Beowulf
Introduction
Beowulf is an epic poem from Old English literature. The poem was written during the early part of the 18th century in a Christian Britain and it reflects the memories of the pagan and also the Germanic origins. The important point about the poem is that the most essential virtue being presented is courage. Beowulf, the protagonist is loyal, brave and courageous, and these traits make him become the prime Germanic hero. He is engaged in three epic battle, that is the battle with Grendel, the battle with Grendel's mother, and the battle with the dragon. Beowulf's virtues are related to warlike courage and at the end of the war, his people define him as mild, gentle, and a kind man. The poem is very creative and imaginative and the reader understands the origin of our language, the origin of the British people, and more importantly, the reader gets an insight of the life of people including the birth, the conflict, the fame, the spirituality, and more. Generally, Beowulf is an epic Germanic hero of the poem, a courageous man and strong worrier who conquers three monsters: Grendel, his mother, and the dragon, and finally the battle costs him his life.
Beowulf poem talks about Beowulf, the king of the Danes who kills Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon (Bloom, 13). In the first part, Grendel causes trouble in the hall by attacking people found in the palace and the king kills him. Then, her mother desires to revenge but Beowulf kills her. Fifty years later, he kills the dragon and he later dies. The main point is that Beowulf is a hero not only because he kills the enemies but also because he values the society and he looks forward to protecting it. No matter the cost, he is there for his people and he focuses on saving them from evil (Bloom, 13). Note that he is an epic hero because he risks his life so that he can accomplish better things. The truth is that he supports nationalism and his heroic deeds defeated Denmark and Sweden and as a result, he builds a strong culture in Anglo-Saxon. In general, the poem, which is the oldest epic narrative plays a significant role in presenting the heroic tradition. In specific, the poem presents the positive elements in an Anglo-Saxon culture which include bravely and loyalty (Bloom, 14). Note that the Anglo-Saxons adhered to loyalty and as a result, the governing system shared the tribal culture. Similarly, Beowulf is loyal to his kingdom and he overcomes the enemies and his fame spreads in the entire territory.
Beowulf's battle with Grendel
The beginning of the story talks about Scyld Scefing, a great king who founded the Danish royal dynasty. When Scyld Scefing dies, Beowulf becomes the ruler of the things that the king leaves behind and later Beowulf' son, Healfdene inherits the position and later, Hrothgar, Healfdene's son, takes over and becomes the ruler (Crossley-holland & Heathe, 106). At this time, the rulers were expected to be loyal and faithful to the thanes and their relationship symbolized a heroic code. Thanes played a significant role in the battle by being courageous and loyal. When thanes were away fighting, the rulers were expected to reward the thanes by giving gifts, food, drink, shelter, entertainment, and sharing the wealth (Crossley-holland & Heathe, 106). Hrothgar builds a festing hall known as Heorot to the king. In the hall, the king holds feats and gives out treasures and more importantly, the king makes the members recognize or be aware of the difficult times that will come. During the festivities, the poet's audience makes noise, sings the song, and praises God and other practices that symbolizes how Grendel will be tortured. According to the poem, Grendel killed his brother Abel and for this reason, all Cain's descendants are malevolent monsters and they strive against God (Crossley-holland & Heathe, 107). Grendel becomes angry with the sounds coming from the when the night falls, he moves slowly into Heorot and grasps thirty thanes, takes the feasts of men and goes back to his private place. He repeats the same offense the next night but during this time, the thanes become frightened and move to sleep to another secure place. He repeats this act for 12 years and despite the fact that Hrothgar is distressed due to the death of thanes, Grendel is unappeasable (Marshall, 17). Note that as Hrothgar and the thanes use the hall during day time, Grendel takes up or spend time in the hall during the night. Hrothgar and thanes report the matter to the heathen gods but Grendel's continues with his night evil. Eventually, Beowulf gathers other fellow warriors and destroys the monster. Note that the worriers who are known as the geats are well-armed enters into the mead hall. As they arrive, Beowulf talks to Hrothgar and tells him that he has come to compete for his mission. Beowulf promises that he will use his courage and stretch and to defeat Grendel as he comes to conduct his evil acts in the hall. During the night, Grendel creeps into the hall and starts to seize and devours the geats. Unfortunately, Beowulf grabs Grendel and both engage in a fight and the monster is wounded and vanquished (Crossley-holland & Heathe, 109). The Scyldings are so happy about Beowulf's tremendous deed and a great feast is held and Beowulf is given many gifts including horses, armor, and a gold collar.
Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother
After the death of Grendel, the Grendel's mother avenges the death of his son. Note that the mother had an aspiration for glory and he desired to revenge to gain fame. She believes that through revenge, she would show her heroic deeds and win glory. She says that ‘…it is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning…' (Traidl, 48). This indicates that rather than grieving, she must revenge and if she dies, then people will remember her because of her might deeds. Before Beowulf engages in the battle, he talks to Hrothgar and tells him that when he dies, he should lead his people, give out the treasure to Hygelac and return the sword to its owner (Traidl, 48). After giving him the speech, he jumps into the water where he finds Grendel's mother. Unfortunately, the mother grabs him and takes him to his private place. In the lair, Beowulf and the mother engage in a fight and suddenly Beowulf takes a sword placed in the corner of the lair but he could not lift it because it was so huge and heavy (Marshall, 27). However, since Beowulf was strong and courageous, fights the mother and overcomes her by cutting off her head.
Beowulf's battle with Dragon
After Beowulf overcomes Grendel and his mother, he moves from Denmark to Geatland and ascends to the throne for 50 Years (Rauer, 24). Then, the dragon's rich hoard is robbed and the dragon becomes enraged and desires to revenge. Beowulf, who is old but young in spirit attacks the dragon single-handed. However, he is escorted by eleven men and carries a strong iron shield. He attacks the dragon but the dragon overwhelms him with deadly flames (Rauer, 24). The companions flee but Wiglaf assists the Beowulf and they overcome the dragon. However, Beowulf is left with a fatal wound but Wiglaf attends to him and he also brings him precious hoard ((Marshall, 43). Beowulf is happy that he has won the treasure and later he passes away.
Focusing on the three epic battles that Beowulf fought, it is worth saying that the major themes of the poem are heroism. In other words, Beowulf is an epic hero who demonstrates his heroism by being brave and courage (Rauer, 20). Note that in Anglo-Saxon culture, heroes could show honorable behaviors and the will to fight. Beowulf adheres to these norms and shows his will to fight by fighting Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Even though he costs his life, his name is not are not dimmed but rather, he creates fame and he is well remembered for his good characters (Rauer, 20). In addition to depicting the heroic nature of Beowulf, another important thing is that Beowulf heroic deeds represent a warrior culture. The loyalty of the characters such as Beowulf being loyal to the king and Wiglaf beings loyal to the Beowulf enables them to overcome the enemies and pass the kingdom (Rauer, 24). Apart from being loyal, Beowulf is brave in that during the fight, he does not show fear but he remains courageous in the midst of adversity. For instance, Grendel and his mother are malicious and they desire for vengeance which at the end costs their lives (Rauer, 28). This indicates that bravery is an important trait that enables him to attack the enemies and even if he dies, he creates a good reputation.
Conclusion
The research paper has analyzed the poem ‘Beowulf' which is about the events of the Germanic past. The primary theme in the poem is about an epic hero who fights the forces of evil. The poem shows concerns on human dignity and the heroic society, and more importantly the society's cultural heritage. Beowulf is referred to as an epic hero since he engaged in a war fight and kills Grendel, his vengeful mother, and the monster. Beowulf's courage and strength, and his selflessness are valued since they enable him to protect his people. The poem represents the nature of heroism and the reader recognizes the heroic nature of Beowulf this his mighty deeds. Note that Beowulf shows ethical codes such as loyalty and bravely and his great deeds makes him achieve everlasting fame. It is also important to understand that in the Anglo-Saxon culture, loyalty is important and heroes focus on maintaining loyalty through gifts such as jewelry, horses, and others. In the battle, Beowulf's primary goal is to attain an everlasting face. The Anglo-Saxon culture is also characterized by ethic code and this means that a warrior should be loyal to this lord. Even though Beowulf takes place in Denmark and Geatland, it reflects the Anglo-Saxon culture and their traits such as loyalty and bravely. Note that the poet focused on the values and beliefs such as strengths and courage.
Work cited
Marshall, H E. The Story of Beowulf. , 2007. Internet resource.
Rauer, Christine. Beowulf and the Dragon: Parallels and Analogues. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer,
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Bloom, Harold. Beowulf. New York: Bloom's Literary Criticism, 2008. Internet resource.
Crossley-holland, Kevin, and Heather R. R. I. O.-I. Odonoghue. Beowulf - the Fight at
Finnsburh. , 2008. Print.
Traidl, Veronika. Telling Tales About Beowulf: The Poems and the Films. , 2015. Print.
