Beowulf: First Literary Superhero
Beowulf was the first literary super hero. Like the common day superman,
Beowulf has ordinary human characteristics, as well as superhuman powers. Like
the Anglo-Saxons of Beowulf’s time, he is boastful, manly, and willing to outdo
his fellow neighbor. The only difference between him and the rest of the Anglo-
Saxons is that he possesses extreme amounts of physical power.
Grendel, the antagonist of the story, was feared by all men. He ate
humans and attacked them in their sleep. Many men had attempted to kill Grendel,
but until Beowulf, no man had ever succeeded. ?…so Grendel ruled, fought with
the righteous, One against many and won…?(line 81,82).
Despite the probability of Beowulf’s death against Grendel, he still
insists on attacking him and defeating him. Beowulf kills Grendel in an unusual
way. Rather than attacking him with a sword like every other Geat, he grabs onto
Grendel’s arm and squeezes until the torture is unbearable. Grendel loses his
strength, his body parts, and his blood in this violent scene. He later bleeds
to death. ?Saw that his strength was deserting him, his claws Bound fast,
Higlac’s brave follower tearing at his hands.?(line 464-466)
Beowulf’s unusual and courageous method of killing Grendel demonstrates
his bravery and physical strength. Before, Unferth had taunted Beowulf about his
foolish bravery but when he and all the rest of the Geats saw that Beowulf’s
strength and power were worth boasting about, they were humbled. To prove
Beowulf was powerful, he hung Grendel’s arm, claw, and shoulders from the
rafters of the meeting hall.?No Dane doubted The victory, for the proof, hanging
high From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster’s Arm, claw and
shoulder and all.?(line 485-488)
Had Beowulf attacked Grendel with a sword, the events would not have
turned out the same. Many men before Beowulf had attacked Grendel with a sword
and all with no effect to Grendel. If Beowulf had used a sword instead of his
bare hands to kill Grendel, not only would Grendel have survived but the brawl
would not have such a significance in the history of the Geats. Beowulf would
not seem as brave, and even if Beowulf had died, the battle would not have been
as legendary. There would be no arm, shoulder, or claw to symbolize Grendel’s
death or stunned crowds to admire Beowulf’s courage.
Beowulf’s quest to conquer Grendel was successful, not only did he prove
to everyone that he was a ?true man? but he conquered one of the most feared
creatures of the time. Beowulf’s life after Grendel’s death was blessed and his
courageous acts from then and afterwards reached legendary heights.
Другие работы по теме:
Beowulf Summary Essay Research Paper Basically the
Beowulf Summary Essay, Research Paper Basically, the story of Beowulf is about a monster who is repetitively attacking a mead-hall called Herot. This monsters name is Grendel. At first, he comes up to the town only to find out what they?d do, and when the guards attack him, he laughs at their pitiful attempt and kills them.
Grendel Essay Research Paper From the poem
Grendel Essay, Research Paper From the poem Beowulf i cant tell if the character Grendel is truly evil. I know that he is not good because he kills people yet this does not let me know that his soul is evil.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper Beowulf
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Beowulf John Meister 92196 The early English epic Beowulf is filled with a marvelous hero , ghastly villains , far off lands , and deeds of great valor. These are some of the
Beowolf Essay Research Paper 5 Paragraph EssayBeowulf
Beowolf Essay, Research Paper 5 Paragraph Essay Beowulf, the first piece of Angelo Saxon literature, truly a masterpiece in itself. Beowulf unfortunately has no author, but was translated and re-written by Vinerable Bede. Beowulf was a hero much like the hero’s we have here today. Grendel on the other hand was an evil villain, like the ones in the movies.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper Beowulf and His
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Beowulf and His Pride One of Beowulf’s main characteristics is his ever present pride. To most protagonists their pride is usually explained by a friend or narrator. However, Beowulf is one who likes to show the whole world how important and valuable he is to them. Through out the chapters which we have read it seems as though the whole point in the book is to show off his strength.
Beo Wulf Essay Research Paper Summary of
Beo Wulf Essay, Research Paper Summary of Beowulf’s Journey to Heroism!! 1.) Beowulf hears about the on going problems with Grendel, and sets out that very night with the best of his men to come and defeat the one known as Grendel.
Beowulf A Pagan Work Essay Research Paper
Beowulf: A Pagan Work The poem Beowulf was written in England sometime in the 8th century. It was written during a time when the society was in the process of being converted from paganism to Christianity. The Christian influences are combined with early folklore and heroic legends of Germanic tribes. Yet, the pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf clearly overshadow the Christian elements, and it is visible in the character’s superhuman personifications, their hunger for revenge, and their strong belief in fate.
Beowulf 4 Essay Research Paper Arm yourself
Beowulf 4 Essay, Research Paper Arm yourself, dear Beowulf, best of men, against such diseased thinking, [l419-1420] Horthgar said ot Beowulf. King Hrothgar had many thoughts to say after Beowulf s defeat of both Grendel and Grendel s mother. In that celebration in the mead hall, Hrothgar gives advice on how Beowulf should live the rest of his days, perticularly he should not become too proud.
Beowulf Vs Superman Essay Research Paper A
Beowulf Vs. Superman Essay, Research Paper A superman is superior being who possesses gifts beyond normal human ability or power. Although Beowulf does not sport the name and Superman does, it does not make him any less of a superhero. Beowulf, the hero of the epic poem Beowulf, and Superman, the man of steel from Marvel Comics, both act as superheroes of their time, gaining the admiration of all the people looking on.
Beowulf Theme Essay Research Paper BeowulfMythical monsters
Beowulf Theme Essay, Research Paper Beowulf Mythical monsters with great powers that get killed by human men are a typical theme in Anglo-Saxon poetry. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon poem translated by Burton Raffel. Three Anglo-Saxon ideals that are portrayed in Beowulf are strength of warriors, boasting of brave deeds, and the belief in the super natural.
Jewish Essay Research Paper Beowulf EssayThere were
Jewish Essay, Research Paper Beowulf Essay There were many differences between Beowulf the play and 13th Warrior the movie. In the play Beowulf was depicted as a soul warrior who?s strength and ability was
Beowulf Part 1 Essay Research Paper BeowulfPart
Beowulf Part 1 Essay, Research Paper Beowulf Part I The Anglo-Saxons were the members of the Germanic peoples who invaded England. They were people of their own time, language and culture. In the Anglo-Saxon adventure filled tale of Beowulf, the heron Beowulf was, at the time, considered the modern day superman.
Anglo Saxons Essay Research Paper Chivalry was
Anglo Saxons Essay, Research Paper Chivalry was probably most recognizable quality of Beowulf. If anything, Beowulf had great respect for his king. He loved him and honored him with all his heart. If asked to do anyhting by the King. Beowulf would accept with pride, Whn the King died, it was Beowulf that was asked to take over.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper 2
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper “Beowulf” Beowulf had a lot of anger in his battles. He used the rush of energy to conquer his most horrid opponents. I will show a few things in these paragraphs. Beowulf’s anger helped in his battles, hurt him in his battles, and fueled him to fight the battles. His anger is a source of winning and losing.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper Beowulf written in
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Beowulf ,written in Old English sometime before the tenth century AD, describes the adventures of a great Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. Beowulf tells the reader a lot about the time in which it was written. Heroes show what the society as a whole values. By looking at Beowulf we can tell what the tenth century AD Anglo-Saxons valued.
Heroism Of Beowulf Essay Research Paper Heroism
Heroism Of Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Heroism of Beowulf Beowulf was written in the eighth century by an unknown author. The story is centered on Beowulf, the main character, who goes to Denmark to offer his assistance in fighting off, Grendel,
Beowulf Essay Research Paper Strength in VictoriesIn
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Strength in Victories In the epic poem Beowulf, strength is clearly expressed in Beowulf?s victories. ?[Grendal] was instantly seized himself, claws bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one arm? (Beowulf 323-4). His strength alone could fight off a murderous monster with out the help of any weapons.
Blah Essay Research Paper Beowulf and His
Blah Essay, Research Paper Beowulf and His Great Qualities The story of Beowulf describes a man who has many great qualities. He is known as a true hero, having risked his own life to save those in danger. He has superior physical strength and is highly moral. However, at times, he is a bit foolish.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper In comparing the
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper In comparing the heroic qualities of Beowulf, and the heroic qualities of King Arthur, we will cite the main differences between the two. Beowulf battled for glory, honor, and to prove his masculinity. King Arthur, on the other hand, battles to preserve the rights of his people, and to uphold justice.
Beowulf 8 Essay Research Paper One of
Beowulf 8 Essay, Research Paper One of the most popularized books is “Beowulf”. It is a story about an all time hero. In this story Beowulf is named a hero because not only for his deeds, but his quality of how does them. Beowulf is characterized as being brave, smart, and strong.
Character Of Beowulf Essay Research Paper The
Character Of Beowulf Essay, Research Paper The Character of Beowulf Beowulf is a truly unique character in the realm of Anglo-Saxon poetry. Two main traits that make him stand out are his assertiveness and his yearning for fame. Beowulf shows incredible courage and confidence by slaying both Grendel and his mother.
Beowulf 2 Essay Research Paper Good and
Beowulf 2 Essay, Research Paper Good and evil has existed throughout time. Heroes have defended the righteous, as villains were bent on destruction. This story represents these qualities in both main characters. The struggle began when God allowed Satan dominion over the earth. Since then the battle between them has been recorded throughout literary history.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper Beowulf Writing AssignmentThrough
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Beowulf Writing Assignment Through the use of the conflict between good and evil throughout Beowulf, it was shown that two opposites could not peacefully coexist. Beowulf, with fourteen of his finest men, crossed the sea to help Hrothgar. Upon hearing of the Danes? horror, the hero decided to come to their aid.
Beowulf An Epic Essay Research Paper Beowulf
Beowulf: An Epic Essay, Research Paper Beowulf: An Epic Numerous characteristics of this poem validate claims that it is an epic. Obviously indicative of this poem s epic nature are its boasts and battles. Beowulf s boasts begin as soon as he arrives on the Danish shore when he justifies his presence there by giving evidence of his worthiness to fight Grendel.
Beowulf Values Essay Research Paper Some Things
Beowulf Values Essay, Research Paper Some Things Change But Most Remain the Same Masculine values have both changed and remained constant since the writing of Beowulf. The values that Beowulf and
Beowulf And Christianity Essay Research Paper The
Beowulf And Christianity Essay, Research Paper The epic poem Beowulf, one of the sources for a Western paradigm portrays Christ as a warrior. The Anglo-Saxon tradions emphasises Christainity as a herioc code,
Beowulf Essay Research Paper BeowulfThe epic poem
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Beowulf The epic poem Beowulf, one of the sources for a Western paradigm portrays Christ as a warrior. The Anglo-Saxon tradions emphasises Christainity as a herioc code,
Beowulf Is A Hero Essay Research Paper
BEOWULF IS A HERO By definition, a hero is a man of exceptional quality. Exceptional quality does not begin to describe the hero that is Beowulf. Of the tale of the same name, Beowulf could be described better as a saint, or a savior. His self-imposed purpose in life is to help others, and eventually sacrifices his own life in doing so.
Essence Of Wiglaf Essay Research Paper Essence
Essence Of Wiglaf Essay, Research Paper Essence of Wiglaf Actions and words are telling of a person s character. Of the men who had boasted they would repay Beowulf s kindness, only one man remained to help Beowulf when he needed help the most. The men who fled lack the conviction of their words, while the man who stayed displays fidelity to his lord and himself.
Beowulf And Revenge Essay Research Paper Revenge
Beowulf And Revenge Essay, Research Paper Revenge Is revenge an excuse to commit murder? Some people might think it is. In the epic poem Beowulf, the anonymous author believes this. Beowulf was
Beowulf Vs Odysseus Essay Research Paper Literary
Beowulf Vs. Odysseus Essay, Research Paper Literary Heroes: Beowulf and Odysseus Reading through Beowulf I began to compare it to the last great epic I read, Homer s The Odyssey. While The Odyssey and Beowulf are each examples of both historic and modern ideas of heroism, the acts of Beowulf s hero seem to fit better within its context.
Beowulf Character Analysis Essay Research Paper Beowulf
Beowulf: Character Analysis Essay, Research Paper Beowulf: Character Analysis When he arrived at the Danish land, Beowulf was a young man seeking adventure and glory. Beowulf was distinguished among his people, the Geats, for
Beowulf Readers Response Essay Research Paper Beowulf
Beowulf Readers Response Essay, Research Paper Beowulf is considered the oldest of the great poems written in English, it may have been composed more than twelve hundred years ago, maybe even the first half of the eighth century. The epic Beowulf is the establishment of every story or movie based on Action and Adventure.