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Sir Gawain


Here Beowulf "puts on his running shoes" and runs through his battle plan mentally just as any great athlete would do before a big meet. As the Banquet continues, Hrothgar thanks Beowulf, and promises him great treasure if he succeeds in defeating Grendel. As an ultimate hero, Beowulf decides, to be far, he will not use weapons in his battle against Grendel since Grendel reputedly does not use them. "I do not consider myself a lesser fighter than Grendel does himself; therefore I will not kill him with a sword, and deprive him of life in that way.No: this night we two will abstain from swords." (19-20) That night, even after hearing of all of Beowulf's heroic defeats, the warriors still feel that no man on earth will be able to stand up to the evil Grendel carries. Beowulf will either defeat Grendel or die in the process. "Let me live in greatness.and courage," he says, "or here in this hall welcome.my death." Beowulf awaits the arrival of Grendel then goes on to defeat him and sends him back to the "fen" to die. Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf is more than an expression of thanks. For he states: "Let me take you to my heart" and "make you my son too." When a heroic deed is done such as Beowulf has done, it is common practice for them to accept you into their family. Once again, the influence of Christianity shows in Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf. It was the "Almighty" who sent Beowulf and it was "with the Lord's help" that Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel. Hrothgar wants to make it known throughout the world that Beowulf is the strongest man alive and is a proven hero. It is the characteristics of agelessness and dedication that sets him apart from the other warriors, and makes him a truly heroic individual. Beowulf may have defeated Grendel, but his fighting days are not yet over. For Grendel's Mother is about to seek revenge. Another one of Beowulf's heroic deeds of kindness is seen when he goes after Grendel's mother even though that was not a part of the original "deal.


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