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The major ideas in the epic poem Beowulf
Analysis of beowulf
Analysis of beowulf
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More handpicked essays just for you.
The major ideas in the epic poem Beowulf
Analysis of beowulf
Analysis of beowulf
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Beowulf wants to take on the dragon alone to prove his worth to his kingdom and God so that he will forever be seen as pure in the eyes of the lord. Beowulf is a great warrior and has been his whole life, but that does not necessarily mean that he is a great king. This theme of being a great warrior versus being a great king can be showed here. In order to be a great king, Beowulf believes that he has to protect his people, like any leader should. This could be achieved by having warriors fend off the beast for him but instead of this idea, he takes matters into his own hands and decides he is the only one that should fight the dragon.
Which brings the reader to assume the reason he didn’t fight against another man is the fact Beowulf wasn’t entailed with evil doing. Britannica mentions, “ Many critics have seen the poem as a Christian allegory, with Beowulf the champion of goodness and light against the forces of evil and darkness.” To the critics his death wasn’t seen as tragic but seen as the end of a good hero’s life. Biblical allusions occurred in abundance in Anglo-Saxon literature, most things written in the 1800s had morals and a purpose which revolved around
But I will fight again, seek fame still,/ If the dragon hiding in his tower dares/ To face me,” (Lines 607-609). Even as an old and frail man, Beowulf would still fight in any battle, even if he is doomed to lose, to build his legacy even further. Also in that quote, Beowulf even admits that throughout his whole life, from young to old, he has only cared about fighting in battles, seeking fame, and defeating his enemies.
Why was Beowulf so keen and ready to take on the legendary dragon even in his old age? Yes, he was a beast warrior but without the backup and confidence of his pals and kingdom he would never be able to climb such a mountain. Beowulf showed courage, honor, and gave everybody who knew him a reason to call him a friend. And that’s a great way to live in my perspective. Beowulf wasn’t just a powerful king, he was the people’s king.
Beowulf is a historical poem that was made in the 8th century. Beowulf has taught many people in the world that we should always fight and succeed when it comes to our obstacles. Beowulf is a story that is mostly fighting the people that Beowulf fights for is his king and allies after all he is a strong warrior.he fights lot in the story and someone he fight is grendel a evil monster he fights and dies as a loyal soldier. Beowulf is a wonderful book that poems admiration and loyalty in every way possible. Beowulf was a strong warrior to show how he was i have this quote directly said by beowulf himself”If death does take me send the hammered mail to Higlac and return the inheritance i had from hrethel l and he from wayland fate will unwind
The poem goes on to explain how he rules his kingdom for 50 years after defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother and returning home. As an old man, even after his previous battles, he continues to be a good king of his people. He soon learns of the havoc that a dragon is bringing to his kingdom in his late years (Beowulf 79-80). He chooses to protect his kingdom and go to fight the dragon, even though he is not physically strong anymore. This is an important point in the story for Beowulf’s character-
The description of the hero Beowulf help the reader imagine the savior that faces evil. For example “ The grey bearded lord of the Geats ended those flying burning raids forever” (pg 68 lines 792-794). The imagery in this quote shows the great king old but still very brave. he is showing that his pride and fame will overwhelm even the fact that he is not as strong and young as he used to be.
I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (2511-2515). In conclusion, Beowulf is an epic hero. Although he made risky decisions, he did them for his people. He possessed the qualities of a hero; bravery, loyalty and fearlessness.
As the story progress, Beowulf became king of the Geats for 50 years when suddenly a dragon emerged from slumber began to burn down villages. However, Beowulf didn’t pay the slightest attention, but instead ignored what was happening. Finally, when the dragon burns down Beowulf’s throne room Beowulf decided that he needs to deal with the dragon. In Beowulf 's eyes, the lives of his citizens couldn’t even compare to his throne room. When Beowulf prepared to fight the dragon he said, “Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (lines 2512-2514).
Being an epic hero, Beowulf was very brave and battled many immortal creatures. One monster he came across was Grendel. “Conceived by a pair of the monster born of Cain, murderous creatures banned by God..,”(44), Hrothgar’s men would say. This is a reference from the Bible, showing the evil portrayed in the monster Grendel. This monster went to Herot and killed thirty men just because he was hungry.
A brave ruler sacrifices themselves to keep the people safe and that’s what Beowulf was all about. He was a great ruler for fifty years and was forever honored after his passing. Beowulf shows us the difference between wanting to be known and making sure that you are. You have to go out and make a name for yourself or you will forever be forgotten.
This attests to his aging and the stronger forces that he is facing. Beowulf uses different and progressively stronger weapons that carry a cultural attachment of his people, enabling the hero to to defeat his enemies even though he is getting older and his enemies are getting stronger.
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
Knowing his strength is not enough anymore, he gives the battle his all, but he cannot survive it. Even with the help of young Wiglaf, a reflection of Beowulf’s younger self, he fails to uphold the ideal image set in his mind because he has been conquered finally by the dragon (3. 2419-2429). In the eyes of his people, though, he has been the ideal king and dies the most honorable death there
Forever and ever; your courage has earned it,/ And your strength” (953-956). Beowulf’s life had been remolded by his victory, building a story beyond his