Beowulf is a fantastic representation of an Anglo-Saxon epic poem. The poem starts out like a typical epic poem. The call to arms of the struggling Danes which is shown in both the movie as well as the poem. The hero endures resistance and deals with adversity before he finally triumphs over evil and rescues the Danes. It demonstrates many aspects such as the fight between good and evil as well as a hero, the hero also typically recites a geilp and the monotheistic influence. One aspect of an epic poem is our hero Beowulf who hears of Denmark struggling against the mighty Grendel. This is considered the call to arms in a hero's journey. Then you have the journey traveling across the sea seeking out this evil. When he meets the King of Danes, Horathgar he gives a typical anglo saxon boast (245-249) “Have watched me rise from the darkness of war, Dripping with my enemies blood. I drove five great giants into chains.” Then you have the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. This battle ends with Beowulf ripping the arm off the demon Grendel showing superhuman or unnatural strength. …show more content…
In the book the evil is the demon Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. In the movie it is the fire worm and then the Priestess or mother of the fireworm people who have a demonic demeanor whereas in the book Grendel and his mother are represented as demons. In the book it states (20-21) “Monsters Born of Cain '' this is showing the demonic aspect of them. Cain is seen to be evil and demonic being the first man to commit murder out of jealousy. In the book the evil foes are terrorizing the Danes and the dragon is terrorizing the Geats. Both are innocent but evil chooses to torment them hence their evil. Verse the movie has the fireworm who also is terrorizing Danes who are innocent thus making them evil as well representing the monsters in the book. In both representations there is an evil the beowulf is fighting