Examples Of Good And Evil In Beowulf

The Anglo-Saxons were a tribe who traveled throughout the endless vast sea and battled many European tribes. Many poets have retold and sung Anglo-Saxon epics of noble heroes battling vicious creatures, but none were as experienced as Beowulf. Beowulf, a young honorable Geats warrior, travels throughout the islands to fight anyone or anything that comes to battle him. Beowulf shows the Anglo-Saxon beliefs of good vs. evil, the nation’s fate, and glory. The Anglo-Saxons had strong beliefs in universal themes, like good and evil. In every battle between Beowulf and the monster, Beowulf always wins. This is a result of every monster being a descendant of Cain. As stated by poets, “... those monsters born Of Cain, murderous creatures banished By God, punished forever from the crime of Abel’s death” (20-23). Cain is one of Adam's and Eve’s children, who murdered his brother

Grendel's Mother attacked the Danes when she saw her son injured from his previous battle. When the Danes heard the news, they started to prepare to leave Herot again if Beowulf lost. Due to the crimson red waves, the soldiers believed Beowulf had died. Like the poets have whispered, “All the greybeards, whispered together And said that hope was gone, that the hero Had lost fame and his life at come, …” (550-552). Saying how the people have officially lost hope again since Beowulf has died, the only one strong enough to fight Grendel. However, when they saw Beowulf appear from the marsh, all the Geats soldiers triumphed. Also, the epic stated that “The water was calm and clean, the whole Huge lake peaceful once the demons who’d lived in it Were dead” (576-578). The epic explained how the waters were harmonious once the monsters perished, compared to the blistering waters during the brutes' death. Now the fate of the Danes is at peace because of Beowulf’s ability to kill Grendel’s