In the poem, Beowulf, translated by Charles W.
depicts Beowulf as a heroic figure who's skill and courage enable him to .
defeat monsters. The poem begins with Scyld Shefing who was the first .
great king of the Danes. He was known for his ability to conquer enemies. .
Scyld was the great-grandfather of Hrothgar. Hrothgar was the king of the .
Danes during the events of Beowulf. Hrothgar was a good king and wished to .
celebrate his reign by building a grand hall called Heorot. When the hall was .
finished Hrothgar hold a large feast. This feast caused the attention of the .
monster Grendel. Grendel decided to attack during the night. In the .
morning, Hrothgar and the people saw the bloodshed and mourn of the lost .
warriors. This began Grendel's attack upon the Danes. Twelve years pass and .
eventually the news of Grendel's invasion on the Danes reached the Geats. .
Beowulf a Geat warrior decided to help the Danes. .
Beowulf arrived in Dane and acted as if he was better than anyone .
else. Beowulf announced himself as the thane of Hygelac and the son of .
Ecgtheow. Ecgtheow was a man known for winning battles. Once at .
Hrothgar's throne, Beowulf introduced himself as a hero who can crush .
water sprites, among other things. Beowulf showed this confidence in great .
detail: .
"They had in remembrance my courage and might. Many have seen me .
come safe from the conflict, Bloody from battle: five foes I bound of the .
giant kindred, and crushed their clan."(321-324).
Therefore he is equipped to defeat Grendel. The Geats met with the Danes .
for a feast. During the feast, Hrothgar's thane Unferth tried to lower .
Beowulf. He said Beowulf lost a swimming contest with Breca. Beowulf .
defended himself:.
.
"I count it true that I had more courage, More strength in swimming .
than any other man."(408-409).
Beowulf said that not only did he defeat Breca but said to also have fought .
off heaps of sea-monsters.
.
Beowulf proved himself to be a good warrior by being able to fight .