and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.
We have heard of those princes" heroic campaigns.
There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,.
a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
This terror of the hall-troops had come far.
A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on .
as his powers waxed and his worth was proved. .
In the end each clan on the outlying coasts.
beyond the whale-road had to yield to him.
and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king (1-11).".
These lines, which open the poem Beowulf establish the highly stylized nature of the poem as well as setting forth some of the poems central ideas. The beginning lines of Beowulf also introduce a number of thematic ideas that prove to be important throughout the poem.
In the beginning Seamus Heaney chooses to translate the first word of the poem as "So." I've also seen it translated as "Hark" but this translation grabs your attention right away. From the start the poem whips us into its world while maintaining an inviting, conversational tone. In these first few lines the translation recreates many of the conventions of Anglo-Saxon poetry. The translator breaks lines into two halves using strong pauses wherever possible giving it a dramatic affect. The translator also uses repetition of consonant-sounds to bind the broken lines together through sound like foundling flourish. The translator also mimics the original writers use of multiple names like Shield Sheafson who is also referred to as "the scourge of many tribes," and "a wrecker of mead-benches.".
Additional to stylistic features thematic ideas that are found throughout the poem are exalted in these beginning lines. The poet's presentation of Shield Sheafson as a model of heroism is an envoy of the poems fascination with patriarchal history. Characters are constantly defined in terms of their father's ancestors. This passage also emphasizes heroic action itself as a cultural value; even a fatherless individual can make a name for himself if he behaves like a hero.
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. ...
