The success of failure of a literary work often depends on how the author depicts the beginning and ending. This is particularly true in the ease of a poem, when it is vital to capture the reader's interest quickly and set the stage for what follows. The end of a poem leaves the reader with a lasting impression and usually contains theme of the poem. In Howell D. Chickering, Jr's translation of the anonymously written epic poem Beowulf the poet uses the end and beginning to describe the funerals of two important kings.
Scyld is the King and founder of the Danes and represents everything a king is and should be. The poet describes Scyld as a "good king" who saves the Danes from ruin by taking control of a leaderless kingdom and by standing strong against all of it's enemies. Earning the respect of your people is vital to the success of any king during this period. Scyld accomplishes this by rewarding his thanes for good deeds and for bravery in battle.
The poem begins with the funeral of Scyld. The guidelines for the funeral were set forth by Scyld himself prior to his death. This fact alone reveals how significant Scyld felt that the funeral ceremony was for his memory and for his people. Scyld instructs his comrades to carry his body to the sea and on to a ship. Scyld's body is placed in the center of the ship by the mast. The ship is then covered in layers of all types of jewels and riches. In addition to jewels, all types of military paraphernalia were included to reflect the king's valor on the battlefield. There had never been "a ship so decked/ with better war-dress, weapons of battle,/ swords and mail-shirts"(38b-40a). His men wept as they pushed him off to sea never to be seen again. At that time the sending of the deceased out to sea was thought to be returning its body and soul to god.
Beowulf is a geatish hero and is described to be the biggest and best warrior to ever live.
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. ...
