Beowulf Story Began in Modern Time

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Category:Beowulf
Date added
2019/08/26
Pages:  5
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Beowulf story began in modern time. The story Beowulf was design in many different styles.
The story was written in the time of 449 A.D. when the Anglo-Saxons invasion began. During this time multiple colonies were invading England to colonies. This was important because of how much the colonies were similar in warrior culture. While the England was changing from Christian to and paganism culture. The changing of their religion played a major role on some of the events that were held in the story.

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King Beowulf is the only brave person to go out and fight Grendel. The rest of the Danes was very scared to go out and fight the monster. Beowulf didn’t let nothing stop him from killing Grendel. Beowulf was afraid to fight Grendel because he didn’t fear anything. The King sent Beowulf on the mission to go kill Grendel.

Beowulf went out to kill Grendel. Beowulf went out and started to look for Grendel. Grendel and Beowulf started to fight. Beowulf went out and fight Grendel he showed that he wasn’t afraid of nothing. The village of Danes thought that Beowulf was a great leader. So Beowulf became the King of the village. When people have any type of trouble they call Beowulf. Throughout the text there are numerous signs of christianity and paganism. Such as practices of ship burial, ritual offerings, and the special use of swords. In the text the people of Denmark are said, “ to believe that one god could not protect them from the dangers of Grendel,” Grendel’s mother, the dragon, and any other monster that approached them. They believe that they are in need of a warrior or someone else in high power that is brave and fearless to protect them.

In this story, he had to face three challenges. The three challenges were facing the Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. With the challenge with Grendel, the furious beast was destroying everyone in its path. The reason why he was destroying everyone Grendel weakness was all types of sound. If Grendel hears more sound the angrier he gets.In the text it say later that,”night in the Hall of Heorot Grendel killed 30 men in his sight.” After Beowulf kill Grendel the villages of Danes wanted him to be the king. That night everything was ruined. Then the word got out and Beowulf was on his way.

Beowulf is a great example of how Christian beliefs and pagan views could coexist so well in a poem. The poem Beowulf written by an unknown Christian monk around A.D. 700 compares the beliefs of many to the new beliefs that are beginning to form around the world. The poem shows that the people of the time thought about their world and how the things around them happened and they think that the devil controls these things. In Beowulf, both Christian and pagan beliefs, and how they were able to coexist at the time. In the poem, Christianity is shown through the understanding of symbolism to create the ideas of Christianity.

The “Song of Creation” is made famous in Beowulf as the first Christian reference in the text. The text makes Hrothgar and his Herot hall be like as God and Heaven. Hrothgar takes the role of a Godly figure due to his belief in Christianity. Herot hall is a symbol of Heaven through the way it was built. Lines 460-65 tell how it was built: “Hrothgar’s wise men had fashioned Herot/To stand forever; only fire,They had planned, could shatter what such skill had put Together, Swallow in hot flames such splendor Of ivory and iron and wood.” This shows that the devil can have demons in hell like Grendel and that can try and kill you.

The two villainous ladies of the poem are Grendel’s mother and Modthryth. These women were extremely mean. That completely play the role of a typical Anglo-Saxon woman. They gladly use cruelty and violence to work out their problems and do not welcome anyone into their halls. They are seen as assertive since they use weapons and battles instead of language and finesse, like Wealhtheow or Hildeburh. Grendel’s mother and Modthryth take on more of a male role in the Anglo-Saxon society with the way they handle things. Grendel’s mother has a big presence and very independent. She lives by herself and she takes care of her land of her own. Modthryth is a mean and a hateful woman that would kill anybody that would step into her hall. The main difference between the two women is that Grendel’s mother is a monster and Modthryth is a queen. Since she’s a queen, she can communicate with other people and be a part of society. Modthryth story is told in order to contrast her cruelty with Hygd’s gentle and reasonable behavior.

Grendel is even described as a ” mean creature”. while the thanes are regarded as living in “joy and blessed.” Heorot is a symbol of the victory of the thanes and it where they are happy, social, and even play music, which particularly irks Grendel. Grendel’s jealousy and pain resulting from being an outcast explain his violent reaction to the Danes . These are very human emotions and it seems like one of the first Christian values is being instilled here; sympathy for those less fortunate. Later on, when Grendel retreats to his lair to die, his weakness and human side start to show when he is dying.

Grendel is forced to flee because Beowulf mortally rips off his claw. The claw is a direct symbol of Beowulf’s strength since it is from his hand to claw battle with Grendel. “The awful monster had lived to feel pain in his body, a huge wound in his shoulder was exposed, his sinews sprang apart, his bone locks broke. Glory in battle was given to Beowulf.” Beowulf is confident as the great hero who gains victory over a supernatural being, Grendel. This story of the underdog is similar to the story in the Old Testament about David over the giant Goliath. When the claw is hung up in Heorot, Beowulf’s bravery is celebrated and it is obvious that this quality is highly respected among the Danes. However, the claw has a different meaning to Grendel’s mother who sees it as an extreme sign of disrespect to her dead son.

In the story of Beowulf, there is a noticeable struggle between Christianity and Paganism, and the characters personal battle between the two. Throughout the story, the characters display actions that lead toward Paganism and Christianity. In the text it’s says, “Contrary to Pagan belief Beowulf is seen as the epitome of good and beneficent to all of mankind.” In Beowulf, the people showed their faith and love in God, however, due to horrific events, paranoia caused them to look for a quick fix and turns them to Paganism. The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the characters superhuman personifications. Beowulf is depicted as a superhero. Beowulf takes it upon himself to save the Danes from Grendel.

The people of the time were expected to be brave and not cowardly. There were several battles that they were dealing with in the times of this poem. Warriors are suppose to be brave at all times. Warriors are to be truthful. Not being truthful could result in death. The Anglo-Saxon people were expect to have perseverance . The conditions in which they lived; they need to be able tuff. The Anglo-Saxon culture were all about there values. The people of the time lived close to bodies of water because it was easily accessible by boat. Boats were the main mode of transportation. The Anglo-Saxon period was about 600 years.

In conclusion, Beowulf had great qualities of a colossal hero. His heroism is because he never thinks of himself first. He has great physical strength. Beowulf also he stopped Grendel from killing any more of Hrothgar’s men. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother with a sword. Beowulf perform serveral courageous deeds, risk his life for the greater good of everyone. He is glorified by all people. Beowulf would always put others first even if it meant putting himself in danger. Beowulf is hero because he fought and won many battles. His last battle he had the upper hand but he was still killed. The dragon’s posion venom kill him when he was dying.

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Beowulf Story Began In Modern Time. (2019, Aug 26). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/beowulf-story-began-in-modern-time/