Beowulf, one of the most translated and reproduced epics of all time is literature with historical background. It tells us about the way Germanic tribes of Scandinavia thought about their society. The Scandinavian decent tribes depicted in the epic poem, Beowulf, extend from about 450 to 1066. These tribes of Scandinavia were able to take over England in the fifth century after the Romans withdrew. With them they brought a language that is the base of the modern day English, religion, social divisions, and a relatively advanced society. All of these qualities are illustrated in this epic poem Beowulf. .
Beowulf reflects a society with an advanced understanding in the value of a good king or queen. One way they displayed this great respect was with intriguing burial ceremonies. If you notice Beowulf begins and ends with the funeral of a great king. The Scylding King is laid to rest, "They stretched their beloved lord in his boat/ the mass treasure loaded on top of him it would travel far on out into the ocean's way" (lines 34-42). In the end, Beowulf is burned "Many people of importance in the land, to fetch wood for the good man's pyre/ Now shall flame consume our leader" (lines 3113-3117). All these ceremonial traditions were very customary to Germanic tribes even if it were cremating or returning their warrior to the sea. .
The Germanic social system was established with loyalty and personal appreciation as major concepts. The personal appreciation, or the will to be debt free, was highly demonstrated by Beowulf in this poem. Throughout the story the people needed many aspects to overcome disaster like strength, determination, and courage. The epic poem describes the roots of a Scandinavian culture hero, in this case Beowulf, in destroying the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire breathing dragon. In this order Beowulf is shown not only as a glorious hero but also as a savior of the people.
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. Beowulf goes to seek the dragon in his lair. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... "Fifty winters pass, Beowulf, now an old man, faces his final task:"(that was not my Quote). " Together Beowulf and the young Miglaf kill the dragon, but the old king (Beowulf) is fatally wounded." ... Beowulf taking his last few words to the young Miglaf, the last of Beowulf's family, the new king. ... Beowulf's tower. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... This imagery shows Beowulf's superior strength. ...
In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, there are battles between Beowulf himself and several different monsters. ... Loyalty is present when Beowulf chooses to fight the monster for king Hrothgar who had done Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, a great favor. ... Fate comes into play here when Beowulf defeats and unknowingly kills her son. ... The glory belongs to Beowulf because he defeats her, too. ... As fate would have it, the previously victorious Beowulf is put to the test one more time. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Beowulf is also a courageous warrior capable of overcoming many obstacles. ... Beowulf was the king of his land for fifty years. ... Beowulf did things that no other man would do. Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
Beowulf's selflessness and bravery are shown frequently when he battles Grendel. Beowulf shows no signs of retreat and accepts death as it may come. ... Another quality exhibited by Beowulf is his bravery. ... Beowulf displays a sense of strength throughout his life. ... Beowulf's intentions are to protect his people, so fear cannot intervene. ...
Beowulf- The Great of the Greats In the 8th century people were looked at by their character. Each person had important traits, which were very important traits that were admired back then. Some of these traits that were intelligible, they also had to be very honorable and do things fair. The wa...
Beowulf is unlike any other epic hero in the manner in which he fights. ... No sword could hurt Grendle so Beowulf would have beat him by hand alone. ... Beowulf shows his loyalty throughout the story. ... Beowulf showed he is the exact opposite. ... It is easily seen how Beowulf is a great leader. ...
Beowulf also has confidence in his skills as a warrior and as a leader. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In the epic poem, none equaled Beowulf's skill as a warrior or as a leader of men. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Regardless of the fact that he smote Grendel bare handed, Beowulf admits a dragon is a formidable foe indeed, so a decision is made to unsheathe Hrunting Beowulf's mighty blade. ...
