restrained and civilized character. In Germanic culture in general, a dichotomy lies between the reverence of famous berserkers, who when enraged become the most fearsome of warriors, and the values of self-restraint placed on people, specifically in the feasting setting. Beowulf is all about the navigation of that tight line of cultural tension between the two options.

In this epic, the main character, Beowulf, faces many horrendous monsters. However, as the reader, and the interpreter, I am asked to explain how Beowulf portrays the qualities of an archetypal epic hero. After reading of his battles, his character displays great acts of courage, intelligence, and strength, while warriors revel as Beowulf defeats the creatures.

    People often have very different reasons to do something than others. Sometimes, people wonder why others do the things they do. Generally, motivations come in the form of advantages allowed after the completion of the task. This is such an important concept to humans because they are inherently greedy. Power, wealth, status, there are many motivations; however, when it comes to Beowulf, he takes a different approach for his fighting. Beowulf has motivations that follow the Anglo-Saxon code in which he fights for glory, duty, and honor.

Imagery is something that is constantly being used since the beginning of time in multiple ways. The book writers, music artist, and everyday people use it to create an image in someone's head. Throughout Beowulf, there is a lot of imagery being used. In the beginning of Beowulf’s last battle, even before he fights, he says farewell to his followers for the last time and he chooses his words. He creates an image in the reader’s heads. The images that the words create makes it feel as if you were really there looking at everything actually happening. Such as, “They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships. The great ring-giver. Farfetched treasures were piled on him,and precious gear.” This is a great example of imagery. This is from one of

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.

In the Old Testament, we see water rightly at the creation story. The first mention of water is found in Genesis, where it is said: “the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the water”. Furthermore, in Genesis, it says: “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures”. There are many more examples of water mentioned in the Old Testament which remind of life.

In the halls of Heorot, an evil presence terrorizes its people. An evil presence known as Grendel. Grendel is assumed to be a descendent of Cain, who is destined to be evil. Even though he is full of corruption, he is a lonely creature who seeks companionship by killing the people of Heorot. Every one in the castle is terrified of Grendel as well as the King’s warriors. There is only one man that is not afraid to confront this enormous beast, Beowulf. Beowulf is fearless and eventually rips the arm off of Grendel and brings it upon King Hrothgar. The people are overjoyed and feast in the great hall. Grendel’s mother however is furious about the death of her son. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother with his sword. After retuning home, Beowulf has

Water is a very interesting character in The Odyssey. With the capacity to kill, prevent people

Epic stories started many years ago, in fact there are many epic heroes we have never heard of because they were merely passed down by voice. Luckily two epics were told by so many generations that they could be written and recorded: Beowulf and The Iliad. A man named Homer composed The Iliad around 700 B.C. 1000 years later Beowulf arose around 750 A.D, by an unknown author. In the epic The Iliad, Achilles is the epic hero and point of the story. Beowulf and Achilles were both courageous warriors and epic heroes that grew tremendously in different cultural backgrounds.

It was not soon before the blurs of the sea people circled his boat. Beowulf had nowhere to go or hide, and the only thing separating him from the evil of the sea people was his boat.

The epic poem “Beowulf” exemplifies the claim made by Joseph Campbell regarding the hero's call to adventure. The hero Beowulf and the hero from call to adventure both go through tremendous trials. In both stories the hero's struggle with life or death decisions. If they make one wrong move they are dead. Furthermore the next paragraph will explain how they are alike.

Overtime, the individuals within Herot have become aware of evils and menacing conditions that have sprung from Grendel’s and his mother environment. Unfortunately, Beowulf’s boastful attitude and past war experiences with numerous creatures has led him to undermine dangers of Grendel’s mother and the environment. During the Hrothgar speech, he uses figurative language, vivid examples, and displeasing syntax to demonstrate how Grendel’s environment is filled with treachery, hellish components, and danger, that can affect Beowulf’s health and also his ability to kill Grendel’s mother. This speech attempts to create a sense of fear and concern for Beowulf, which will allow him to develop a humble mindset to prevent death and preserve his health.

If someone were to read Beowulf straight through and not think into any of the deeper meanings or symbolism in the story, the whole tale would come off as fairly superficial and typical. It would seem like just another story of a powerful hero slaying monsters and receiving lavish rewards in return. Going through the story in that fashion would be doing it a great disservice because there is so much more to Beowulf underneath all of the grandeur of the basic story. There are many recurring themes that hint at much deeper messages and even some darker, more nihilistic themes. As if ripping the arm off of a creature and then hunting down and killing its mother wasn’t already dark enough. These themes are mostly found in the weapons, armor, and treasure in the story, which not only serve to further key plot lines, but are also heavily laden with symbolism.