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Slaying The Dragon In Beowulf

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Beowulf is an old English epic poem consisting of 3182 assonant lines. The author of this poem was an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, referred by scholars as the “Beowulf poet” who was said to be alive around 600 A.D. and since then the epic poem has been spread down orally from generation to generation, but the written manuscript of Beowulf was believed to have been written around the 11th century during the medieval and Anglo-Saxon England. Beowulf tells the story of a young Geatish warrior who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the King of the Danes, whose kingdom is being terrorized by a monster named Grendel. Beowulf uses his epic strength and bravery to slay Grendel in Hrothgar’s mead hall, Heorot, and then to slay Grendel’s vengeful mother in her underwater lair. …show more content…

Beowulf later becomes the king of the Geats and rules for fifty peaceful years. When a dragon begins to pose a threat to Geatland, Beowulf and Wiglaf set off to defeat it. Beowulf succeeds in slaying the dragon, but dies in the process. The epic poem of Beowulf depicts many different themes throughout the poem, but one of the main themes that is constantly making an appearance throughout the poem is the theme of good vs. evil. From the characters of Beowulf and Grendel who were the main illustrators of good vs. evil. To the total differences in mead halls. One being in a bloody pit filled with evil monsters, and another being on a high hill with people rejoicing in it. The theme was very prominent throughout this novel all the way to the end with the dragon vs. Beowulf. This essay demonstrates that good and evil are the greatest conflicting elements that really make the story genuine and show the good prevailing over evil and that Beowulf and Grendel are the perfect representation of good and evil. Throughout the poem Grendel isn't just the enemy he's an epitome of everything that is

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On numerous accounts, Beowulf involved himself in many challenges such battling Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon to prove himself as a hero. In the beginning of the reading, Beowulf faces a rude and self-absorbed being with the name of Grendel. Grendel causes much destruction and terror for the kingdom of Herot by killing many people for their display of happiness. Once hearing

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Beowulf Essay Beowulf is pretty much all about fighting and violence. There are many bloody and gory battles in Beowulf. Beowulf has 3 main battles with much violence: Beowulf against Grendel, Beowulf against Grendel’s Mother, and Beowulf against the Dragon that guarded the gold. All these battles had something in common, they were very violent. These battles in Beowulf were depicted very violent and disturbing because the Geats and the Danes originated from Vikings, they were very violent.

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An Understanding on Beowulf: An Analysis on How Beowulf Contrasts Good Versus Evil Beowulf is the typical story of good versus evil.in this poem, good is portrayed by our hero, Beowulf. Evil, on the other hand, does not have one representation, but rather several, most are in form of monsters. To be good, you need to be the opposite of what evil is and what it does. Beowulf does that several times throughout the whole poem. Grendel, the first monster Beowulf encountered, attacked because he was exiled form the rest of society and probably felt angry and jealous out of the peoples joy(87).he was probably jealous of the happiness of others, and like many people, he decided that if he was not happy, no one should be happy.

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Beowulf: Good Vs. Evil The balance of good and evil in Beowulf by Seamus Heaney is apparent in the characters Grendel, Grendel’s mother, Beowulf and Wiglaf. Grendel is a slayer and kills the Danes in Heorot Hall. Grendel’s mother comes for revenge of her son and in the process kills Hrothgar’s friend and adviser, Aeschere.

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“Beowulf” is an epic poem written around 700 A.D concerning a hero named Beowulf from Geatland which is current day Sweden. Beowulf’s epic expedition was to assist the Danes in conquering a demon named Grendel and later to defeat Grendel’s mother in her attempt to get revenge. Beowulf

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In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, faces three “monsters” at different times in his life. The poem begins with Grendel, a monster who attacks only in the dark of night, tormenting the kingdom of Hrothgar. The last two sections of the epic detail the conquering by Beowulf of Grendel’s mother and the dragon. The battle between the monsters and Beowulf represent the theme of good versus evil in the poem, as well as the fusion of pagan and Christian ideals in the changing Germanic society. Grendel’s mother’s actions directly juxtapose the role of a woman in this time period, and the greediness of the dragon with his treasure contrasts with the virtues of what would be considered a good king.

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The idea of light versus darkness portrays itself many times throughout “Beowulf”. The hidden meaning, the idea of good versus evil unravels many times throughout this Epic Poem. This theme helps contrast Beowulf and Grendel himself. Beowulf, the light in this story defeats the dark, evil monster, Grendel. When the Geats first arrive to the island, Beowulf speaks of the terror and the darkness that has been brought upon their town from Grendel.

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A creature that is guided by human emotions and outcasted of the city of Heorot, Grendel serves to be the symbol of all evil in the world. The monster, taking on a human-like shape, creeps towards Hrothgar’s mead hall and slaughters the sleeping men which are his most common victims for the last 12 years, as noted from the text of Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney (Line 147). Almost like an animal warding off unwanted visitors in its territory, Grendel, the demon descended from Cain, attacks the city of Heorot methodically instead of through pure outrage and anger, hinting that there is a purpose for his mischievous and cruel acts against the Danes. Beowulf, after hearing the rumors of Grendel’s attacks on King Hrothgar’s kingdom, decided to help out with the situation by sailing to Herot with 14 of Beowulf’s most bravest warriors and to take down the beast. He also owes King Hrothgar for helping out his father in the past and is eager to repay his debt.

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He decides to answer the trouble and begins his journey to the monster. Grendle, who is the definition of evil is harassing the king known as Hrothgar and his beloved people. Beowulf comes to help Hrothgar, even though he doesn't know of him. Beowulf shows his selflessness and how he is ready to help. He shows bravery and courage by eventually killing Grendle.

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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.

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For centuries, story characters have captivated people with their heroic deeds and dauntless actions. A perfect example of this type of character is the legendary Beowulf. Beowulf tells the story of the Geat’s strongest warrior who defeats three cruel and frightful monsters known as Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Beowulf’s battles against these monsters are similar and different in various ways. As one reads this epic tale about the valiant Beowulf, they become familiar with the story and the importances of the battles that took place.

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In the poem Beowulf, there is a contrast between good and evil. This distinction is presented through the monsters Grendel and his mother, in parallel to the hero Beowulf. The themes of evil and monstrosity are therefore used in the story, as a way to create the notion of Grendel and his mother as monsters. Beowulf therefore appears as a character representing good. Although Beowulf shows traits of abnormal power, like Grendel and his mother, his motifs are interpreted differently.

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When Beowulf defeated Grendel and his mother throughout the poem this showed that good will triumph over evil. After defeating Grendel's mother Beowulf says “However that wretched thing got little comfort, nor will he live much longer, the hateful harmer enfolded in sin, but agony has clasped him tight in its constraining clutches, in chains of baleful death. There he must await a greater doom, this creature spattered with evil—how the bright Measurer should choose to repay him.” (ll. 972b-79). Grendel was an “evil” monster because he was responsible for many deaths of innocent people and eating his victims while Beowulf was a “good” hero who prevailed in many battles showing his loyalty and heroic abilities.

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The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.

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Even though the differences and similarities between Beowulf’s battles are rather interesting and abundant, they are not the only things that should receive all the attention. The symbolism of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon are just as

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