Monday, May 18, 2020
Beowulf And The Anglo Saxon Epic Poem, Beowulf - 1637 Words
In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, a myriad of virtues define the warrior Beowulf. Coming from his homeland, Geatland, he arrives in the land of the Danes resolute in helping King Hrothgar defeat an evil monster, Grendel. Beowulf is an impressive, strong warrior who will triumphantly defeat Grendel; moreover, he will demonstrate how one must seek glory before death, a legacy. A man’s reputation and his lineage is exceedingly important in the patriarchal society Beowulf lives in. Consequently, through his code of honor, loyalty and pride, he leads in battle and conquers his enemies, acquires fortunes, gains land and all the treasures imaginable. He will encounter three battles that will depict his character and his worth. The rich manner with which the poem describes these events demonstrate Beowulf’s prowess. Beowulf is the epitome of what a hero should aspire to be, a man of honor, loyalty and pride to leave a remarkable legacy. During the fifth and sixth centuries , the Scandinavian feudal government exercised the honor system of comitatus. Comitatus consisted of thanes pledging their lives to defend their king, in exchange for the king’s rewards. These rewards consisted of protection, land, treasure and perchance a title. Beowulf follows this code rigorously and it is what allows him to carry himself with maturity and control when facing any obstacle. Although many aspire to tangible rewards, Beowulf is greatly concerned about the prestige a victory will do to hisShow MoreRelatedBeowulf, An Anglo Saxon Epic Poem1316 Words  | 6 PagesBeowulf, an Anglo-Saxon epic poem, contains several rhetorical strategies. The poem follows the life of a noble warrior named Beowulf while he quests to live up to his father’s name. In the poem, Beowulf overcame many obstacles primarily those of which involved battling supernatural creatures. Epic poems were generally written during the Anglo-Saxon era. They are commonly written in an elevated style in order to glorify the deeds of a legendary hero or god. Literary works during the Anglo-Saxon eraRead MoreComparing Beowulf And The Anglo Saxon Epic Poem Beowulf972 Words  | 4 Pagesthat are necessary? In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf, vengeance plays a central role in the actions of the characters. Beowulf is set in a Scandinavian society that places a heavy emphasis on righting wrongs and avenging others. A warrior who comes in aid of his fallen kinsmen is often regarded as a hero, and it is clear from the poem that combating those who have wronged you is a favorable action. Does this make vengeance a necessary element of heroism in the poem? This question cannot beRead More Epic Poem, Beowulf - Women in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society971 Words  | 4 PagesWomen in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society   Beowulf, one of the most translated and reproduced epics of all time, is literature that concerns characters. 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Beowulf is obviously a creation of the poet, through partial comparisonsRead MoreBeowulf : The Epic Poem From The Anglo Saxon Period950 Words  | 4 PagesBeowulf, the longest epic poem from the Anglo-Saxon period, has a protagonist named Beowulf. A hero of the Geats and forthcoming king, the title character comes to the aid of Hrothgar, king of the Danes, whose kingdom was under attack by a monster known as Grendel. Both are great kings, wise and noble, but what truly makes a king great? Is it the accolades or honors that one receives or does it go beyond that? Two different cultures, two different men, but two great kings; Beowulf was describedRead More An Analysis of the Epic Poem, Beowulf - Anglo-Saxon Customs and Values Reflected in Beowulf1791 Words  | 8 PagesAnglo-Saxon Customs and Values Reflected in Beowulf      Readers today approach the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf with cultural preconceptions very different from those expressed by the author of this poem. 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In the epic poem Grendel, was a fiery and evil soul, he was said to be a direct descendant of Cain, Cain was responsible for the firstRead More Women in the Epic of Beowulf and in Other Anglo-Saxon Poems Essay1909 Words  | 8 PagesThe Women in Beowulf and in Other Anglo-Saxon Poems           Are women in these poems active equals of the men? Or are they passive victims of the men? The roles of the women in Beowulf and other Anglo-Saxon poems are not always stereotyped ones of passive homemaker and childbearer and peaceweaver, but sometimes ones giving freedom of choice, range of activity, and room for personal growth and development. Beowulf makes reference to Ingeld and his wife and the coming Heathobard feud:Read MoreComparing Beowulf, The Wanderer, And The 13th Warrior1731 Words  | 7 Pagesalways reappears is What is an epic hero? Or better yet an epic hero in Anglo Saxon culture. I believe there is more to being a hero than just being strong or intelligent. An epic hero in my eyes is oneself who comes to portray the beliefs of the society in which the tale/story is depicted. A few great examples of the Anglo Saxon epic hero are the literary characters in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The 13th Warrior. These are all outstanding examples of Anglo-Saxon epic heroes because they all cameRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero930 Words  | 4 Pages The story of Beowulf shows its reader many characteristics of why this Anglo-Saxon poem is an epic. First of all, Beowulf is a warrior of epic renown by the time he formally introduces himself in the poem. Next, Beowulf is the warrior that many strive to be in life. In addition, Beowulf finds himself tackling many quests that involve dangerous beasts, or as he might call them, demons. The next quality shown by Beowulf is his bravery and honor. The reader is able to easily identify this characteristic
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