The Swagger Machine

What would it be like to be a hero that everyone looked up to? Beowulf knows exactly how it feels. Beowulf is the star protagonist in the epic poem “Beowulf”. “Beowulf” author is unsure of, but he is known to be of the Anglo-Saxon era and was written between the 8th and 11th century. Beowulf is the epitome of an epic hero. He believes his destiny is decided by fate and is the bravest and strongest person in all of the land. Throughout the story Beowulf proves these traits by fighting a series of evil creatures that lurk in the darkness.

Grendel; a man-eating demon that preys upon King Hrothgar’s men is the first creature that Beowulf encounters. “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster. God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip.”. Beowulf believes it is only fair that he will fight barehanded against Grendel and thinks that if a man has to hide behind a sword and shield, then that man is a coward. Fate is the key role that Beowulf believes will decide whether or not he kills Grendel.

Grendel’s Mother; a vicious, swamp dwelling, terrorizing monster seeked vengeance on Heorot for her son. “If weapons were useless he’d use his hand, the strength in his fingers. So fame comes to the men who mean to win it and care about nothing else”. Beowulf believed fame can be achieved through will power. Yet again he battles with only his fists. He fights to further his name, to become a legend and be remembered.

The Dragon; a man slaughtering serpent that guards a horde of treasure. “And for the first time in his life that famous prince fought with fate against him, with glory denied him. He knew it, but he raised his sword”. For the first time in his life, fate was not on Beowulf’s side, he was playing against it. The dragon was bound to win and even though Beowulf knew this, he still decided to...