Examples Of Foreshadowing In Beowulf

Foreshadowing in Beowulf In the poem Beowulf, foreshadowing plays a great role in the plot of the epic poem. In the beginning of the play the narrator introduces Shield Sheafson who founded the Danes and rose to great power. The funeral of Sheafson foreshadows the death of Beowulf and his funeral processions. After Sheafson died his son Beow was left to rule the fort as it is then stated in this quote “Then it fell to Beow to keep the forts/ He was well regarded and ruled the Danes.” (54-55) When the narrator states that “For twelve winters, seasons of woe, / the lord of the Shieldings suffered under, / his load of sorrow; and so for long, the news was all over the world.” (147-149) This quote was foreshadowing a hero hear what was happening and would act. The introduction presents the concept of succession of the king’s power as foreshadowing Beowulf coming to

Beowulf came into kingship because the king’s son was not old enough to rule and Beowulf kept the thrown due to death of the prince. Another example foreshadowing in Beowulf is when the bard telling a story of a great hero, Siegmund, killing a dragon that was left in charge of a treasure. In this quote the bard says “After his death/ Siegmund's glory grew and grew/ because of his courage when he killed the dragon, / the guardian of the hoard Under gray stone/ he had dared enter all by himself"(884-887) This prophesized the near end of the book when Beowulf fought the dragon and won. The poem that the bard was singing was the most exact or accurate examples of foreshadowing in the poem Beowulf. Another line in the poem said that Siegmund’s name was eternal which also foreshadowed Hrothgar stating “O flower of warriors, beware of that trap. / Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, / eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.” (1757-1760) The consistency of how often foreshadowing is mentioned in the beginning of the play Beowulf shows that it has a great impact