Many conflicts are presented to the characters which they need to resolve and overcome. Fate brings many of these works together and is one of the main forces behind the plot. Many characters cannot control their fate, as it was determined by their ancestors long before them. Beowulf was obligated to help the Danes with their battle with Grendel, and their was nothing that could have prevented him from doing so. Some are able to escape the clutches of fate for awhile, but eventually they are consumed and destroyed by its will not to be denied. The Hero has the power to win many fights over dangerous enemies, and they seem to many to be unbeatable. They are able to overcome any and all obstacles they are bombarded with, withstanding both physical and mental wounds. Often given the opportunity to give in, the hero never quits. Adding to the bravery of the hero is their desire to fight. Usually they go out and look for fights for the good of their family and kinsmen. These villains are often seen living in deep, dark places difficult to find, and even harder to get through. But, by using the magical gifts and weapons they are able defeat the villains. …show more content…
One can see the struggles faced by Thorin and the dwarves to return to the mountain and retrieve their gold. Similar to the dwarves, Beowulf is engulfed in the paganistic beliefs of fate. The fate of the characters are often laid out in a prophecy, stating the quest and who or what are involved. “Far over the Misty Mountains Cold, To dungeons deep and caverns old, We must away ere break of day, To seek the pale enchanted gold.” (Tolkien 14). Believing every word of these prophecies, the heroes went out and followed them precisely, refraining from the thought that this quest may bring them to a tragic
Fate and how it pre-determined events in peoples' lives was a strong belief of the Anglo Saxon culture. The concept of fate is frequently alluded to in the poem Beowulf. Throughout the poem, fate is referred to as the “will of God.” This reference gives the reader the impression that fate and God’s will are one in the same, thus always overpowering free will. Not only does fate affect Beowulf and his people, fate also affects the monsters in the story.
My son and I haven’t had the best life, his father has not been around for a very long time, and ever since people found out that he is the “seed of Cain,” they treated him horribly and did not see how good of a boy he was. I could tell Grendel was getting tired of the way he was being treated because all the goodness that was once in him was no longer there, he soon started lurking in the shadows, like you might consider a “monster” to do. I always wanted more for him, more friends, and to be well liked. Although Grendel and I never had the best life I always tried to be kind to him and show him what he may have to do to survive our way of living and what it would take for people to stop looking down on him. Nobody can understand what it is like to be us, and I would not want them to feel
eowulf: He is the hero in the poem's story. Beowulf is noted for his incredible strength. He helped out Hrothgar, king of the Danes, in getting rid of Grendel the monster. Beowulf also got rid of Grendel's mother, when she wanted revenge over Grendel's death. Years later, Beowulf becomes king of the Geats after his uncle passes away. Beowulf's last battle involved defeating the dragon that guarded jewels in a tower. He sacrifice his life to save the Geats. eowulf: He is the hero in the poem's story. Beowulf is noted for his incredible strength. He helped out Hrothgar, king of the Danes, in getting rid of Grendel the monster. Beowulf also got rid of Grendel's mother, when she wanted revenge over Grendel's death. Years later, Beowulf becomes
Beowulf; a man whose greatness begun when he saved an entire kingdom from the clutches of the vile monster Grendel. Beowulf was known for countlessly putting his body and his life on the line to save his people. His courage and determination is what kept his legacy alive for all of these years. Not only that, but the respect he had for the people around him made him a remembered warrior as well. That’s what I think makes a hero. Being determined to get a job done, having the courage to step in and complete that job, and having enough respect for your people to still obey their wishes despite your apparent fame. The hero I will be writing about is the fictional Marvel Comics character known as the Black Panther (real name T’Challa). He and Beowulf
Ever since the beginning of humanity, stories from all corners of the world all follow the hero’s journey, a system coined by Joseph Campbell. Elements of the hero’s journey can be found in every single story, from Harry Potter to Paradise Lost. The hero’s journey is in every story, and especially in the epic poem Beowulf. Beowulf has all the trappings of a memorable story. There are beasts, and a shining hero, as well as honor and loyalty. Beowulf also follows the Hero’s journey, if not distinctly. The epic poem Beowulf holds many similarities to Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, three of these similarities including the call to adventure, tests, and the resurrection.
Beowulf sees the need of taking risks when he must help his friend across the sea in bringing peace to his land. Hrothgar’s kingdom, Denmark, is being terrorized by the vicious, bloody thirsty demons, Grendel and his mother. Sailing across the sea, putting his own life at risk for others is an immense risk that can certainly lead to Beowulf’s demise. The Geats, who idolize Beowulf, see this risk but can comprehend that Beowulf must go as it is the only way to save the Danes “Would sail across the sea to
The second main stage in a hero's journey is Initiation. The hero is initiated into a real hero by several trials. Through severe battles, the true hero surfaces. The road of trials is a sequence of assignments, tests and difficulties that the hero must bear to start the shift in his or her character. Every trial may be more challenging than the last but the hero becomes more confident and experienced. Beowulf has to defeat Grendel, Grendel's mother and a dragon. Initially his first test is to slay Grendel, he completes the task. "Clear proof of this could be seen in the hand of the hero displayed high up near the roof: the whole of Grendel's shoulder and arm, his awesome grasp." (831-35) Taking Grendel's limb as a souvenir to show that he
What do Achilles, King Arthur, Harry Potter, and Beowulf all have in common? They all demonstrate the qualities of epic heroes. Beowulf represents several characteristics of an epic hero and demonstrates the values of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the main character of his story, he has a main goal, he travels and fights with a group of people, and he accomplishes many valorous deeds; the values of the Anglo-Saxons are also shown through the actions of Beowulf, such as courage, loyalty, and fame. For example, when Beowulf heard a cry for help in a far off land, he answered. He fought larger than life monsters, and won. His exceptional strength proves his epic courage and heroism.
Beowulf is a story of great courage and triumph over adversity. But over the whole story there is a hanging sense of dread and impending death. This is shown by the sense of impending death, the strong sense of doom, and the nature of luck throughout the story. These play a mojo role in shaping how the story
A hero can be defined in several ways. Someone can be considered a hero by the qualities he or she displays. The epic poem Beowulf, written by an unknown author, describes the most heroic man and role model of the Anglo-Saxon times. This hero Beowulf has all the qualities and traits that a true hero expresses. Beowulf, as depicted in the epic Beowulf, is the prototype of the epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who embodies the virtues and ideals of his culture.
Looking back at early forms of literature we notice the classic idea of heroism in Beowulf. As time passes by the notion of a hero changes. Consciousness in early literature such as, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, does not enter the innermost thoughts. The notion of a hero and the notion of consciousness changes within literature through time. In the novel, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen the hero is portrayed differently compared to earlier texts as well as the characters being aware of one’s environment. The author Jane Austen, carefully shapes her characters’ actions, feelings and affiliations in a specific way. In Sense and Sensibility we have a clearer picture of the consciousness of characters than what we see in Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
As I sit at home waiting for my son to arrive home, I think about how much he has grown up these past ten years. When Grendel was a young boy he would never go out of our lare. Anything and everything would scare him even a small snake slithering on top of the green muckey water. Seeing him overcome his fear of things makes me an extremely proud mother. Being a single mother has been difficult. I have stayed up a million nights making sure he is sleeping and is save. Also, I know my son needs guidance as he starts his journey in the world. It is my job to give him that guidance and help him when he needs some.
Christopher Reeve once said “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endures in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” In other words, a hero is a normal person who is able to be strong and persevere despite difficult obstacles preventing them. In the book, Beowulf, the the nephew of the king of the land of the geats, helps Hrothgar, another king, kill a series of monsters that threaten his kingdom. He helps Hrothgar kill Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and The Firedrake. Beowulf is a hero because he is just an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite the overwhelming obstacles preventing him from doing so. Beowulf embodies Christopher Reeve’s definition of a hero because he defeated the flesh-eating Grendel, who could not be stopped even by groups of elite soldiers. Beowulf also killed Grendel’s mother, a much eviler being who lived in a cave in an endless pool of blood that led to hell. Finally, he defeated The Firedrake, who swelled up and breathed fire when angry.
The theme of Beowulf is heroism. Beowulf himself represents the heroic ideal because of his features, strength, and courage, but also because of his intelligence and honor. Beowulf is proud of his strength and great his honor. When Beowulf goes to Heorot, waiting for Grendel, he refuses to keep a weapon. He believes in himself that he can defeat the monster who has devoured many men without using any weapons. It turns out that Beowulf's intelligent approach was right. Glory is also one of the themes in Beowulf. In the beginning, Beowulf comes to Hrothgar's rescue, not just out of generosity but out of a desire to win glory for himself in battle. Beowulf's quest for glory never ends and drives him, in his old age, to face a foe he cannot
Instances of fate are scattered throughout Beowulf. Something seems to be in control of Beowulf's life, and it drives him to achieve things that no one else has ever been able to achieve. Though he is a mere mortal, he defeats monsters even when it seemed like he was doomed to failure. Further, he rises to the level of King of the Geats even though he is not directly in line by birth to do so. Whether Beowulf is meant to be a Christian piece or a pagan one or not a religious piece at all, Beowulf becomes the