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Beowulf Analysis

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Curse of Hubris
The epic poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, revolves around the Anglo-Saxon accolade of battle and glory. Beowulf being the main protagonist of the poem experiences the glory of battle as well as the fame from his multiple conquests during his youth, because of his many subjections Beowulf ascends the throne of the Geats aging with the kingdom. But his overly confident attitude of his abilities causes him to challenge the dragon despite his inevitable death. Yet he is not the only character that experiences this. Grendel after coming to the point of domination over Heorot he feels as if he is invincible only to be faced with Beowulf his superior in strength and wit. Grendel as well as Beowulf both exert bravery and arrogance when pursuing battle challenging those that pose a threat, embodying the Anglo-Saxon idea that confidence in one’s abilities can lead to wealth and fame but also one’s downfall.
Grendel’s ruling over Heorot for years only fueled his hubris attitude towards his capabilities, believing he was the very best having never met an equal rival, yet in the event of his battle with beowulf Grendel faces his demise. Attempting to continue his onslaught upon the Danes. Prompting the battle between Grendel and Beowulf, in which beowulf soon gains the upper hand, “The captain of evil discovered himself/ in a handgrip harder than anything/ he had ever encountered in any man/ on the face of the earth. Every bone in his body quailed and

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