Epic of Beowulf :: Poem Poet Beowulf Essays

Beowulf, the hero of the epic poem, is not an unexceptional man he is the epitome of a true hero. With the strength of thirty men in one arm, the courage to fight monsters, and the knowledge to prise and consider others feelings, Beowulf defines the word hero. As a thane of the Geats king Hygelac, and later as king of the Geats, Beowulf uses his courage and wisdom to help him win many battles and competitions against public and monsters. Beowulfs list of victories consists of his swimming contest with Breca, the slaying of sea monsters, the dismembering of the monster Grendel, decapitating Grendel (or Grendels mother), and sidesplitting the potassium bitartrate. However, his greatest achievement is not killing monsters, but not allow hubris destroy him. As a good warrior and king, Beowulf always keeps his pledges/promises and obeys the laws of comitatus. Wiglaf Wiglaf, a thane of Beowulfs tribe, is some other true hero in the poem. Despite the fact that he has neer fought in a battle before, Wiglaf does not hide with the cowards while his lord, Beowulf, is attacked by the potassium hydrogen tartrate. Remembering all the treasures and the trust Beowulf has given his men, Wiglaf bravely helps his lord who is in need Beloved Beowulf, do all well, for, long since in your youth, you say that you would not let your glory while you lived. Now, great-spirited noble, brave of deeds, you must nurse your life with all your might. I shall help you. (Norton, 61) By helping Beowulf, Wiglaf as well as obeys the laws of comitatus and is greatly rewarded by Beowulf for his loyalty and love.Dragons They are often portrayed as wicked and dangerous monsters, who eat people and burn homes. This view of the dragon is a direct result of the influence of Christianity and the Bible. In the Bible, the dragon is another(prenominal) name for the Devil, Satan himself, the archenemy of God and Jesus. Therefore, in a Western, Christian-based society, the dragon is viewed as an ally of the Devil and an enemy of God. Besides being seen as evil monsters, dragons were also believed to have treasures, such as gold or ancient artifacts in their lair. It is for one such treasure that the battle between Beowulf and the dragon starts. The BattleBeowulf, King of the Geats, who is now over seventy years old, fights his stomach battle.