Beowulf Journal Essay

Beowulf Journal

Setting:
When and where does the story take place?
The story appears to be set I the sixth century in the region known as Scandinavia—includes what is today Denmark and Sweden, lands of the Danes and Geats respectively. This early medieval story written as a poem takes place on two places. The beginning of the story occurs in the land of the Danes, where Beowulf fights Grendel and his mother. The last part of the story takes place in the land of the Geats, where Beowulf had being ruling as king for nearly 50 years and face his last enemy, the Dragon. Characterization:
Who are the main characters of the story?
The main characters in the story are Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, the dragon, and Hrothgar—king of the Danes

The protagonist in the story is Beowulf. He was known for his courage and many triumphs. He is a member of the tribes of the Geats, son of Ecgtheow, who was a famous man and noble warrior-lord known by many all over the world. Beowulf antagonists are Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.
Grendel is a banished monster from Cain’s—same Cain who killed his brother Abel, both sons of Adam and Eve from the story of creation¬—clan whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcast. Grendel had being killing and terrorizing Hrothgar’s people. The news of Grendel had travel to the land of the Geats and Beowulf had come to provide assistance to Hrothgar.
One day after Beowulf and Grendel’s fight, where Beowulf tears off the demons’ arm, the monster’s mother came to vengeance her son’s death. She was also defeated and killed by Beowulf, for which he received many gifts and praise by Hrothgar and his wife Wealhtheow.
The last rival was a dragon who went on a rampage killing and terrorizing Beowulf kingdom after being disturbed by someone that stole from her treasure. Although Beowulf killed the dragon, he died as a result from a dragon’s

I have to admit that I first didn’t like reading Beowulf, the language and poem structure made it a little difficult for me. It wasn’t until I began working on this journal that I began to appreciate the poem, the author, and the many angles that can be discussed about this literary piece. Subjects like religion, timeline, and the author’s reason for writing Beowulf has made me become more interested about the story.

How are the themes of the story observed in life and society today?
Fourteen years ago on 22 April 2004 Army Ranger Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan. Pat was a talented football player that in response to the events of 911 decided to leave his football career to fight for his country and for those oppressed by terrorism. He could have chosen a simple way to serve the cause, instead he chose to be at the tip of the spear, Pat was a hero. What makes people like Pat do what they do? Did Beowulf really needed to fight for the Danes? Most Americans became aware of the sacrifices made by Chris Kyle from the resent movie American Sniper. Like Tillman and Beowulf, he too heard the calling to serve others in need, leaving everything on the line, just like Beowulf when he fought the