For centuries, humanity has debated the true meaning of human nature. Are people born with a predisposition towards goodness or evil, and what does that mean for one’s purpose in life? These are questions arising in the epic poem Beowulf, the first piece of literature written in the English language. Beowulf narrates its titular protagonist’s heroic battles against dragons and monsters. Throughout the poem, Beowulf exhibits the three main traits of bravery, greed, and pride. These characteristics emphasize the concept that human nature is ambiguous and that people are more complicated than simply being fully good or evil. True evil and goodness are only expressible within good or evil actions, a decision every human is capable of making. However, …show more content…
Beowulf exhibits bravery when he travels to a distant land after hearing tales of how the monster Grendel has been terrorizing and killing a group of people called the Danes. When Grendel attempts to attack the Danes in the middle of the night, Beowulf fearlessly engages in a ferocious, weaponless battle with Grendel, emerging victorious.
“The son of Ecgtheow became more silent, no longer boasting of his deeds in battle, while nobles looked on the sign of his strength: Grendel's hand high up by the roof, the foe's fingers—and each one tipped with a thick, sharp nail, as strong as steel, the heathen's claws suited for slashing in horrible slaughter” (Beowulf lines
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Beowulf is so focused on his image as a hero and gaining glory, power, and wealth that he loses sight of what is important. He loses sight of his own needs as a human being and the fact that there are people who would mourn his loss if he were to die.
“How did you do on your voyage, dear Beowulf, after all of a sudden you resolved to go off, to seek deadly combat far over salt waters, hand-fighting at Heorot? Have you, for Hrothgar, the prince of renown, somewhat remedied his widely known woes? Worried over this venture, I have seethed with sorrows, yet did not trust the chances of my beloved friend. For long, I entreated you not to take on in battle that deadly terror, but let the South-Danes settle their own scores” (Beowulf lines 1987–96).
The damage of being arrogant and having a need to constantly prove oneself at the expense of others is a recurring subject in the poem. This concept is mostly illustrated in Beowulf's battles with magical creatures. Later in the poem, Beowulf faces a new opponent, a dragon. Although Beowulf is much older now since this part of the poem is set decades after his battle with Grendel and his mother, he voluntarily decides to battle without a weapon, endangering both his life and the lives of
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-
It may prove difficult to only do things for the god of mankind rather than oneself. Nevertheless, Beowulf held tremendous bravery which contributes to his heroic persona. When Beowulf fights the antagonist Grendel he goes into battle with only “[his] hands alone to fight,” proving he is no coward (172-173). Throughout this epic, Beowulf continues
On of Beowulf’s other attributes were the bravery that he displayed. In Grendel, only recollections of Beowulf's missions are seen. Resulting in the reader not being able to actually read about beowulf’s mission, leading to not giving the reader a actual idea of how strongly he would be able to destroy his opponents. On the other hand, Beowulf's ego is demonstrated well in his poem named after himself, and the very detailed description made by the author when describing the horrific battle between beowulf and grendels mother. He is made out to be this strong brave man who can not be harmed in order to boost his appearance and ego.
Beowulf shows immense courage and bravery which anglo-saxons believed to be his fate. Grendel has never found a harder opponent in battle than Beowulf “.... Had he met a man whose hands were harder.... ”(167) At this moment
This reveals the theme of loyalty. This theme is prominent during the main battle since Beowulf is shown to be, “Surrounded closely by his powerful thanes” (98). This ties into the theme of loyalty to one’s kin because although the weapons do no damage, Beowulf’s brethren stay by his side to help. This is also used to emphasize the Anglo-Saxon
In Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon poem, written about a hero named Beowulf who aids the King of Danes to battle monsters. With his powerful strength, he was able to slay Grendel and Grendel’s mother. However, in his last journey, fifty years later, to battle the dragon, he succeeds but dies in the process. Throughout the whole poem, it is apparent that one important theme present is the display of pride and strength of the people in that society at the time. One of the first displays of pride and strengths in Beowulf can be seen in the first battle with Grendel.
The story of Beowulf, an epic poem from the medieval period, tells the tale of a hero who battles a series of monsters, ultimately sacrificing his life to save his people. While the setting and characters of the poem may be vastly different from our modern society, there are several ways in which the story of Beowulf can be compared to the issues and challenges that we face today. One of the most striking similarities between Beowulf and modern society is the ongoing struggle between good and evil. In the poem, Beowulf battles against monsters who threaten the safety and well-being of his people.
He had scant regard for the dragon as a threat, no dread at all of its courage or strength, for he had kept going often in the past…”(2345-2352). Beowulf was heroic and faced the dragon alone because that was the way he had fought when he was young. In addition, this shows that the hero archetype is both courageous and honorable and must be undaunted when facing even the darkest of evils. Another archetype used by the author is the symbolic light vs. darkness. The author uses these symbols to demonstrate the presence of good and evil throughout the poem.
They had confidence and courage to win the battle in the name of Beowulf. The author’s perception of courage displays that good will always outperform evil. In conclusion, “Beowulf” illuminates characters and their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage.
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).
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
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
Throughout the poem, Beowulf fights three different monsters and in each of these situations he chooses to begin the fight without their help. He enters into combat with his men by his side, but when the actual fighting begins he defeats the monsters with very little help from them. Beowulf’s strength and physical prowess was unlike any other man in comparison to his height and incredible grip. Furthermore, Beowulf can be categorized as an outcast based on his personality traits. The main character is set apart from the other warriors because of his courage and humility.
Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.
But he knew the greatest threat came knocking at his door for a fight that will live on being told for eternity. Beowulf sacrificed his own life for those around him, “Quickly, the dragon cam at him, encouraged as Beowulf as Beowulf fell back; its breath fared, and he suffered, wrapped around in swirling flames- a king, before, but now a Beaton warrior” (lines 687-691). In the end Beowulf fought till the end fighting not only for himself but for his people. He fought like a king until his death. Beowulf gave the ultimate sacrifice to save his people.