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Examples Of Evil In Beowulf

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Evil and the good are concepts that have been around since the beginning of time. These concepts have been conveyed by people through many ages. Without the luxury of modern day means of entertainment and technology, people were forced to rely on live entertainment, provided by men called bards. Typically these bards sang their songs and relayed their stories in social gathering places, such as the famous mead hall, Herot, as seen in the Anglo-saxon epic poem, Beowulf. One such story that had been passed down for generations was finally written down by the monks, becoming the oldest written story. This Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf, displays a constantly changing theme of good versus evil, creating a suspenseful atmosphere throughout. …show more content…

A dragon is something that would typically be viewed as an evil entity. The dragon in Beowulf fulfills this stereotype when you consider the terror and destruction wrought upon the village. After the thief raided the tower for the treasure, it is understandable that in retribution, the dragon fulfilled his duties in attempting to guard his treasure. The dragon, angered and distraught by his recent loss, begins to burn, pillage, and destroy the nearby town, part of Beowulf’s kingdom, angering Beowulf. Angered by this destruction, quick thinking Beowulf ventures to the lair of the dragon. After a fierce battle, the dragon is slain, and our epic hero is mortally wounded. Beowulf said” "I have wrested the hilt from the enemies' hand, avenged the evil done to the Danes; it is what was due." (1668-1670). A face of good-will in the poem, the

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The dragon represents the demise of Beowulf's kingdom, the end of a happy and peaceful era for the people. Overall, Beowulf has many twist and turns, but most of all symbolism.

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Beowulf exemplifies the concept of good and evil. It includes the archetypical hero who battles multiple monsters and faces struggles along the way. Even though Beowulf is thousands of years old, the theme of good vs evil is still seen in modern literature, on television, and in many other places. Good vs evil is seen in many places in the present time period, especially in superhero comics and movies.

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The third and final evil Beowulf must face is the dragon. At this point in the poem, Beowulf has been the “ring-giver” or king for half a century (Beowulf 2207). The role of a king in Germanic times included rewarding warriors with treasure captured in battle; however, the dragon keeps his treasure to himself. This greediness is in direct opposition to the qualities of a good king, and the dragon becomes the representation of selfishness and destruction. Beowulf takes on the role of a warrior once again, and defeats the dragon.

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Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).

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Beowulf: Telling Others Who God Is Beowulf is an epic poem written by an unknown author in 8th century England. Set in Scandinavia, this saga has its roots in pagan tradition. This well-known Old English work tells the fictional story of Beowulf, a hero who must defeat three monsters. Throughout Beowulf the characters and narrator give credit to God for victories, Beowulf’s fabled strength, and man’s existence. Although some pagan themes are expressed in Beowulf, its original author possessed a knowledge of God.

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In almost every story, there is a conflict; this conflict is unfortunately the main component in any attractive story. At the base of the conflict in Beowulf 's poem, there is a source of both, good and evil. Who is Good and who is evil, and why? Is there a relation Between Beowulf and Islamic religion? All of these questions will be answered through the following analysis.

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Superheroes have been around since the beginning of mankind. Many historical tales of humans doing the impossible for the good of others. Some being as simple as saving a cat from a tree to stopping a universal disaster. An example of a hero resides in the Epic Beowulf. This poem tells the tale of the mighty protector of men, Beowulf and his journey through life.

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In the book ‘Beowulf,' it becomes evident why the dragon is enraged after it is mentioned, "the might beast, / slept in those stone walls for hundreds of years; runaway slave roused it" (Beowulf 32.2279-80). The Dragon was angered because his treasure was stolen and he was awakened, so he flew above the town and thrashed his flames. The monsters fighting out of rage and anger not only adds to their characteristic of evil but also intensifies the battle. Although the monsters are displayed as vile creatures who show no mercy, they have a logical reasoning for their

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In “Beowulf,” there are many concepts of good and evil portrayed in the epic poem by an unknown author. Beowulf brings good to the Geats. The people would say he was a gift from the Gods to battle and demolish the evil. The monsters, however, cause trouble to the people and bring out the evil in everything. These elements of good and evil help define this an epic poem.

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His courage throughout the story demonstrates his nobility and will to fight against evil for the good. The theme of Beowulf is Good vs. Evil using symbolism, plot and character.

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Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/

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Page The battle between good and evil in the epic, “Beowulf”, is still prevalent in our time today, and has actually always been. Throughout the course of human history, especially in literature, the battle between good and evil has been a significant focal point. This focal point can be seen in stories and poems from all over the world, throughout time. Authors in the past, who have had this as their focal point, have either snuck it in through symbolism and the reasons as to why the characters are who they are, or they place it in plain sight.

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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).

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evil. Beowulf is the archetype warrior hero whose one purpose is to defend the innocent and vulnerable of his people. Whether it is the devil incarnated, the mother of the monster, or a fire-breathing dragon, he is capable of defending the Danes and Geats. Without his heroism and bravery, these people would’ve faced certain death under a weakened, but good, King Hrothgar. Beowulf uses the same selflessness as the military that defends our country, and is as great of a warrior as each and every one of the soldiers in the United States armed services.

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412 Words | 2 Pages

The epic poem, Beowulf was influenced by Anglo-Saxon cultural beliefs. Beowulf is the longest, and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. The setting of the epic is the sixth century in what is now known as Denmark and southwestern Sweden. This poem strengthens the Heroic Code. This code was derived from the Anglos-Saxons’ Germanic roots and was a basis for Anglo-Saxon honor.

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