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Examples Of Good And Evil In Beowulf

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The epic poem of Beowulf stands out as one of the most famous and well known stories of all time. Beowulf explores many themes that are still reflected in literature today, but the one that stands out most prominently is the battle between good and evil. The character of Beowulf seems to always be in conflict with a force of evil, whether it be some type of spiritual force or the hate from another character. However, this story in particular does not reflect evil being something within the hero. The most famous evil being Beowulf duels with is Grendel. In one of the most famous battles of good vs. evil, Beowulf defeats Grendel in hand to hand combat. Beowulf uses his brute strength to defeat Grendel, “The captain of evil discovered himself in a handgrip harder than anything he had ever …show more content…

evil in Beowulf would be when Beowulf fights Grendel’s mother. This could prove to be one of Beowulf’s most difficult battles due to Grendel’s mothers’ lair being underwater. “Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; his mighty, hand forged, fine-webbed mail would soon meet with the menace underwater” (101). This small excerpt states how the good Beowulf prepares for his battle. In this story however, good doesn’t necessarily mean the main protagonist being the “good” guy. It means he has immense courage and honor and will face whatever task is in front of him and will not back down. This battle in particular shows that no matter his evil opponent, Beowulf will not back down from the fight and if he is to die in battle, he has accepted it. However, this proves to be quite a simple battle compared to Beowulf’s final battle of his legendary life. 50 years past the events of Grendel and his mother, an old and battle hardened Beowulf must battle with a fire-breathing dragon. This dragon has plagued many people and even burned down Beowulf’s place of residence. Beowulf does battle with this dragon, only to be defeated by the

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