ipl-logo

The Essay Titled 'Epic Hero In The Poem Beowulf'

1086 Words5 Pages

The poem, Beowulf, illustrates an epic hero who defeats many beasts and overcomes intricate obstacles. The battle’s that he experiences are different from each other, although they also have very similar aspects. In addition, they respectively symbolize an important lesson to Beowulf and the reader. By comparing and contrasting each fight, one will be able to have a better understanding of the overall theme of the poem and have a deeper appreciation for the gallant warrior. The strong and powerful Beowulf defeats two extremely murderous demons in very different ways before he sadly meets his end with a third monster. It is important to first note that Beowulf embodies the epic hero traits, which are: “looking like a hero, being noble, famous, …show more content…

Furthermore, it is also pointed out that, “Beowulf was granted the glory of winning; Grendel was driven / under the fen-banks, fatally hurt, / to his desolate lair” (817-820). Adding to this, a crucial piece of information involves Grendel’s actions when he goes to the mead-hall and encounters Beowulf. Although Beowulf’s mission involves murdering Grendel, he does not need to go on a journey to his lair to find him – he only needs to travel so far as to Denmark. One notable thing to also mention about this battle includes what it symbolizes; the collision of good and evil. Grendel represents a horrifying demon, incapable of joy, while Beowulf embodies an almost godly epic hero. This is proven in the …show more content…

The feud starts when a dragon becomes awakened from guarding a horde of gold. He begins to burn everything in sight, which includes the land that Beowulf now rules; therefore, Beowulf pledges to murder the dragon. The action portrays the dragon breathing fire multiple times towards Beowulf to hurt him, before Wiglaf, the only warrior brave enough to help his King, stands by Beowulf and attacks the dragon with his sword. Sadly, he is too late, as the dragon delivers a deadly, venomous bite to Beowulf’s neck. Then, Beowulf gathers up enough strength to inflict a deadly stab to the dragon’s stomach. The text dictates: “They had killed the enemy, courage quelled his life; / that pair of kinsmen, partners in nobility, / had destroyed the foe. So every man should act, / be at hand when needed; but now, for the king, / this would be the last of many labors / and triumphs in the world” (2706-2711). With this statement in mind, it is indisputable that the symbolization of this onslaught consists of how no one can ever gain immortality; even the finest people must meet their end. To reemphasize, it is clear to see that Beowulf’s last and final dispute holds the utmost preponderance due to the fact that the dragon is able to kill him at

Show More
Related
1092 Words | 5 Pages

The last rival was a dragon who went on a rampage killing and terrorizing Beowulf kingdom after being disturbed by someone that stole from her treasure. Although Beowulf killed the dragon, he died as a result from a dragon’s

Read More
654 Words | 3 Pages

The author recalls, “Suddenly then the God-cursed brute was creating havoc: greedy and grim, he rushed to his lair, flushed up and inflamed from the raid, blundering back with the butchered corpses” (Beowulf 126-129). Grendel had no self restraint and was excessive in his killings and tortures. These malicious incidents prompted Beowulf to come to the Danes and set up a surprise attack which would later be the reason of death for Grendel. Although Grendel is the first monster in this epic poem, he can stand for the whole idea of what barbaric elements are and his death can represent how the civilized will always conquer

Read More
634 Words | 3 Pages

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.

Read More
397 Words | 2 Pages

This gives the viewpoint that Beowulf had a right to kill the dragon, although the dragon was the first victim. Wiglaf being his murder assistant should stay named a hero. He may have made the world blind, but he saved it from destruction. Beowulf was notified that there was a dragon who was “fired” up about a certain thief. To view the facts, the dragon had a precious piece of gold stolen.

Read More
1044 Words | 5 Pages

A hero’s journey consists of many mythological/archetypal characteristics--such as the characters, settings, situations, and outcomes. As unique as both stories are, The Lion King and Beowulf are great works of the hero’s journey following the mythological/archetypal path. The Lion King and Beowulf both revolve around the hero and outcast of the story. The quest and outcome are also other important components of the mythological/archetypal path.

Read More
603 Words | 3 Pages

Beowulf is injured in the fight, and he dies along side his defeated

Read More
702 Words | 3 Pages

Have you ever heard of the story Beowulf? If not, then I will be telling you the different scenarios that occurred in the movie and the book. Beowulf is about a heroic fellow who saves a kingdom from a magical named Grendel. He went through numerous of battles between Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the Dragon. In this essay I will be discussing the different event that happened in the story and the movie.

Read More
570 Words | 3 Pages

The story of Beowulf isn’t just any ordinary story, but a story that has been told for centuries. A story of a hero who’s legacy has been told for so long. Beowulf’s life shows the characteristics of a true epic hero. He showed bravery, he used his strength against his enemies and in the end gave the ultimate sacrifice for his people.

Read More
486 Words | 2 Pages

As a payment to the king of the Danes, he decides to fight the dragon, just as he fought Grendel. Then he was a warrior and now he is a king responsible for his people. Beowulf’s decision is courageous but inappropriate for a king. His foolish but courageous decision causes him to die in the end. Before he fought the mighty dragon, he said “I’ve never known fear; as a youth I fought in endless battles.

Read More
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).

Read More
687 Words | 3 Pages

Beowulf fought with great bravery and courage to protect others. He believed that the only way to immortality was to become historic. “But you have made yourself immortal by your glorious action." (Beowulf 246). Beowulf’s actions of killing Grendel and fighting his mother were events that will leave an everlasting impression.

Read More
220 Words | 1 Pages

Beowulf manifests the features of a literary epic by reflecting the Anglo-Saxon warrior culture from which it came from, and containing great, descriptive language and plots that include great battles and conflicts. The warrior culture is evident from the explanation of the story in Journeys where Beowulf, along with his group of warriors, sails to Denmark, ready to defeat Grendel to the very end of the excerpt where defeating Grendel brings Beowulf honor, pride, and glory. “He was happy with his / nightwork / and the courage he had shown” (826-828). Great battle and conflict, as well as descriptive detail, can be seen in this line from Beowulf and Grendel’s battle, “Every bone in his body [Grendel’s] / quailed and recoiled, but he could not

Read More
472 Words | 2 Pages

In “Beowulf,” there are many concepts of good and evil portrayed in the epic poem by an unknown author. Beowulf brings good to the Geats. The people would say he was a gift from the Gods to battle and demolish the evil. The monsters, however, cause trouble to the people and bring out the evil in everything. These elements of good and evil help define this an epic poem.

Read More
718 Words | 3 Pages

One of the qualities of an epic hero is facing supernatural foes that not just the average man can defeat. Beowulf holds up to this standard defeating Grendel and his mother, Grendel being described as “a powerful monster”(Beowulf) and his mother being said that “no Geat could have stopped her”(Beowulf). Beowulf certainly qualifies to be an epic hero underneath this category and plenty more too. Not only did he defeat supernatural foes but he had supernatural assistance on his journeys. Beowulf had fate or the “Wyrd” on his side practically calling him to be the hero that was needed in these situations.

Read More
1033 Words | 5 Pages

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.

Read More

More about The Essay Titled 'Epic Hero In The Poem Beowulf'

Open Document