Good Vs. Evil In The Epic Of Beowulf

An epic is a long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero. Beowulf, for example, is an Anglo-Saxon epic that was written down around the year 1000 A.D. It takes place in Denmark and Geatland, which is present-day Sweden. Another form of an epic is “Rikki-tikki-tavi,” a short story written by a British writer named Rudyard Kipling. It is about a mongoose who needs to stop three deadly snakes from eating other animals in a garden and a family in a house. Beowulf and “Rikki-tikki-tavi” both contain similar characteristics of an epic: there is a struggle of good versus evil, the fate of the people rests on the hero’s shoulders, and the hero possesses superhuman strength.

Beowulf, just like all Anglo-Saxon epic heros, was willing to put his own life in danger for the greater good. He displayed honor in his every act and gave people a sense of security. Although he may have been afraid of fighting Grendel, he did not

Beowulf performs many brave deeds that no normal human being would dare try. Beowulf is a strong believer in his own personal strength. Beowulf says, “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster”. Beowulf shows his bravery and courage by refusing to use weapons against Grendel. In this epic poem Beowulf performs these many brave deeds because he has so much courage. He also has so much desire to conquer any challenge that comes his way.

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.

Firstly, Beowulf’s character displays a great deal of bravery throughout the poem. He goes to fight the evil Grendel’s mother

Beowulf is an epic Anglo-Saxon poem, which tells a story of a hero who is destined to defeat several monsters in order to save a kingdom from peril. The underlying meaning is good versus evil with good always prevailing in the end. The theme of good versus evil was portrayed through the characters and events. Beowulf is the good guy fighting against evil. Beowulf is not just one person fighting against the evils of the world. In many cases, he is fighting for humanity’s sake.

Beowulf is an ancient story that has been adapted from century to century. The story takes place in a small village in England. The story is the classic good vs. evil from Beowulf the great hero to Grendel the evil monster who lives in the village and terrorizes it inhabitants.

Morality and society can often refer to the words good vs. evil. People who abide to a certain set of rules reflect good, while others who go against them are immoral. All of us have the capability of doing good and bad things, but whether we choose to be overcome by evil or overcome evil with good, can determine our fate. Much like what Beowulf experiences whenever he goes against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the Dragon. In the novel Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, the clash between good and evil shows Beowulf’s thirst for power and fame.

Throughout Beowulf, the concept of good vs. evil is not only expressed, but is capitalized on continuously. Beowulf is the protagonist in the adventure and has a clearly defined counterpart: Grendel; the “evil” entity. They are put against each other numerous times as a representation of how there will be a never ending quarrel between good and evil. This can be compared to a specifically recent event: the Las Vegas terror attack. Though this may only be one event, the threat of terror attacks has been a constant concern; the Las Vegas, only being more severe and recent. This constant tension between the “terrorists” and the people is just as that of Beowulf and Grendel: never ending.

As Stephen King once said, ““The battle between good vs evil is endlessly fascinating because we are participants every day”. Good vs Evil can be seen in almost every form of literacy. Concepts of good and evil can be seen all throughout Beowulf. What exactly defines “good” and “evil”? According to psychologytoday.com, “‘Good’ means a lack of self-centeredness.

The concept of good and evil is a reappearing theme in Beowulf. Every character in the book reveals good and evil at some point in the book. Beowulf portrays the book as battles fought by good against evil. Many people may think Grendel is the evil villain and Beowulf is the hero. However, my opinion is different.

Beowulf is thought to be one of the first major English epics estimated to be written between (insert time period) and is still to this day considered one of the greatest epics of all time. What typically would characterize a proper epic is the use of a main character known as the “Epic Hero” with a supernatural enemy that compliments the character’s traits. An epic also recounts travels, quests and heroic battles; as well highlights the ideas of good vs. evil and moral dilemmas. It is through the portrayal of the great hero Beowulf and his battles with foes to cater to the greater good that this epic is brought to life and immortalized.

“When it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous any day as Grendel. So it won’t be a cutting edge I’ll wield to mow him down, easily as I might” (677-680). Beowulf was a very conceded and confident man, arrogant even yet he still easily fits the description of a heroic man because he is courageous, strong, and avoid showing any emotion.

Throughout many forms of literature a common theme that can be seen across books is that no matter how great and evil may be good will always triumph in the end. A similar case of this can be seen in the Anglo-Saxon Beowulf.

The Old English Epic poem, Beowulf is said to be an epic hero for his courage, bravery, and crave to help others. The poem is an illustration of Good vs Evil. The stories were passed down through tales, therefore, being changed along the way. Beowulf came from a heroic family tree, son of Edgetho, who arrived as bravely as he left to conquer sea monsters, dragons, and any other mythical creature that terrorized the people.