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Epic Of Beowulf Essay: The Dishonoring Warrior

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The Dishonoring Warrior Beowulf ‘s prologue begins with a funeral for an old king to which the Danes community presents “no fewer gifts [of]/…battle-weapons and [sic] war-gear, / blades and byrines” as tribute to “support him—[for his] praiseworthy deeds” (Beowulf, 24-44). It can be seen throughout the poem that material items do not only have symbolic value, but also an ancestral reputation within the community since the spear-Danes believed “a young man [should] bring about good/ with pious gifts from his father’s possessions” (Beowulf, 20-1). In other words, one should honor the handed down gifts, as they tend to hold family stature. Although Beowulf, the barbarian, gathers war instruments such as the swords of Healfdene, Unferth, Giants, …show more content…

Furthermore, as Beowulf left the Hrunting sword behind and did not return it back to its owner, the text suggests that Beowulf carried it without preserving its integrity as promised. In addition, Beowulf saw a “victorious blade,/ ancient giant-sword strong in its edges,/ worthy in battles; it was the best of weapons [throughout the Danes community]” (Beowulf, 1557-9), during his battle with Grendel’s mother to which ends her life. The text implies that Beowulf does not respect material weapons of the community since he treats the giant-sword as “best of weapons” even though he swore his life for the Hrunting. In other words, Beowulf classifies swords as the same since he picks up and drops different ones as if they were nothing but pieces of metal to …show more content…

“He held it well/ for fifty winters…--until/ in the dark nights a dragon began his reign (Beowulf, 2208-11). The text proves that Beowulf’s only reason for maintaining the sword for an extensive period of time was because he had no monsters to fight, and not because he had treasured its value. And, as Beowulf fought the dragon using his mighty strength, his sword, the “Naegling, shattered since it was not granted to him/ that iron-edged weapons might ever / help him in battle (Beowulf, 2680-4). In other words, Beowulf knew that if he had ever believed in the swords’ hearsay, he would have never survived his

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The dragon had been hoarding gold for centuries, and the intruder’s miserly view of treasure has sharp contrast to the liberal meaning at the beginning of the poem. Beowulf does eventually win the gold hoard after killing the dragon, but it is a somewhat hollow victory. While he is glad to leave such a legacy for his people, Beowulf looks at it sadly, no doubt wondering whether his sacrifice was worth the reward. This time, the gold gifts do not bring him the same kind of honor. They are not given as a gift or as a reward; instead they are the spoils of a battle to the death, which is why the treasure was buried around him at his funeral pyre, so no one could gain the treasure that lead to the death of their

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533 Words | 3 Pages

“I treated them politely, offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword”(293). Beowulf will fight with all his might with the edge of his “razor-sharp” sword to display his bravery and his passion in order to save the day and fight for his people. He presents himself with politeness but also with strength and fearlessness to display his courage to fight with his razor-sharp sword. “When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, [we] already knew that all [our] purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle”(365) They knew a battle was coming, and they were prepared and ready to fight.

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976 Words | 4 Pages

Thesis: The role of the Anglo-Saxon Hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness, and courage. Beowulf himself models the culture of the Anglo-Saxon hero, as he is willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people I. Strength and physical appearance A. Strength is clearly an important characteristic of heroes in Anglo-Saxon culture and heroic code. 1. The beginning of the story Beowulf is described as having the strength of "thirty men" in just one of his arms. 2.

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904 Words | 4 Pages

In Beowulf, Unferth tries to rile up Beowulf, viewing him as not as glorious as the stories claim, but once he kills Grendel and begins his hunt for Grendel’s mother, he realizes his words were wrong. He tries to apologize by lending Beowulf his own sword, Hrunting. Beowulf gladly accepts the sword and even states “‘to that far-famed man I bequeath my own / sharp-honed, wave-sheened wonder-blade. / With Hrunting I shall gain glory or die’” (1489-1491).

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626 Words | 3 Pages

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).

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181 Words | 1 Pages

Throughout Beowulf, Beowulf the barbarian is rewarded with materials such as (jewelry, gold, and byrines) Unferth’s ancestral sword, the hrunting, after he defeats Grendel with his bare hands; however, since Beowulf prefers to use the might of his grasp, given by the Wielder of Glory, he courteously accepts the offering from Unferth as a means of respect especially after the sword fails him during the battle with Grendel’s Mother. In other words, the material world for Beowulf is utterly useless to him, therefore Beowulf regards to the spoils of war only as a means to bring unity from the Geats to the Danes. Although traditionally the best way to unify two tribes is through a religious marriage, the Geats and spear-Danes however, ”shall greet

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300 Words | 2 Pages

Beowulf sets sail with fourteen of the Geats to battle Grendel. Grendel is so powerful that mere steel cannot injure him. Despite knowing this, Beowulf still chooses to fight him. Not with a sword and a shield, but with his bare hands. “ My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linen shield: my hands alone shall fight for me,” (166-174).

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770 Words | 4 Pages

Beowulf was invincible in his strength. He battles terrifying monster and risks his life. He showcases his heroic stoicism through his super-human physical strength. Grendel was a horrendous monster that was the incarnation of maleficence. Beowulf’s men had tried to use their weapons to fight, but Grendel “ blunted every mortal man 's blade” (Line 485).

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821 Words | 4 Pages

The epic poem “Beowulf”, translated by Burton Raffel, focuses on a hero by the name of Beowulf who goes on a quest to rescue King Hrothgar and his people from an egregious monster by the name of Grendel. This Anglo-Saxon tale gives insight into the values and beliefs of the people from whom the story originated. Their war-centered ideology and views on loyalty and courage were the principles that the Anglo-Saxon culture was founded upon. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Honor and prestige were bestowed upon those who died during battle and selflessness for fellow warriors was a fundamental belief.

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805 Words | 4 Pages

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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941 Words | 4 Pages

Heroes need weapons to defeat their enemies, and it is no different for the hero Beowulf in the epic poem Beowulf. Beowulf uses all sorts of weapons throughout his many battles with monsters. Each weapon that he uses there is attached a cultural significance. There is a cultural significance attached to each weapon that he uses, ultimately aiding him in his survival and his killing of the beats. As he grows older, he needs to wear more armor and fight with stronger weapons to be able to kill his enemies.

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1363 Words | 6 Pages

Beowulf bravely follows her back to her home, where he must find a way to slay her. She also has a spell placed on her, so Beowulf’s sword does not harm her. Just as all hope seems to be lost, Beowulf spots a giant sword on the wall that can be used against the beast. The sword is “so massive that no ordinary man could lift [it]”, but Beowulf uses what strength he has left to lift the weapon (Beowulf 54). This scene in the story represents the Magic Weapon archetype.

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230 Words | 1 Pages

Despite Beowulf's age, he remains honorable and will fight the dragon equally meaning, with no weapons because the dragon does not use weapons. Although Beowulf enters the battle sensing that he may not make

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558 Words | 3 Pages

Meaning Beowulf found himself doing these tasks to appease others because it was for his honor in which he did them. This is such a prime motivation for others too now. Men in the United States Armed Forces are told to fight with honor. Let your actions be  that of which would make your country proud to call you their

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1718 Words | 7 Pages

"Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes, ancient kings and the glory they cut for themselves, swinging mighty swords." These verses were words sung over and over, by singing poets all over ancient Europe. They were sung in the presence of kings and warriors. They are the beginning lines of the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of monsters, dragons, kings, warriors, battles, life, death, and the virtues of a hero.

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