Beowulf

Beowulf
Introduction
Beowulf, a heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old
English literature, and the earliest European vernacular epic. The
work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the
date of its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that it
was written in the 8th century. Although originally untitled, the
poem was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf,
whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme. There
is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but some characters, sites,
and events in the poem can be historically verified. The poem did
not appear in print until 1815.
Summary
Beowulf best exemplifies the qualities of an ideal hero. The
poem examines his bravery through three distinct and
challenging conflicts—with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the
dragon—in two different periods—his youth and age. Although all
three encounters can be seen as manifestations of the heroic
code, Beowulf's juvenile heroism as an unrestrained warrior and
his mature heroism as a trustworthy monarch may be more
distinct from one another. The moral reflection in the story
focuses on contrasting these two types of virtue and
demonstrating how Beowulf moves from one to the other during
these two eras of his life, separated by fifty years.
Beowulf is a legendary warrior in his youth, known for his
bravery and strength-testing exploits, such as his mythical
swimming fight with Breca. Additionally, he exemplifies the
virtues of loyalty, civility, and pride prescribed by the Germanic
heroic ethic. He firmly establishes himself as a hero after his
victory with Grendel and Grendel's mother supports his
reputation for bravery. Beowulf doesn't develop in the poem's first
section since he has so many heroic traits from the beginning.
But now that he has rid Denmark of its evils and made a name
for himself as a hero, he is prepared to go on to a new stage of his
life.
The second section of the narrative, which is set in
Geatland, skips over the middle of Beowulf's life and focuses on
the conclusion. As a sign of devotion and respect for the crown
following Hygelac's passing, Beowulf aids Hygelac's son, the
legitimate successor, therefore demonstrating his suitability for
the position of king. At the end of the poem, Beowulf's moral
standing is left unclear, leading some to speculate that he gave
his life so that his people wouldn't have a monarch. As the
struggle with the dragon has a sense of inevitability and Beowulf
has very little control or free will, the poem highlights the
significance of fate in this last section. Furthermore, it is difficult
to hold him accountable for acting by the norms of his warrior
culture.
Questions
1. Grendel is presented as a lonely and jealous character who
is envious, resentful, and angry toward mankind. The poet
hints that behind Grendel’s aggression against the Danes
lies loneliness and jealousy. By lineage, Grendel is a
member of “Cain’s clan, whom the creator had outlawed /
and condemned as outcasts.” (106–107). He is thus
descended from a figure who epitomizes resentment and
malice. By comparison, Beowulf is presented as a hero who
embodies the values of his culture. He is brave, loyal,
generous, and honorable. He fights for his people and glory.
He also has a sense of humor and enjoys boasting about his
accomplishments.
2. Because of its complicated origin, Beowulf has elements of
both pagan Germanic culture and Christianity. The poem of
Beowulf is unique in being composed in a period of history
roughly placed between paganism and Christianity. The
poet introduces Christian doctrine very early in the poem
when Hrothgar and his noble Danes are desperate to rid
themselves of the monster Grendel. Near the end of the
poem the poet reveals that, because of an ancient spell,
Beowulf would have been condemned to hell if he had not
named God as the source of the treasure. The poem reflects
both Christian and pre-Christian values and beliefs.
3. The pagan heroic world is depicted in Beowulf through the
portrayal of Beowulf as a hero who embodies the values of
his culture. He is brave, loyal, generous, and honorable. He
fights for his people and glory.
4. Alliterations: ‘The monster was minded of mankind now’
The kennings:
“The Almighty’s enemy” (referring to Grendel) .
“The shepherd of evil” (referring to Grendel) .
“The protector of warriors” (referring to Beowulf) .
“The prince of goodness” (referring to Beowulf) .
5. Beowulf says he would rather not fight Grendel with

weapons because Grendel does not use weapons. Beowulf
believes that fighting Grendel with weapons would be unfair
and that he should fight Grendel on equal terms. Beowulf's
decision to fight Grendel unarmed is not cowardice but
rather a display of his strength and courage.
6. Beowulf chooses to fight the dragon alone because he wants
to prove his worth as a hero. He believes that fighting the
dragon alone is a way to show his strength and courage.
Single combat was an important part of Germanic culture
and was seen as a way for warriors to prove their worth and
gain glory.
7. Dragons are fascinating creatures that have been part of
human mythology for centuries. They are often depicted as
powerful, intelligent, and dangerous creatures that can
breathe fire or ice and have sharp claws and teeth. Dragons
are often associated with magic and mystery and are often
portrayed as guardians of treasure. They are also often used
as symbols of strength, power, and wisdom. The appeal of
dragons in popular culture may be due to their combination
of strength, intelligence, and mystery.
8. Wiglaf's words suggest the close relationship between the
king and retainers because he is loyal to Beowulf and willing
to risk his life to help him. Wiglaf's words reflect the warrior
code that is established in the Germanic world because he
is willing to fight for his king and his people. Wiglaf might be
a good successor to Beowulf's throne because he is brave,
loyal, and willing to fight for his people. There are parallels
between the young Beowulf and the young Wiglaf because
both are brave warriors who are willing to fight for their
people.
9. Beowulf considers his life and deeds as a way to gain glory
and fame. He believes that his deeds will be remembered
long after he is gone. Beowulf was a good king because he
was brave, loyal, and willing to fight for his people. The
attributes of a good king in Beowulf include bravery, loyalty,
wisdom, and generosity. A good king is someone who is
willing to fight for his people and who is willing to make
sacrifices for the greater good.
10. Beowulf's regrets are not explicitly stated in the text.
However, he may regret not having a son to succeed him as
king. He also regrets that he will not be able to see his
people again after he dies.
11. Before dying, Beowulf gives his golden necklace to
Wiglaf as a sign of his gratitude and as a way to reward him
for his loyalty. This gesture has political importance
because it establishes Wiglaf as Beowulf's successor and as
a way to ensure that his people will be protected after he
dies.
Conclusions
Beowulf is a heroic figure who embodies the values of the
Germanic warrior culture. He is brave, loyal, and willing to fight
for his people. Beowulf's deeds are motivated by his desire for
glory and fame, but he is also motivated by a sense of duty to his
people. Beowulf's regrets reflect his concern for his people and
his desire to ensure that they will be protected after he dies.
Beowulf's gesture before dying establishes Wiglaf as his
successor and ensures that his people will be protected after he
dies.

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5. Beowulf says he would rather not fight Grendel with

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