Beowulf Themes

In the epic poem Beowulf passed on by the Anglo-Saxons, the alienated character of Grendel and the heroic character of Beowulf underscore the values, assumptions, and morals of the Anglo-Saxon culture.

In the selection, “Grendel’s Mother”, the mother furiously attacks Herot, which signifies the claw even more since everyone wants it so bad. The claw, being so important to Beowulf and to Grendel’s mother, reinforces Beowulf’s trademark and legacy. Grendel’s mother takes away the claw and heads to her lake that “burns like a torch” (433). The loss of Grendel’s claw creates a man versus self emotional conflict for Hrothgar, the Danes and Beowulf since the trophy that manifests their victory has been taken away. Beowulf enters the murky lake that is “as dark as the air, as black as the rain” (442), which reinforces his bravery and heroism, to regain the claw and eventually finds himself in a man versus man physical conflict with Grendel’s mother.

Beowulf is one of the oldest epics in English literature which was written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon rhymester from about 8th century to 11th century. The poem portrays successfully the envy which exemplifying Beowulf’s power as a warrior, and showing his reputation as a brave hero. Furthermore, the poem also becomes more dramatic, attracts the readers due to the envy. When King Hrothgar ruled Denmark, this country had peace and prosperity, that was the reason why Grendel, a "disgusting swamp monster" got jealous and attacked King Hrothgar's mead-hall while he and his warriors were slurring after a lavish banquet. Grendel was described as being descended from the biblical Cain: Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches,

This fight between Beowulf and Grendel is a hand to hand battle, showing the pure,brute strength of Beowulf. “ And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a

The epic poem Beowulf was a story told in the anglo saxon time period. A time when people believed in dragons, monsters, and curses. Many stories told by people of this time talked about the good and evil forces there are in the world and what happens when they collide in battle. The hero in this story has sailed from his home to fight this evil being named Grendel, a monster that has become a nuisance in Herot.

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.

If someone were to read Beowulf straight through and not think into any of the deeper meanings or symbolism in the story, the whole tale would come off as fairly superficial and typical. It would seem like just another story of a powerful hero slaying monsters and receiving lavish rewards in return. Going through the story in that fashion would be doing it a great disservice because there is so much more to Beowulf underneath all of the grandeur of the basic story. There are many recurring themes that hint at much deeper messages and even some darker, more nihilistic themes. As if ripping the arm off of a creature and then hunting down and killing its mother wasn’t already dark enough.

In the epic poem, Beowulf, the poem’s namesake tells us that, “And only one of them remained, stood there, miserable, remembering, as a good man must, what kinship should mean”. (lines 694-696). We all have probably had a friend that may not always be there when we wanted them to be but when we truly needed help and no one was around but the person that we least expected was there. This happened to Beowulf too. This is how the main events of Beowulf go, in order.

Unferth challenged Beowulf upon his arrival because he was jealous of anyone who attained fame and glory. Beowulf had also promised to rid Grendel, who had been tormenting Hart. It is possible to say that Unferth challenged him in such a belligerent way because Unferth himself was not able to defeat Grendel. His embarrassment of his failure is what prompts him to act so contentiously. Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf beckons the question in the reader’s mind if whether or not Beowulf will be able to defeat Grendel.

"Beowulf, the oldest of the great long poems written in English, may have been composed more than twelve hundred years ago, in the first half of the eighth century, although some scholars would place it as late as the tenth century. " The story of Beowulf shows his progressions from the young warrior hero into the mature king hero. The literary and historical background of Beowulf is incorporated into this text. Beowulf, because his story is so old can be argued to be the father of many heroes throughout time.

Beowulf, a poem written by an unknown poet during England’s Medieval Time period, is about a warrior from Geats named Beowulf. Beowulf traveled to a neighboring country to help the king of the Danes, Hrograthar, defeat a monster named Grendel who prowled around the Mead Hall in Heorot killing Danes. The poem, Beowulf, was believed to be written by an Anglo-Saxon poet. Anglo Saxons were Christians, and religion was very important to their society. In Beowulf, there are several symbols that represent themes and values of Christianity.

Beowulf fights Grendel after traveling all day. Grendel grabs Beowulf, but Beowulf grabs back with all his might and Grendel lets him go. Beowulf rips Grendel ’s arm from his shoulder and Grendel runs to the wilderness and then later dies. The thanes and Beowulf head back to the kingdom.

Very little is known about the epic poem Beowulf besides that the story was told during the Anglo-Saxon period, specifically between the years 500-1100. The author is unknown, due to the fact that the story was originally told verbally and not documented until much later. Like many stories told throughout the ages, Beowulf consists of many archetypes. An archetype is a recurring symbol found in literature, such as the Hero archetype. In this epic poem, the hero, Beowulf, travels from his homeland to Denmark to save a kingdom from an awful beast that has been attacking men late at night for over twelve years.

After Beowulf arrives at the Danes’ land, he meets Unferth, a thane of King Hrothgar, who challenges Beowulf by saying, “‘No matter, therefore, how you may have fared in every bout and battle until now, this time you’ll be worsted; no one has ever outlasted an entire night against Grendel’” (Heaney 525-528). Unferth’s envy motivates him to challenge Beowulf by convincing him that he cannot defeat the man-monster, Grendel. However, Beowulf ends up severing the beast’s arm off, committing a feat others thought was impossible. The hero displays his courage and strength by fighting a murderous creature unarmed and triumphantly winning.

There is only one man that is not afraid to confront this enormous beast, Beowulf. Beowulf is fearless and eventually rips the arm off of Grendel and brings it upon King Hrothgar. The people are overjoyed and feast in the great hall. Grendel’s mother however is furious about the death of her son. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother with his sword.