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
Beowulf: A New Telling, written by Robert Nye, is a book for adventurers who want to experience a time of good and evil. Beowulf came from an Anglo Saxon Poet around 700 AD in the Medieval time period. It was formed from an old English heroic epic poem. Beowulf: A New Telling was told in around 600 AD. Beowulf: A New Telling shows, if you know your strengths and your weaknesses, you will be able to conquer anything.
In the epic poem Beowulf, there is an obvious distinction between good and evil. The hero and his foes play roles that are commonly associated with Anglo-Saxon literature. The lines are clearly drawn and expressed in the poem. As the story moves, the reader cannot mistake the roles being played, based on the characterizations in the epic, one recognizes each character for their purpose and place.
The comparison of good and evil is often displayed in our everyday lives. Good and evil has been compared since the beginning of time. This can be seen in social media and religion. However, good vs. evil is most commonly seen in literature. In the text, Beowulf, the juxtaposition of good vs. evil is displayed through the authors use of diction and imagery and how it establishes the tone.
To honor the Beowulf’s heroic life and battles, I’ve been assigned as one of his closest warriors to exclaim his appellation and share the stories of his battles. One of the citizen came up to me and asked, “I heard that Beowulf was an amazing guy, but I never fully knew him. Could you tell me more about him?” I was extremely excited as this man was the first person to ever ask me about Beowulf. “Beowulf was a strong leader and a great friend. Although he might not have been a very humble man, he was nowhere near being a bully. He’s the type of man that would belittle anyone who hurts the weak and innocent. Beowulf was mettlesome and was never intimidated by any menace.” The man’s eyes were already widen. “He sounds like a guy I would wanna be protected by,” the citizen said, “Can you tell me about one of his battles?” I prepared myself as I was about to begin a long lecture of how strong Beowulf was.
When Beowulf and Grendel finally fight in Herot, the battle is similar to that of Jesus and Satan’s exchange of words in the garden of Gethsemane. Satan has tempted many men, but has never come across one so stubborn in his beliefs. Satan is unable to move Jesus and this shows Jesus’ triumph over the ultimate evil. Grendel, when he comes to Herot that fateful night is expecting an easy meal, but instead is thrown in face to face with a man of incredible strength and fighting skill. “That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder…this was a different Herot than the hall he had emptied.”(433-439).
Beowulf’s cruelty is never seen as such (except by Grendel’s mother), and that leads him to become an undefeated hero in the eyes of the people
47). The intense battle between Beowulf and Gredel also symbolizes good versus evil. Gredel was described as “…this grim demon haunting the marches, marauding round the health and the desolate fens;” With the defeat of Grendel, shows that good will always conquer evil.
In the Epic poem of Beowulf, the theme is good vs. evil. But in the movie Hollywood made everything is different. Beowulf is not honest, women are sexually powerful, and the monsters are Hrothgar and Beowulf’s sons, etc. They added many things that were definitely now in the poem. If you read the poem then watching the movie you would be confused. You would be asking so many questions. But the current audience think good vs. evil is boring.
Beowulf is the brave epic hero. The evil characters are Grendel, Grendel's mom, and the Dragon. Grendel is the main villian. There are many examples of darkness in the poem. The setting of Grendel's home is described as hell on earth.
Grendel was the evil. He came to destroy any and everything in his way. Grendel was so trapped in his evil ways that it made him hate people and love darkness, it brought him great joy. In the Epic Beowulf the author intended to portray that Beowulf exemplified how heroes
In the story of Beowulf good and evil is portrayed in two opposites ,but have moments where they have traits in common. A good example of them having different traits is,how Beowulf and Grendel’s mom are portrayed. Beowulf is portrayed as a heroic, strong,
Evil comes from the monsters. They attack the good side by killing innocent men because they are hungry or just want to defy the laws. Good fights back when the evil creations are killed and all is back to normal. Beowulf is truly good because he helps people when they need it the most and hopes that God is with him even though he doesn’t have to do anything to help the people who have an evil creature killing their village’s population every night.
In the epic poem Beowulf the three battles are between internal good and monsters who embody evil shown through three battles. Beowulf is sent to Herot to rid the land of the evil by killing Grendel who is half monster and
There is an obvious theme of good vs, evil within the story of Beowulf. The protagonist, Beowulf, is your traditional embodiment of heroism. The antagonist, Grendel, is obviously the definition
Good and Evil in Beowulf In Beowulf, the conflict between good and evil is the poem's main and most important aspect. The poet makes it clear that good and evil do not exist as only opposites, but that both qualities are present in everyone. Beowulf represents the ability to do good, or to perform acts selflessly and in help of others. Goodness is also showed throughout this epic as having the ability to cleanse evil.