Beowulf

Definition of an Epic Poem: A narrative poem employing elevated language and telling of the deeds of a legendary or historical hero. Epics often involve complex sequences of adventures as well as an underlying philosophical understanding of human actions, choices, fate, and the course of events.

The “Bear” Beowulf

As in every epic poem, a hero is needed in order to smite the evil that reckons havoc upon the prose. Beowulf, a perfect model of ancient Anglo-Saxon ideals, endures strenuous journeys, lengthy battles, great courage, and unmatched loyalty. This larger than life hero boasts about his great accomplishments in Geatland, asking a “single request! [for he] has come so far” (184). “May [I] purge all evil from this hall” (188), exemplifies the astonishing bravery and courage admired by all the Anglo-Saxon people. Furthermore strengthening his claim of achieving “hero” status his understanding of fatalism, the God of Wyrd. “Even if death does take me… Fate will unwind as it must!” (208,211), constitutes Beowulf’s valor and lust for his name to be sung throughout the centuries.

The “Shadow of Death” (96) Grendel

“… Seeking no peace, offering no truce, accepting no settlement” (91, 92), reveals the cruelty and viciousness of the demon “spawned in slime” (41). Grendel, the perfect antagonist for this epic, provides evidence of the most important concept in any great epic, good vs. evil. This “bloodthirsty, horrible” (103), fiend who lives in his, “miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh” (473), provides corroboration with the characterization of the evil monster, “mankind’s enemy” (101). Grendel’s emotionally-driven, cowardliness persona furthermore exemplifies attributes attributed to an “evil,” epic villain.

A Battle of Epic Proportions

The mead-hall Herot, “a hall in which he’d [Hrothgar] would divide the spoils” (8), depicts the Anglo-Saxon warrior society in which the relationship between the king, and his thanes was of paramount importance....