Beowulf Is The Longest Epic Poem - 1316 Words

Beowulf is the longest epic poem written in Old English. The story centers around the exploits of Beowulf, a heroic warrior known for his strength and bravery. The theme of heroism is prevalent throughout the poem through the use of conflict between good and evil forces. Beowulf is often engaged in selfless conquests in the pursuit of saving others, resulting in his emergence as the hero of the story. The text, while focusing on the main theme of heroism, is divided into two main parts, Beowulf as a young warrior and Beowulf as an experienced ruler. Heroism presents itself as both a virtue and a flaw for Beowulf; although it allows him to become a celebrated warrior, it is also what leads to his downfall as a ruler. The poem opens by illustrating the importance of courage, the ultimate form of greatness to the Danes. â€Å"So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes heroic campaigns.’† (lines 1-3) In warrior culture, heroism and bravery are celebrated above all else. All great kings of the past were known for their heroism. Before ever becoming king, young Beowulf is renowned as a great warrior for his immense strength and courage in battle. Beowulf while known for his mastery of combat also fulfills his social obligations. He demonstrates virtues such as proper mannerisms, loyalty, courtesy, and pride all of which are dictated by the Germanic heroic code. He often demonstrates these virtues as theShow MoreRelatedBeowulf Is The Longest Epic Poem1239 Words   |  5 Pages Beowulf is the longest epic poem written in old english ever published. The composition centres around the exploits of Beowulf, a heroic warrior known for his strength and bravery. Themes of heroism are prevalent in the famous piece of literature in relation to its noble protagonist. The poem follows an adventurous plot containing conflict between both good and evil forces. Beowulf is often engaged in selfles s conquests in the pursuit of saving others from evil forces, resulting in his emergenceRead MoreTheme Of Paganism In Beowulf1179 Words   |  5 PagesThe longest epic poem ever written in the genre of Old English is â€Å"Beowulf†, it has been composed in the native language as spoken during the Anglo-Saxon reign in England, preceding the Norman Conquest. Beowulf is regarded as a classic tale which relates the defeat of evil and triumph of good. The poem is divided into three acts. Christian and Pagan Influences in Beowulf: The Pagan deities, rituals as well as pagan ideas influenced Beowulf, when it was being created, though the passing down ofRead More12 Literary Piece1670 Words   |  7 PagesChristianity originating from Palestine and Greece 2. Koran: The Muslim bible originating from Arabia 3. The Iliad and the Odyssey: These have been the source of Myths and Legends of Greece. They were written by Homer. 4. The Mahabharata: The Longest epic of the world. It contains the history of religion in India. 5. Canterburry: it depicts the religion and customs of English in early days. This originated from England and written by Chaucer. 6. Uncle Toms Cabin: written by Harriet BeecherRead MoreGood vs. Evil in Beowulf1456 Words   |  6 PagesGood vs. Evil in Beowulf Beowulf is longest and greatest early Anglo-Saxon poem which was composed in England sometime in the eighth century AD by a literate scop. This poem was created in the oral poetic tradition. This poem is considered as an epic because it is a long narrative poem which composed in an elevated style, dealing with the glories of hero (Tolkien 24). The setting of this epic is the six century in Denmark and southern Sweden. The protagonist, Beowulf is a noble warrior representsRead MoreBeowulf And The Anglo Saxon Period1740 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf The original poem, Beowulf, goes back to the Anglo-Saxon period in c. 650 and c.1100. Authors translated Beowulf many times in the Anglo-Saxon period to present day. It displays how a hero should be in the real world. He helps the people in the village and slays monsters. Everyone in the village looks up to him as he acts as if he were a role model. Beowulf, the protagonist in the translated Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, is a hero of his village, stands for bravery, strong will, and noblenessRead MoreAnglo-Saxon Literature Was Composed Between The Years 6501510 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween the years 650 and 1110. Beowulf is one of the most famous epics written during this time. It’s also known as the oldest surviving Germanic epic and the longest Old English poem. Most stories written during this time were about the deeds of warriors, heroic acts, and religion. Beowulf is a warrior from the Geats who is asked to come protect king Hrothgar from an attack by a sea monster named G rendel. All of these characters are men. There are very few epics from this time that put any focusRead MoreBeowulf Research Paper991 Words   |  4 Pagespaper over Beowulf, the story of a warrior from ancient times when monsters, goblins, and demons still plagued the Earth that we live on still today. Beowulf was a tall tale told for many, years to children before they fell asleep at night. Its a story that has been around from 720-796 a.d. And hasnt gotten old yet, because it inspires people and tells people what real hero’ s are capable of and what theyre made of and the limits they can surpass all on their own will and strength. Beowulf isnt justRead MoreThe Epic : An Analysis Of The Epic Of Beowulf701 Words   |  3 PagesBeowulf is one of the longest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. The epic takes place in the sixth century in what is now Denmark and Sweden. The poem opens with Hrothgar, whose successful rule is signified by a glorious mead-hall called Heorot. For 12 years, a massive man-like ogre named Grendel, a descendant of Cain, has raided Heorot and killed the kings warriors. Beowulf, a young warrior from Geatland (Sweden), comes to Hrothgar’s aid, bringing 14 of his best men with him. At a feast before the endRead MoreGrendel and Fictional Hero Beowulf796 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf: The Author’s Insight to Characters in the Story Beowulf, the longest surviving poem in Old English and one of the earliest European epics written in the vernacular, tells of the journeys of the fictional hero Beowulf. The first part of the story tells of Beowulfs adventures in Denmark, where he battled the monstrous creature Grendel and his mother (also a creature) on behalf of King Hrothgar, the King of Danes. The second part of the story narrates his later life, including his fightRead More Is Beowulf an Heroic Elegy or an Epic Narrative? Essay4711 Words   |  19 PagesIs Beowulf   an Heroic Elegy or an Epic Narrative?      Ã‚  Ã‚   There is considerable debate as to whether the poem Beowulf is an epic narrative poem or an heroic elegy. Which is it. This essay intends to present both sides of the story.    Some great literary scholars think that the poem is an heroic elegy, celebrating the fantastic achievements of its great hero, and also expressing sorrow or lamentation for the hero’s unfortunate death. In â€Å"Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics† Tolkien states: