Research Paper On Beowulf

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An epic consists of a long poem that narrates the deeds and adventures of a legendary hero, whom goes on a specific quest to battle forces that threaten his world. One of the most popular legendary heroes written about during the Anglo-Saxon period, Beowulf journeys out to help defeat threats surrounding the Danes, and even his own home. The epic poem, Beowulf, characterizes Beowulf as brave, boastful, and remarkably strong: all characteristics of a legendary hero. As a legendary hero, Beowulf is a man full of courage, prepared to face any challenge given to him. Beowulf’s bravery is evident as he willingly travels to Denmark to defeat Grendel, whom has terrorized Heorot for twelve years. Beowulf asks a favor from Hrothgar, “That I, alone…show more content…
After Unferth suggests that Beowulf lost a swimming competition to Brecca, Beowulf tells him a flood had occurred and he was fighting off sea monsters. Beowulf says, “…the truth/ Is simple: no man swims in the sea/ As I can, no strength is a match for mine” (532-4). Beowulf is boasting that if he wasn’t held up by the flood and sea monsters, he would have easily beaten Brecca in the match, because no man can beat him. Beowulf’s boastfulness is also evident as he prepares the fight with the dragon. Beowulf tells his soldiers, “No man but me/ Could hope to defeat this monster. No one/ Could try” (2533-5), suggesting Beowulf believes that he is the only one that has the ability to defeat the monster. This is proved true as he does defeat the dragon, and almost all of his soldiers but one fled the scene. While preparing to fight with the dragon, Beowulf also says, “I’d use no sword, no weapon, if this beast/ Could be killed without it, crushed to death/ Like Grendel” (2518-0). Beowulf brags that he would easily fight the dragon with bare hands, but it would prove ineffective unlike against Grendel. Beowulf boasts on his accomplishments, because he knows no other man has the skill or strength he has to complete the tasks he…show more content…
After agreeing to sleep the night in Heorot and attempt to kill Grendel, Beowulf says, “Beating at my sword blade would be helpless. I will meet him/ With my hands empty” (682-3), showing how Beowulf has the strength to kill a creature with his bare hands whom is immune to swords and blades. During the battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother, Beowulf finds a large sword hanging on the wall in her den. The poet says, “…so massive that no ordinary man could lift/ Its card and decorated length. He drew it/ From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt” (1560-2), implying that Beowulf is so powerful he could rip a sword meant to be used by giants. Beowulf’s strength is also noticeable during his fight with the dragon. The poet says, “Broke to pieces, as iron always/ Had in Beowulf’s hands. His Arms/ Were too strong, the hardest blade could not help him” (2682-4), showing how Beowulf suddenly becomes stripped of his main weapon, because he accidently breaks his iron sword with his superhuman strength. Beowulf is considered a demi-god, because he is a god in

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