634-635). What he means by this is that the people have wished for him to put an end to Grendel, and he's saying that it is his duty to do so or he himself will die. Beowulf has a unique quality of strength that allowed him to be much stronger than the average man of his time. This, along with his bold attitude made him a more than perfect candidate to battle the evil and deadly beast. "I shall perform a deed of manly courage, or in this meadhall I will await the end of my days!" (l.634-637). Beowulf says as he announces to take on the dangerous task. He specifically states that it is a deed, as if it's something mandatory because he will not live if he doesn't do it. Hrothgar says to Beowulf at the end of the passage, "I have never entrusted to any man, ever since I could not hold and hoist a shield, the great hall of Danes- except to you now." (655-657). Hrothgar is entrusting Beowulf to do something he has never asked anyone to do. This shows that by Beowulf taking on Grendel, he is performing a critical duty asked of him by Hrothgar.
This is an extremely crucial and important part of the story as a whole. It allows the audience to really gather the concept of what the story will entail and what Beowulf is going to have to accomplish on many different levels. He has to destroy Grendel, as a mission given to him to protect the people. It isn't against his will, however a choice he does have, but the alternative is unattractive to him. It lays out the foundation of Beowulf's purpose as a member of society, as well as his service to himself. He believes it is his duty in society to protect people, while at the same time fulfill the purpose of his own life. This passage gives purpose to the audience to continue on with the story to find out if Beowulf fulfills this imperative mission, and makes it to the end. But most importantly it tells the audience the purpose of Beowulf's intentions to take on Grendel.
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. ...
